Using a knife lanyard?

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May 19, 2008
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Hey guys, this may be a silly question but, is there a proper way to use a knife lanyard? Mainly while using a large knife for chopping? Thanks!
 
Some like me wouldn't use a lanyard. Think if you lose your grip. Then you have a 2 pound piece of razor sharp steel swinging around. I'd rather it fall to the ground. Just a counter point YMMV.
 
A slightly different lanyard useage - I attach a lanyard with a sliding bead to all my smaller EDC knives (Busse Game Wardens, SAR-3s, Culties). The resulting loop not only helps me draw the knife quickly from my front pocket by slipping my little finger through the loop that hang outside my pocket, but more importantly, when snugged , allows me to quickly drop the knife from my hand without losing it in order to suddenly grab or catch an object or to climb a tree or rock, then with a flip of the wrist return the knife handle to my palm.
Hope this suggestion is of help.
"Bloody Bill"
 
Some like me wouldn't use a lanyard. Think if you lose your grip. Then you have a 2 pound piece of razor sharp steel swinging around. I'd rather it fall to the ground. Just a counter point YMMV.

+1 on that. Though....without a lanyard you have no place for a totally awesome skull bead....
 
Some like me wouldn't use a lanyard. Think if you lose your grip. Then you have a 2 pound piece of razor sharp steel swinging around. I'd rather it fall to the ground. Just a counter point YMMV.

Thats fine if you dont mind losing your toes or your best friends (dogs) ear or eye. Knifes can take a funny bounce when the tang hits a rock. Id rather walk out with a bandaged arm or upper body than be carried out with no toes.

Cheers
 
I usually just put a really small "pinky" lanyard on my knives. Great for letting go of the knife and letting it dangle when you need a free hand, plus, it keeps your hand from sliding down the knife towards the blade when in use.
 
Lanyards can be good to use over water, deep snow, or in other situations where if you drop it you'll likely not be able to retrieve it. Other than that, a firm grip always seems to work well for me.
 
Small, ~2", loop for digging tools out of sheaths.
Larger loop on my utility knife with a cobra hitch at the bight and a cordlock on the bitters. I use it when I'm cutting up cardboard boxes because I'm constantly repositioning them, and I don't want to risk dropping the knife on my toes.
 
I couldn't tell you what a lanyard is good for with regards to chopping with a large knife because I don't have much experience. Personally, I use lanyards for better grip on my smaller knives or to assist in pulling them out of my pocket. They also happen to be helpful in cold weather, when drawing the knife with gloves can be difficult without one. Where I live, it's cold enough to warrant gloves 8 months out of the year (at least for my tolerances).

As with anything, knife lanyards have their negative aspects. For example, for those who work around heavy machinery with moving/spinning parts a lanyard could be a potential hazard. You can only imagine that cordage getting caught up in a pulley or gear system. Also, if you live in a jurisdiction where knives are automatically suspect, a lanyard could be further indication to law enforcement that you are carrying one.

I realize this post isn't completely on-topic, but I hope that helps a bit.
 
I like a small lanyard to help pull the knife out of the sheath or pocket but nothing that gets in the way of cutting.

When I am on boats I may attach the knife to a static cord so I don't loose it but I don't really like them.
 
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