shoulder rig carry?

[The Magician]

I just sent my MT LCC off to get fitted for a shoulder rig. I have heard of them being made for the Emerson commander and the Spyderco Gunting. I also saw one for the Benchmade 42 balisong. I was wondering if anyone here has used one and how did you like it?

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Brian
What is this existential quandry all about anyway?

 

[Emanym Ton]

Long time ago I had one that I think was made by Gerber which allowed the blade to lay over one shoulder. It was an okay design and truly very handy but concealing was tough as it was not secured in the front. If you're looking for general wear it would probably be no big deal but for concealment I would be sure the measurements are correct so the shoulder straps don't ride up onto your neck and show through a shirt and also make sure it is secured in the front to control any unwanted motion. Are you getting an inverted strong-side draw setup or going for something in a cross-draw fashion? If I can ask, who is doing it for you? I have a couple customs that I'm going to need a rig for in the future.

Shawn

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"The difference between being a Coward
and a Hero is not whether you're scared,
it's what you do while you're scared."
Unknown

 

[The Magician]

Shawn,
Thanks for the reply. The rig will carry my LCC closed tip done for a right hand draw. It will be on my left side. I am looking at it as an alternative to a neck sheath. I am afraid it would be too heavy for a regular neck sheath. The harness is from Kevin at http://www.theedgeequipment.com find the link under accessories/shoulder rig. The actual kydex sheath is being made by Allen Blade. I should have the whole set up for made for under $60.00. That includes shipping and everything. The rig from the edge is great because it will fit almost any of the kydex sheaths. It is shown below with a BM42. I will post a review in the reviews forum after I get it and try it out.

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Brian
What is this existential quandry all about anyway?



[This message has been edited by bteel (edited 01-11-2001).]

 

[Emanym Ton]

Oooh.... (Drooling

) That set up looks SWEET! Thanks for the link and the pic. Looks like they do fantastic work. I bet you'll like the shoulder rig for the weight factor. Can't wait for your review Brian. Thanks for the post and the link/pic. Hope you're really happy and get the most out of your rig.

Shawn

 

[Andre]

About 2 years ago I had a shoulder harness made for my Gerber Mk 1. Went to a buddy with a holster making business. He listened to what I wanted and within a few minutes he used a suede sholder harness with an elastic strap at the back. He attached the suede strap to the clip at the bottom of the Gerbers sheath (came like that) so that the sheath hung upside down. I carried it under my left arm like a vertical shoulder holster. Worked well

 

[Lance Gothic]

Brothers & Sisters of Steel,
Regarding shoulder rigs:
There's a rig shown in the movie "Exposure" with Peter Coyote. Nice work.
In www.knifeforums.com there was some discussion regarding the "nightmare"
of making a rig for a customer not present to be "fitted". Understandable. I don't buy much from the 'rack' either.
Try this site: www.stellarrigs.com. I wrote the Owner/maker, Mr. Edward Kaye, and he was open to the suggestion of doing a custom rig if that's your desire.
I prefer a blend of the JackAss rig with an inverted knife sheath on the opposing side. (Strong-arm side.) Depending on your build or your clothing style you may have several rigs. (No comment.)
As Andre noted, he called upon a friend with substantial leather saavy. If a rig's your "thing", Amen.
Regards,
Lance Gothic
Shibumi

[This message has been edited by Lance Gothic (edited 01-12-2001).]

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys..

Not quite sure why it is a nightmare to fit someone for a shoulder rig..

If the rig is engineered properly it should fit a wide range of people...

Ya gotta make it properly adjustable, as each knife rides differently..

You should also be able to switch knives in a matter of minutes. Got the craving for something different,,change blades..

One rig should do it all...

ttyle

Eric...

