Tip-up or Tip-down carry?

BJE

BJE

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
3,079
What are the pros and cons of each? Which do you prefer? I tend to like tip-down better, but I can't really figure out why, I hope that when I get a response, I will figure it out.
 
I think it depends upon the type of knife we're talking about...

For liner-locks and frame-locks and even axis-locks, I prefer for the blade to rest against the seam of my pocket so that the knife can't open within my pocket.
For these types of locking folders, once the intial resistance is overcome, there is no pressure to keep the blade closed.
So I prefer tip-up with these.

For lock-backs, it does not really matter because there is constant spring-tension keeping the blade closed.

BTW, neither tip-up or tip-down makes much difference in how fast I can deploy my knives.

Allen.
 
i only carry tip up, as i believe the possibility of the knife opening up in your pocket is very remote; also the knife should come out of your pocket into your hand, and opened with out turning or rotating.
 
I prefer tip down, so that when I grab the end of the knife between forefinger and thumb, my thumb is near the stud.
 
tip up for me, i dont think it really matters as long as ya get one style, practice with it, and stick with it. since a high % of my practice has been with tip up it is what works best for me.

theoretically tip down would seem to have less chance of opening in your pocket. in real life the only 2 that have ever opened in mine were tip down (spyderco khalsa and gunting) go figure. i carry a lot of tip ups too (ie emerson specwar '8, spyderco Ti ATR, strider SnG& SmF, ER fulcrum, etc) & have never had a problem with them knock on wood.

i have been told ya can draw tip up faster but i dont know about that, maybe?
 
I had always had tip up knives and always WANTED a tip-down knife. Then I got an Endura 4 (which can be set up either way). So I immediately moved the clip to make it a tip-down knife. After about a month, I could never get used to it and didn't like how my hand kind of scrapped against the knife every time I reached into my pocket for my keys or something. So I got out the screwdriver and set up the knife as tip-up again. Ahhhhh ..... much better.*





* Much better for ME. I really don't think it matters too much - it's just a personal preference. In fact, if anyone here wanted to give me a Spydie Military (i.e. a tip down knife) I'd gladly take it. ;)
 
I strongly prefer tip-up
Newertheless, I carry my Rat Trap (which is tip down only) and always open it by spyderdrop
 
Varies , but generally tip down - a few bad experiences with a Benchmade /Crawford Leopard !

Chris
 
I really prefer the tip up, it just seems a litte more natural when you draw it from your pocket.
 
After having a Classic Sebenza, and a SERE 2K both open while in my back pockets....one bloody finger and one ruined pair of pants is enough....TIP DOWN, TIP DOWN....

Ciao 4now
Ron
:mad:
 
Either way works for me. But, I generally prefer tip up, as the knife is in a natural position to open.
 
It seems like it should depend on how you carry. Front right pocket or left back, tip up. Back right or front left, tip down.
 
I can work with either and am pretty fast with both of them but if I have my choice I always go with tip up. I dont really consider either of these when purchasing a knife because it makes no real significant difference to me whether tip up or tip down although preference goes to tip up.
 
I carry one of each. The Gerber in my left pocket is tip down, the BM in my right is tip up. I carry them that way b/c those particular models don't give me a choice.

I think either way is fine as long as you practice with it.
 
One interesting thing that I have to add is that I have been cut by a tip down clip held in my hand. I was using a Smith &Wesson liner lock/turned into a trainer and when my knife was jammed into my hand the end of the clip cut open the side of my pinky. Not a bad cut but it opened my eyes to the orientation of the clip in hard use self defence. As far as I am concerned both styles have something to offer- it is just preference as to how you draw from the pocket- with tip down I tilt my wrist and approach the knife from behind, grasp with 2 fingers and while pulling out of my pocket rotate it into my hand. With tip up I reach into my pocket, cup the knife with my thumb and palm of my hand and when drawing grasp it with my fingers while thumbing it open. Thus with one style I reach into my pocket and the other stays out of it. Just something else to think of in regards to ones dress (can you reach your knife while wearing restrictive clothing)
My 2 cents
 
I only buy tip up knives unless they are very special.I try to only carry tip up because when you draw the knife out it's allready in your hand in the position you are going to use it in. Tip down ,your fingers might be on the thumbstud when you first grab it, but you have to rotate the knife a half turn into your palm to have it ready to use. That makes sense the way I wrote that,right? Well I think you'll see what I mean if you compare them back to back.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top