Swamp Rat RMD sheath for a runner

A

adc5

Joined
Jun 4, 2013
Messages
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Ok, so I've got one for you guys. I bought an RMD about a year ago (good decision) and loved the thing. One problem: the sheath. I'm something of an outdoorsman, but my brand of enjoying the wilderness is to move at high speed through the hills and forests of Michigan. I often take a knife along with me (make that always) as it tends to get used (I like a small fire when it gets dark and I stop running).

I have an ESEE izula in addition to the RMD which I can just slip into my front pocket (sheath attached to a cord looped round my belt), and that tends to get carried a LOT more simply because I can't run effectively with the drop-leg sheath I have for the RMD. The izula is great, but there are times I'd rather have the larger blade. Therefore I've been considering some sort of custom kydex sheath to solve the problem.

But that still leaves the question: how to carry the knife? Small of my back? Hip at a 45 angle? On a sling under the arm? What do you guys think? Anyone else had the problem/have any experience in the subject?
 
Horizontal parallel to the ground or at an angle? I don't think I've ever thought of the first.

And hey, any suggestion may give me an idea, so thanks for the reply.
 
Running with a knife the size of the Ratmandu is tricky is its a little heavy and tends to bounce around if not really secure. I'd say a SOB (small of back) sheath that has a low profile loop (not tek lok) to keep it close to your body would be preferable. Fully horizontal as that is best for the up and down impact it will be experiencing. In leather its called Scout Style Carry.

The only other way I'd consider this knife for that kind of carry is high ride, cross draw, weak side carry at approx 45 degrees. This would tend to get in the way a little more than the SOB carry, if you needed to jump, but its nice and tight to the body if done right.

Key is tight and firm carry method, if its loose and floppy it will quickly become an irritant.

Oh, that last sentence can be defined in so many ways its scary eh? :p
 
Thanks; excellent input, that's what I was looking for. I agree with the tight and firm approach :p Particularly for knives carried SOB, as my experience there has been heavy handles twisting the knife down from horizontal (not comfortable, but I've never tried it with a good sheath).

Would you suggest leather, then, over kydex? I had been looking at some of the stuff made by azwelke and considering something along that line.
 
Honestly, its up to your preferences, kydex carries just as well as leather. Azwelke will be able to make your sheath wear like you want it to, no problem.
 
I would go with Horizontal cross draw attached to your belt with a tec-loc or G-clip.
Feel free to e-mail me if you would like.
I have made quite a few RMD sheaths :)
 
Thanks for the input. I'm waiting for a reply back from Aswelke at the moment to see what he says; I'll keep you updated.
 
leatherman said:
Running with a knife the size of the Ratmandu is tricky is its a little heavy and tends to bounce around if not really secure. I'd say a SOB (small of back) sheath that has a low profile loop (not tek lok) to keep it close to your body would be preferable. Fully horizontal as that is best for the up and down impact it will be experiencing. In leather its called Scout Style Carry.

The only other way I'd consider this knife for that kind of carry is high ride, cross draw, weak side carry at approx 45 degrees. This would tend to get in the way a little more than the SOB carry, if you needed to jump, but its nice and tight to the body if done right.

Key is tight and firm carry method, if its loose and floppy it will quickly become an irritant.

Oh, that last sentence can be defined in so many ways its scary eh? :p
Click to expand...



I agree with all the above.
 
Well, I heard back from azwelke (and listened to all of you guys) and I've decided to go with the scout style carry, with the option for a weak-side crossdraw (Azwelke makes modular sheath parts :D). Will be ordering one as soon as my next paycheck comes in.
 
The RMD is long enough to allow for a Kydex sheath with 2 Tek-Lok set up horizontally on the small of the back. Having 2 anchor points seems to me to be the best way to minimize bouncing around from running. My momma warned me to never run with scissors but she didn't say anything about running with a Ratmandu so you should be good to go. :)
 
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