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Tip up or tip down carry?
- Thread starter Russell92
- Start date
I need to apologize to tip down knives for insulting them without giving them a fair chance. I received my Calypso Jr. that I ordered from New Graham today and I like it a lot. The only tip down knife I had before this one wasn't a Spyderco and it was much more difficult to draw than the Calypso Jr. I can get the Calypso Jr. out just as fast as my Delica.
Now I have a stupid question about my new Calypso Jr...When I'm holding it in my hand should I have my index finger above or below the bump towards the top of the grip? I'm guessing it should go below so my finger doesn't slip forwards onto the blade but when I hold it like that the grip feels pretty short in my hand.
Now I have a stupid question about my new Calypso Jr...When I'm holding it in my hand should I have my index finger above or below the bump towards the top of the grip? I'm guessing it should go below so my finger doesn't slip forwards onto the blade but when I hold it like that the grip feels pretty short in my hand.
It depends on the size of your hands, the length of your folder and where you carry your folder.
In the front, tip down is easier, it's more natural for your hand to draw and open from tip down.
In the back, tip up is easier and more natural, except when your hand is too small or the folder is too long for you to reach the hole with your thumb. Then you'll have to change grip on the handle to reach the hole which may not be desirable. Or else, you'll have to wrist-flick the blade open if you want to open it without changing grip.
Tip down in the front doesn't have this problem. You can wear a long folder, and your thumb will be able to reach the hole because the hole is near to the pivot end. But the long folder will be uncomfy you when you sit down.
I have about 15 spydercos and only one of them has opened in the pocket. That was an old native with a purpose-made very "soft" lock. I don't carry it.
None of the FRN and SS enduras and delicas I have has ever opened in the pocket. The Military's ball detent is also quite secure. The gunting is best carried in a holster unless you screw the pivot really tight.
Linerlocks, unless they have a really good detent, shouldn't be carried tip up unless the spine of the blade presses against the seam of the pocket. I like to carry linerlocks tip down. The millie(new one) is a very good linerlock, IMO.
Another brand that has positive closing pressure like a lockback is the axis lock from BM. I like the axis AFCK, which was originally a spydie design.
Lastly, the type of trousers you wear often determines your carry style, if you are thinking self-defence, it's a good idea to wear the same way all the time. I usually carry one 4" for emergency purposes, always the same way, then carry two or three others for utility in all sorts of ways, changing them all the time, tip up, tip down, clipless, whatever.
It's your choice in the end.
In the front, tip down is easier, it's more natural for your hand to draw and open from tip down.
In the back, tip up is easier and more natural, except when your hand is too small or the folder is too long for you to reach the hole with your thumb. Then you'll have to change grip on the handle to reach the hole which may not be desirable. Or else, you'll have to wrist-flick the blade open if you want to open it without changing grip.
Tip down in the front doesn't have this problem. You can wear a long folder, and your thumb will be able to reach the hole because the hole is near to the pivot end. But the long folder will be uncomfy you when you sit down.
I have about 15 spydercos and only one of them has opened in the pocket. That was an old native with a purpose-made very "soft" lock. I don't carry it.
None of the FRN and SS enduras and delicas I have has ever opened in the pocket. The Military's ball detent is also quite secure. The gunting is best carried in a holster unless you screw the pivot really tight.
Linerlocks, unless they have a really good detent, shouldn't be carried tip up unless the spine of the blade presses against the seam of the pocket. I like to carry linerlocks tip down. The millie(new one) is a very good linerlock, IMO.
Another brand that has positive closing pressure like a lockback is the axis lock from BM. I like the axis AFCK, which was originally a spydie design.
Lastly, the type of trousers you wear often determines your carry style, if you are thinking self-defence, it's a good idea to wear the same way all the time. I usually carry one 4" for emergency purposes, always the same way, then carry two or three others for utility in all sorts of ways, changing them all the time, tip up, tip down, clipless, whatever.
It's your choice in the end.
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2002
- Messages
- 721
Russell,
It's meant to be held with your index finger in the "choil", that is, above the bump in the handle. remember, this is a medium-sized utility knife with a thin grind. I don't think it's meant for the kind of strong thrusting that'd make a "guarded" grip necessary. THe choked-up grip on the choil, however, gives you great control for fine cutting. Glad you like it!
It's meant to be held with your index finger in the "choil", that is, above the bump in the handle. remember, this is a medium-sized utility knife with a thin grind. I don't think it's meant for the kind of strong thrusting that'd make a "guarded" grip necessary. THe choked-up grip on the choil, however, gives you great control for fine cutting. Glad you like it!
SYK's post makes sense. I've only carried folders in my side pockets and that's why I never realize tip-up's advantage when carried in rear pockets. And when carrying in rear pockets, the blade side often does not stick to the liner of the pocket, I guess that's why many people never encountered in-pocket openings with tip-up folders.
I have both tip up an down Spydies and they all work fine with me. It is true that once you get used to a particular position, it's a wee bit more difficult to change it. I started with tip down but tip up seems to me more handy (considering I usually carry my knives IWB front right side)