Tip up vs. Tip Down

O

overkill_broccoli

Joined
Dec 29, 2005
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What is the reason some knives are made to be carried tip up vs. tip down? I am looking for a new EDC knife and although I like the Spyderco PM, I really like tip up carry- it opens up a lot more naturally. Why are some knives made for tip down carry? Is there a safety or speed advantage?

-okb
edit: whoops, how in heck did I manage to post this here? Sorry for the extra moving work, mods...
 
I think that in most cases if a blade is held closed with a detent (linerlock) it is tip down. If it held closed with a spring (lockback) then it is tip up. I'm sure you could name 20 knives that are the opposite of what I just stated. I think it is usually a combination of safety and convenience that determines clip orientation.
 
My Rittergrips are tip up and worn with the knife inside the front right pocket with the clip on the outside. I assume that the tip is up in order to prevent the blade from accidently opening when pulling a hand out of the pocket.
 
Tip-up only if it's an auto, for obvious reasons.

Otherwise, it really doesn't matter, I can go either way, except that where I work, a tip-down knife will get gunked up, so it's tip-up for me. So unfortunately my Calypso Jr. ZDP-189 and Kopa don't see as much pocket time as they deserve.
 
Generally, tip down works better the higher you place your knife on your body (hung, pack strap, breast pocket, etc.) It affords ready manipulation for opening. Thus, tip-down configuration leans more to utility use IMHO.
 
untamed said:
Generally, tip down works better the higher you place your knife on your body (hung, pack strap, breast pocket, etc.) It affords ready manipulation for opening. Thus, tip-down configuration leans more to utility use IMHO.
Click to expand...

Well now that makes perfect sense. I'd been thinking of having a knife only in the pocket, but I guess you can hang them from anywhere!
 
Each maker or manufacturer has their own reason. Many make the choice out of what they view as being the safest method of carry. Sometimes, the design of the knife will require the clip be attached a certain way. There are a few makers that go just with what the customer wants.

Either way you go, you need to remember that you have a sharp object in your pocket and your are relying on whatever method the maker has used to keep it closed. The mere fact it is man made allows for Mr. Murphy to test how well that mechanism will work.
 
I prefere tip up carry and have converted most of my knives to reflect that preference. Some knives cannot be switched to tip up carry without first:
A) changing the thumb studs to be less obtrusive. & B) adding a more solid anchoring material for the belt clip to be mounted to. Both of these things are pretty easy to overcome.
So far I have switched a Scallion, a Leek, an S2, an Apache, a C/K PM and a TNT. I had to put smaller Thumb studs on the Apaches & S2s. Modified the clip on my Leek & put new scales and belt clip mounts on my Scallion. But its all good. Many manufactures now offer knives with multiple mount options. I carry on my belt, right side, tip up. Leeks offer tip up or tip down but the clip only mounts to one side of the knife. Of coarse not the side neccessary for my prefered carry method. Just my 2 cents.

Keyman
 
Im sure there is a reason I just dont what it is.I prefer tip up, Its easier for me to flip open.
 
Strange enough, I'm beginning to find I can get to my knife quicker with tip/down carry. Too much time with my Para I suppose;)
 
I like tip down for my Spyderco knives. The knife can be pulled from my pocket by the hole, and "spyderdropped" into my hand. For a knife with a "wave opening" feature, (Ti-Lite) I like tip up.
 
I agree, tip down for spydercos, tip up for axis locks....in general though, I prefer tip up..just a little faster....either way is pretty good for me. Never had a knife open in my pocket, even loose carry, so it has never been an issue.
 
seriously? axis tip up? no way. axis locks are perfectly suited for tip down carry because it puts the locking pin at the top of the knife, ready to be moved for a fast flick. you can, of course, flip a BM open holding the bottom without even touching the axis, but then you have much less grip, and have to assert much more force, leading to increased chance of throwing your knife right out of your own hand.
 
I find that I can do either style, but thus far I've greatly preferred tip up carry. If the knife happens to have a large handle, I can just pull it up into my hand a bit further as I pull it from my pocket, allowing me to easily engage the thumb stud. My Benchmade Griptilian is a wonderful tip-up carry knife!
 
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