What defines a "boot knife"?

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TheMightyGoat

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I've noticed that they are usually - maybe always - daggers, but I don't see any apparent difference from daggers that aren't called "boot knives". Somehow I doubt they're knives meant to be carried in the boot... but I suppose they could've originated that way. Anyway, what defines a "boot knife"?
 
Originally posted by AKA Knife Knut
Good grief, another one of those semantics threads.
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
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I'd just like to get my terminology correct. If I called something a boot knife and it wasn't a boot knife, I'd make an ass of myself.
 
I guess to classify something as a boot knife, it would have to say boot knife in it's name(i.e. Camillus Medium/Large Boot Knife).
 
TMG, good question. I had always assumed that it was a knife designed to be carried in your boot. If it has another meaning, I also would like to know.
 
Any knife you carry in your boot is a boot knife, but generally usage reserves that term for a knife optimized for that purpose. Unless you tuck your pants leg into your book and have the knife in plain view (sometimes done by commandos) you need a resonably short boot knife so that you can hike up your cuff and get it out. If you tuck some of the handle in your boot you want little or no cross guard or it will be uncomfortable to wear and cumbersome to draw. Likewise you want a handle that is pretty slim.

So a typical boot knife will be short overall and have a narrow handle and no more than a compact guard. It may have a sheath that is optimized to attach to a leg or boot. It can be single or double edged. A lot of modern knives fit these dimensions. In days gone by a lot of knives would have been a lot longer and have had bulkier guards and handles.
 
Originally posted by TheMightyGoat
Somehow I doubt they're knives meant to be carried in the boot... but I suppose they could've originated that way. Anyway, what defines a "boot knife"?
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Actually they are designed for boot carry. The thing is that now fewer people wear boots that before and much fewer people wear fixed blades. Most people I've seen with bootknives carried openly had them on their belts. None of these people were wearing boots.

At least with neck knives, people can't say they don't have necks.:D
 
boot knives got thier name from the (american civil)???? war, back then the officers (on horses) had boots which were rose to higher than the knee, therefore was the perfect spot to keep a knife, people rarely wear boots so high anymore so anyone thinking of wearing a boot knife for EDC would have to go to the trouble of bending over to reach it, unless you spend all day crouching...:D
 
Interesting information, kenster.

Today, "boot knives" are a category similar to the "neck knife" class - it just means that the knife can be carried in a boot/on a a chain or length of paracord around the neck. That doesn't mean that those knives are restricted to that carry configuration.
 
Boot knives come with sheaths that can be clipped into boots.

But before you consider buying and carrying one, check your local laws, especially because you're not 18 yet.
 
A boot knife is when you stomp on the heel of your boot and a blade pops out of the end. Just kidding. I've watched Roadhouse too many times. :D
 
Originally posted by Quiet Storm
Boot knives come with sheaths that can be clipped into boots.

But before you consider buying and carrying one, check your local laws, especially because you're not 18 yet.
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But is it just like a normal pocket clip, except bigger and meant to clip onto the top of the boot?

I know about laws and all that. Many of my knives I only carry around the house, they're not legal to be worn concealed in public.
 
Generally they have a spring clip similar to those on older leather ITW concealment holsters. They can also clip onto a belt or waistband. It is much stronger than a pocket clip and when you withdraw the blade the sheath should stay in place.
 
Well... I don't know what a spring clip is or anything about ITW ("In The Waistband"?) holsters.
 
Well I guess it is close enough to a pocket clip but stronger. The construction is a little different. If you want to look at one they should have boot knives at most mall knife stores and they certainly will have them at flea markets though I wouldn't buy one from either place.
 
I guess I've just been wearing pull on boots for so long, it doesn't seem like an issue any more. I used to carry a good size bowie in my right boot (6"blade, double guard), simply left the keeper unsnapped.

Some have sewn pockets (inside). I can't see using the sheaths with clips unless you do tuck, they just hold them too high.

A three or four inch blade with a slim handle in a kydex pancake carries pretty well in a front jeans pocket.

Cheers

GC
 
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