The dangers (to the knife) of pocket carry

NotSoSharpBob

NotSoSharpBob

Joined
Mar 26, 2009
Messages
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I have just started carrying a small fixed blade in my RF pants pocket as I like the heft of the blade and simplicity of the design. Sheeple at work prevents me from belt carry or anything tactical looking beyond the outward appearance of a knife clip that I can pass off as a writing pen.

My question is I carry other things in that pocket and just scored a benchmade activator with beautiful wood handles and it may sound anal but I'm afraid to put it in my pocket with the rest of my EDC in fear of scratching or gouging the wood.

I'm sure some will tell me to get over it or maybe someone feels the same way. I'm not one to buy shelf/safe queens as I like to carry them but I guess up to now everything was clipped to my pocket and my other junk falls to the bottom of my pocket out of the way.

Thanks
 
It can't be avoided. Even stabilized wood will get dinged and scratched. I try not to have coins and keys in the same pocket as my knives but scratches still appear out of nowhere.
 
Welcome to bladeforums!

Sure you definately run the risk of scratching up your knife if you also carry keys and other hard/rough objects in the same pocket. One option is to try to keep those potentially damaging things in other places, and only put softer objects, like your phone, in the same pocket as your knife.

I found out the hard way to be careful with folding knifes that have open sides that leave the edge of the blade visible. Because things like keys can get in there and damage or seriously dull the exposed edge.
 
try putting the knife in your back pocket. I keep mine in my rear right pocket and never get scratches, only my wallet is in there
 
Find a way to dedicate the RF or LF pocket to be a dedicated knife pocket.

For me it's the RF pocket - nothing in there but my folder or small fixed blade.

My Vic Climber rides next to my wallet in RR pocket.

Crap (change, chapstick, tissue, etc.) rides LF pocket.

iPhone 4 rides LR pocket.

Anything more than that and I have to seriously evaluate whether or not I need it.
 
Dimes will often slip in between the blades of a stockman and will scratch the blade. I wear more BDU/EMT style pants and try to use a separate pocket for my knives. I am often tempted to carry and use my prized CASE Cranberry silver script collection but scratching them gives me the willys. As I get older, I sometimes think oh what the hell, use them anyway. I don't think my heirs would fully comprehend the value and significance of them anyway.
 
Try the pocket sheaths from KSF. They cover the blade and most of the handle, doing a pretty good job of protecting the knife. Contact them first to see if they fit your Activator.
 
Easiest thing would be to dedicate a pocket to it. Just the knife in it. If that's not possible clip the knife and put something non-damaging in there like your cell. (presuming it's small enough). I've never found my cell phone to be damaging to the knife.

If you are gonna carry it, scratches and scuffs will develop. There's nothing you can do about it, but by dedicating it to a pocket you can prevent it from having unnecessary wear (like coins knocking against the edge).

The natural wear brought from using a good blade will bring you satisfaction that a showpiece can never bring.
 
Thanks for being kind and all the input, yes today I reserved RF for just my activator and all is good so far.

Hey Toyz, an iPhone in the back pocket? wow, no danger of bend/crush when sitting?
 
actually just remembered something. If you have room a small pocket sleeve for the knife can be an option.
 
Pocket sheath, or have a knife only pocket. I keep my knife front right also and nothing else goes in that pocket, ever, except the knife I'm carrying that day. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Keys, change, left front, wallet back left, cell phone back right.
 
NotSoSharpBob said:
Thanks for being kind and all the input, yes today I reserved RF for just my activator and all is good so far.

Hey Toyz, an iPhone in the back pocket? wow, no danger of bend/crush when sitting?
Click to expand...

I know - I'm crazy - but I've had an iPhone since 2007 and I guess I've trained myself to remove it when sitting. I sat on the first one many times - luckily they had a stainless steel back and were pretty resilient. Never had one break / bend.
 
NotSoSharpBob said:
Thanks for being kind and all the input, yes today I reserved RF for just my activator and all is good so far.

Hey Toyz, an iPhone in the back pocket? wow, no danger of bend/crush when sitting?
Click to expand...

Hey - welcome to the BladeForums man! :D I agree with the posters about a pocket sheath. Call Derrick at Knives Ship Free - he might have one that fits perfectly. Otherwise, there are a lot of sheathmakers who'll make you a very slim sheath that will ride your knife inside, deeply enough to keep the handle from sustaining damage. Good luck. :)
 
Ok ordering my pocket sheath from KSF today, man they reply to email really fast! Ok so to follow up. I carry a Proton AA torch also. Anyone know if that will fit in the other pocket of the KSF Sheath or what do you carry in the other pocket.

Thanks
 
why worry about it? knives with dings and scratches and what not have character...looking at flawless knives all the time gets kinda drule...
 
NotSoSharpBob said:
Ok ordering my pocket sheath from KSF today, man they reply to email really fast! Ok so to follow up. I carry a Proton AA torch also. Anyone know if that will fit in the other pocket of the KSF Sheath or what do you carry in the other pocket.

Thanks
Click to expand...

So I guess this means that they have a sheath in stock that fits? I've seen a lot of guys put a flashlight or Swedish fire steel (fire starter) in the spare hole. Whatever fits and trips yer trigger.

pocono.jpg


ksfsheath1.jpg


Courtesy of KSF.com
 
Toyz said:
I know - I'm crazy - but I've had an iPhone since 2007 and I guess I've trained myself to remove it when sitting. I sat on the first one many times - luckily they had a stainless steel back and were pretty resilient. Never had one break / bend.
Click to expand...

I carry mine in the left rear pocket and am sitting on it now as I often do. They are tough I guess.

I can tell you that they do not survive lawnmowers well though!




I do not sweat my knives getting scratched up...it happens. I have some nice ones that I do not want to get scratched up...they are worthless to me any time I am away from my safe. By compare, my scratched-up, beat-to-heck Endura (in my pocket) is far more valuable since I actually carry and use it.

Carrying a folder in a sheath is fine, but personally is seems like a hassle and a space hog. I am much happier quickly producing my knife, making the cut, and getting on with my life.

Just my take on things...
 
If I carry a knife in pocket, fixed or folding, there is absolutely nothing else in that pocket besides the knife. Yes, I'm obsessive like that.
 
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