Spec Ops sheath and MOLLE, little help

Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
2,538
I bought a Spec Ops combat master sheath for my Boss Jack, but I'm a bit stumped. It says its MOLLE compatible, but the webbing on the back runs in the opposite direction of typical MOLLE webs. Most packs, including mine, have rows of MOLLE webbing running horizontally, creating a ladder of loops. The back of the sheath has one MOLLE strip running vertically creating loops that would be entered from the side... the opposite of any pack I've ever seen. I can see how the split belt loop would attach to MOLLE webbing, but that leaves the rest of the sheath dangling. What am I missing?
 
I think the split belt loop with velcro and snaps is the Molle function. The strip in the back are tie down loops according to the mfg website.
 
I think the split belt loop with velcro and snaps is the Molle function. The strip in the back are tie down loops according to the mfg website.

Well that's kind of weak. That seems like a missed opportunity to better secure the knife. It shows the 550 cord looped through the MOLLE straps, but that would require the user to unwrap 10' of cord to loop it through every time. I'm really disappointed. Those "tie down" loops on the back are fairly useless then. With what, or how do you tie a knife down from the rear of the sheath? Without sounding over dramatic, its a really stupid design. Its called a Spec Ops sheath, but doesn't really mate up with any current load carrying system. They should have turned those rear loops the other way and you'd have a bomb proof (not to mention quick) way to secure it to any MOLLE web system.
 
Well that's kind of weak. That seems like a missed opportunity to better secure the knife. It shows the 550 cord looped through the MOLLE straps, but that would require the user to unwrap 10' of cord to loop it through every time. I'm really disappointed. Those "tie down" loops on the back are fairly useless then. With what, or how do you tie a knife down from the rear of the sheath? Without sounding over dramatic, its a really stupid design. Its called a Spec Ops sheath, but doesn't really mate up with any current load carrying system. They should have turned those rear loops the other way and you'd have a bomb proof (not to mention quick) way to secure it to any MOLLE web system.
No question the SpecOps webbing is not the best design, Gerber's original LMFII sheath is among the best that I have seen, ESEE's is good as well, utilizing a vertical snap-down strip to weave between rows of horizontal strips. That said, I shortened the line of cordage supplied with my SpecOps to only what I'd need for weaving into MOLLE loops or tying onto my leg, just a few feet, and it is very quick to attach where desired.

Also, carrying your knife on your pack instead of your person is foolish. Just saying....
 
No question the SpecOps webbing is not the best design, Gerber's original LMFII sheath is among the best that I have seen, ESEE's is good as well, utilizing a vertical snap-down strip to weave between rows of horizontal strips. That said, I shortened the line of cordage supplied with my SpecOps to only what I'd need for weaving into MOLLE loops or tying onto my leg, just a few feet, and it is very quick to attach where desired.

Also, carrying your knife on your pack instead of your person is foolish. Just saying....

I'll try that with the cord on mine. I want the knife secured to the pack so I can grab it and go. I often have one if not several knives on my person anyway. Not to mention if I decide to get some kind of MOLLE vest or something that the knife will go on
 
I have a BCB crusader cooking set that employs the same set up on its case and it has fallen off my backpack a few times now, not to mention the number of times I have stopped to refasten in into the pack. This design is a real pain in the arse. The cook set is alot heavier than the knife so I am not sure how it will work in regards to weight.
 
I'll try that with the cord on mine. I want the knife secured to the pack so I can grab it and go. I often have one if not several knives on my person anyway. Not to mention if I decide to get some kind of MOLLE vest or something that the knife will go on
Ah, bug-out style, I see :thumbup:

Regarding the MOLLE vest, my experience is to keep your chest clear of obstructions so that you can strap on/off packs, seatbelts, etc. more easily, and so your chest cannot snag on anything (if it does, your face immediately follows), objects on your chest draw the immediate attention of all passers-by (which you may not want), they are less accessible (harder to deploy and restore than if the object were nearer your waste/pockets at arms length), and objects on your torso also oscillate rather violently if you're moving quickly (e.g. running).

My advice, skip the chest rig unless you're packing armor, use a drop-leg platform instead and secure it tight. I usually carry my knives strapped to my thigh and it is by far the most comfortable and convenient carry-method in all situations :thumbup:

Good luck with your set-up.
 
If I wanted to do what you are describing, I would use the split belt loop at the top. Then I would use paracord or shock cord with cord-locks to secure the rest of the sheath to the pack.

Loop whatever cord you choose through the MOLLE. Put the ends through cord-lock. Slide sheath through the loop created. Tighten the cord-lock. Then use a knot if you want it to be more permanent. Use as many loops as you feel necessary for the length of your sheath.
 
If I wanted to do what you are describing, I would use the split belt loop at the top. Then I would use paracord or shock cord with cord-locks to secure the rest of the sheath to the pack.

Loop whatever cord you choose through the MOLLE. Put the ends through cord-lock. Slide sheath through the loop created. Tighten the cord-lock. Then use a knot if you want it to be more permanent. Use as many loops as you feel ncessary for the length of your sheath.
That's a good idea. You mean loops of cord independent of the cord on the sheath? I wasn't too keen on using the leg tie down in order to fasten the sheath because it would make it a pain to do and undo every time. The whole draw of MOLLE straps for me was the ease in which they can be taken off. I guess basically I can come up with a few ways to fasten it. It was just disappointing to find it didnt simply work with a MOLLE setup.
 
What if you ran about a 10" strip of Velcro horizontal through the molle on the pack toward the bottom and wrapped it around the outside of the sheath.
Use the sheath loops on the top. Then you could release the belt loops and peel the Velcro and you have your sheath in your hand and the Velcro could stay on the pack.
 
Back
Top