Tip down carry really is better after all

M

mikemck

Joined
Sep 22, 2000
Messages
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I have always preferred tip up carry, because my first serious knife, a Cold Steel Voyager, was tip up...it's what I got used to, and I did not see any need to change.

However, I have recently begun to carry a couple of knives that are tip down, and I am beginning to understand the advantages of tip down carry.

It's faster and easier to draw, and you certainly don't have to worry about the blade opening up in your pocket.
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Yes, the orientation of the blade tip is not quite dead, and needs a bit more beating...:)

Really though, it was a poor choice of words for the subject, because my intent was more a commentary on the adaptability of the average person, and how what you are initially exposed to greatly influences beyond all reason what you prefer/advocate.

Actual trial and error, real world use/experience, and unbiased testing without preconcieved opinions leads to startling revelations.


Tip up or tip down

left or right handed liner locks

liner locks, back locks, mid locks, frame locks, axis locks, no locks....

left or right handed pocket clips
 
For the sake of ennobling controversy, tip-up is a superior position on knives where it is safe (Axis, lockbacks).
 
You speak rightly, Mike. I am a tip down kinda guy, but take it more literally, I am a folder kinda guy. Never thought there was any other sense in having an EDC in any other configuration.

But I just had to try that Camillus ArcLite out. Heck, a DDR designed knife from a company like Camillus, how could I not try it, right? But I never really saw myself carrying one, simply because folders are the stuff.

Lo and behold, I actually like a fixed blade around my neck. You'd never have convinced me otherwise before I bought it, but I have adapted quite well to the configuration. Humans can adapt and evolve to just about anything... provided they want to let go of the status quo and try something new.
 
Mike wrote...
and you certainly don't have to worry about the blade opening up in your pocket.
Now don't be too sure of that. Tip up Tip down they both can open up in a pocket. My opinion is that tip up or down isn't really the cause of knives opening when they shouldn't, but more of a matter of poorly made closeing devices. Smooth and flick ability is one thing but a damn knife should stay closed until you want it oopen no matter how it is carried.
 
db,

Good point. I've had my CRKT M-16, which is tip-down, open up in my pocket a few times.
 
I have carried both ways and I like tip up a lot better. This is of course simply my opinion, but here's why it appeals to me:

When you carry tip down, you can keep the blade closed by keeping the blade against the inside seam of your pocket. However, that means that sometimes when you bend over to pick something up, sit down, etc., you have that thing stabbing into your midsection.

The knives I carry tip up stay closed just fine with the blade up against the outside seam... and it's not in the way! I have had more tip down knives open in my pocket than tip up. I don't know why, that's just been my experience.

Another gripe with tip down knives is that the clip is right near the front of the knife. That makes the grip uncomfortable to me. With tip up, it is toward the back of the knife. That is MUCH more comfortable to me.

Also... carrying tip down, my Commander won't wave open!!! :p
 
My first real clip on knife was a CS Voyager as well. I just got used to carrying it in my right front pocket with the blade spine against the outside seam. I've never had one open up on me when carried that way. My small Sebenza carries in the same place with the same orientation and has also never opened. Both tip ip carry.

I did have my William Henry T10CF open on me once and nick the back of my hand and it's a tip down carry. My Microtech Socom Elite is also carried tip down and never opened on me.

I find that as far as opening, the knives I carry tip up seem to deploy in a smoother, more natural motion, whereas the tip up knives make for a flashier opening. Everyone knows when I open a tip down carry knife as the blade just pops up when I hit the thumbstud. When I open a tip up carry knife, usually the blade is pointing down and out of the general line of sight, making for a stealthier presentation. It's hard to be subtle when whacking open teh Socom with a flip of the wrist!

I also feel that the positioning of the clip on a smaller knife like the small Sebenza helps to improve my hand's purchase on the knife while opening it.

I can use either easily, but prefer tip up.

jmx
 
whatever works for you is the correct way.

for me its tip up. then again, I carry a emerson commander.
for my civilian, its down.

its all good.
 
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