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On/Scene Tactical
Leading The Way In Quality Synthetic Sheathing

 

[Lance Gothic]

Brethren,
Here's the quote. See for yourselves!http://www.knifeforums.com/ubb/Forum19/HTML/000011.html
Regards,
Lance Gothic
Shibumi

 

[Full Tang Clan]

Does a shoulder holster make sense for a folder (Emerson Commander excepted)?

I mean, one of the main reasons for having shoulder holster is concealment for self-defense. But it seems rather tedious to reach in, unstrap the folder, unsheath the folder, and open it.

A small fixed blade -- like a small skeleton knife -- would make more sense for shoulder carry purposes. Especially for quick draw purposes. A BM Nimravus I could understand, but a folder seems a bit redundant.

In addition, the pocket clip of modern day folders are designed so that you can carry the knife -- without a sheath -- for easier access. Easier = quicker. Yes, I know some of you don't like the feeling of the clip in your hand.

At the end, to each his/her own. However, why not save a few bucks by buying an inexpensive cordura or leather sheath, going to the hardware store and buying a roll of velcro tape, and then velcro a sheath into the inside of your jacket(s)?

By using velcro, you could interchange knives and jackets!

 

[The Magician]

Full tang clan,
Thanks for your input. I can see that not everyone thinks a shoulder rig for a folder is a good idea. My first quality knife was a BM AFCK. I ordered a neck sheath from Mike Sastre. I liked the neck mode of carry for a folder. But was worried the LCC would be too heavy for standard neck carry. The LCC sheath will be made of kydex. A quick tug and a flick and it is open.

But it seems rather tedious to reach in, unstrap the folder, unsheath the folder, and open it.[end quote] That is not the case with kydex.

A small fixed blade -- like a small skeleton knife -- would make more sense for shoulder carry purposes.[end quote] Very illegal to carry concealed here.

In addition, the pocket clip of modern day folders are designed so that you can carry the knife -- without a sheath -- for easier access. Easier = quicker. Yes, I know some of you don't like the feeling of the clip in your hand.[end quote] Sometimes I don't want even a clip to show. Sometimes I want something more secure.

By using velcro, you could interchange knives and jackets! [end quote] By using the system I am purchasing I can use any jacket or a button up shirt or vest. The harness attaches to the sheath with chicago screws and will attach to anything with two holes in it. That would be basically any neck sheath. The sheath can be removed or changed without taking off the harness also. No need to modify any jackets.


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Brian
What is this existential quandry all about anyway?

[This message has been edited by bteel (edited 01-13-2001).]

 

[Full Tang Clan]

bsteel,

I guess it is to each his/her own. By the number of responses at this thread, it is evident that many people like shoulder rigs.

Problem is, you always have to keep your jacket on if you don't want to attract attention!

To argue the other side of the coin -- against the "pocket clip nouveau" -- there have probably been more knives lost due to pocket clips than a good sheath. I've come awfully close to losing some myself including embarassing moments of knives dangling out of my pocket, or knives dropping to the ground.

Personally, I like a good belt sheath (with a 3/4 length jacket). I think it would be great, however, if someone would manufacture a sheath disguised as a small cell phone, or pager, so as not to attract attention!

 

[The Magician]

FTC,
I got the rig today. I should have the sheath back by Wednesday. We'll see how it goes. Not being able to take off the jacket is a bad point. I won't be able to use it for everyday carry. The pager cell phone idea is neat. I have seen gun holsters that are concealed that way. Maybe you can invent something?

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Brian
"one life, one knife"

[This message has been edited by bteel (edited 01-13-2001).]

 

[Darth Detori]

Full Tang Clan: great username!

and how about a rig that would be worn under a short-sleeve shirt- the sheaths would start on your upper bicep (under the arm). This would allow you to still keep it fairly concealed under a longer short sleeved shirt and fully concealed under a long-sleeved shirt. with a long sleeve shirt it would cut down draw time which is bad, but on a short sleeve you could probably pull off a good cross-draw. You could also take off your jacket without it being noticed.

think that would work?