When and how do you carry fixed blades?

JTC,

I understand were you're coming from.
I haven't seen someone with a fixed blade in the woods for a while.

I usually carry a larger fixed blade, such as my USMC Kabar or S-1 in my pack. I rarely carry it on my belt because I think it's too big for most chores but mostly becasue I'm being considerate of other people and don't want t freak them out.

If I carry a fixed blade on my belt it's one with a blade length of 4" or less and in a civilized leather sheath, not kydex or anything tactical looking.

I think a lot of the tactical style knives are more cool than they are usefull.

If you carry an appropriate fixed blade on your belt in a non-intimidating way, your shouldn't have any problems from the sheeple.

Collecter
 
I agree that its all about attitude.

Around the house, I am always carrying one of my own knives - they are all fixed blades so far. Aside from my usual testing of proto models, of course, I have made a knife that suits me better than a generic factory made one. None of these knives have a "threatening" appearance.

Contrary to the usual "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" idea, I find that attempts to conceal a knife usually send off alarm bells in those who know what to look for. And these are the folks who give you trouble about the knife.

I find that when tending to the garden in my front yard, wearing a compact "classic" looking stag-handled carbon bladed knife in a ordinary looking belt pouch sheath draws no second looks. It is in full view and I occasionally draw it to prune some flowers and I have done this while a neighbour was chatting to me (she didn't know I made knives) with no adverse effect. Similarly, the same knife was used when removating my house - for ripping up carpets and prying off carpet staples from the floorboards. The only enquiriesI got were from the carpet professionals - whether or not the knife held up to what looked like abuse.

IMHO, present a knife as a tool and a companion. Throw in something artistic and it will more likely be admired than reviled. Jason.
 
I have been sticking the end of the sheath of my fixed blade in the back pocket of my jeans while still secured to my belt. I like that it isn't really visible unless someone is looking at your butt. Doesn't get hung up on vegetation when in the woods and is pretty easy to deploy. You have to be a little extra careful when returning it though. And you do have to take it off when driving. But, so far so good.

I don't think it would be considered a concealed weapon either as the handle and a little more of the sheath is clearly visible. I have a CWP anyway.

Try it. I promise you won't be so self conscious about carrying a fixed blade.
 
What does a guy do with a big fixed blade then? Say Ka-bar size or bigger. I realy like my sheath knives and I would like to carry them and use them in an activity that they are'nt looked upon as a Rambo thing. I hate to just be able to carry them around the yard and whittle and such. I have found that to really appreciate a knife you have to use it. I got a BMF in a trade with Glockman ( thanks again Dann!!!) that I am dyin to pack but don't care for the comments and looks. Thanks for all your input guys :)



John Crites
 
Originally posted by Buzzbait
Make sure the knife is a real looker. Black tactical knives stick out like a sore thumb to sheeple. Classy looking knives appear more as jewelry than pig stickers. Think Damascus and/or natural handle materials.
Click to expand...

as04_dirk.jpg


How's this custom Busse Assault Shaker look? Sweet huh?:D
 
There's a number of people here that open-carry handguns, so a knife is really not noticed at all. A checker at the supermarket once asked me about a fixed blade I was carrying: "Is that legal?" I replied, yes. Her answer: "Cool! Where can I find good knives here? I'm going to carry one!" I recall this one buckskinner walking around with a small bowie that had a predator jawbone handle. No one had a problem with the knife, but some granola made a remark to his girlfriend about how gross it was this guy was wearing so much animal products. When I'm out in the woods, I have a handgun, so a knife is hardly noticed. Many times, hunters are out in the same areas, so no one really cares what you're carrying. Besides, in every survival manual and checklist I've ever seen, they say you must have a knife. Those in the woods without the most basic of all survival tools---the knife---are no different than people out there without compasses.
 
Just like today, I carry my Becker 10 as my work knife. It certainly proved its worth today as I got stuck with a lot of crap jobs. That thing chops well, breaks stuff up on the end well, and holds its edge. Know how many people noticed, and stared?

None. No one cares.


Becker cause a crowbar is too heavy.
 
I carry fixed blades openly and concealed and get the same comments, and this in a rural totally redneck enviro where most have knives in their pocket and guns in the truck. Lately I've gone concealed mostly with my fixed blades and certainly will all winter in my jackets. Almost horizontal cross draw is most comfortable for me on a belt. The biggest I usually carry is a Yari which is plenty.
 
I sometimes carry a small fixed blade - a Simonich Crowfoot or Spyderco Spot - in a cargo pocket with the sheath static lined to the flap of the pocket. Doesn't print and is comfortable. Either of those knives will carry in the pocket of my jeans though I have to adjust the crowfoot occasionaly.

WWill
 
Here in Taiwan,we carry really big knife when going to the jungle.Most
of the knives have 30cm(12") blade and 1/4" thick.Some aboriginal hunters/guides even carry 20" blde knives.To be honest,these aboriginal hunters/guides are heros to me,and I try to learn as much as I can from them.An old hunter told me 30cm blade is the minimum length in jungle.Here is an aboriginal hunter pic:
http://tour.001.com.tw/tour-pic/CM-Explorer/2/b-05.jpg
 
My EDC is a small fixed S30V 3" blade. I built the sheath with a boot clip and carry it clipped in my pants pocket. I don't spend much time in cities, but have never gotten any flak about it.
 
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