When did clips become a thing?

[whp]

Sal Glesser will be immortalized as the originator of pocket clips for one handed folders. I would guess that 98% of modern one handed folders have pocket clips. That should tell us about their popularity. Just a part of one handed folders, like the clip on a ball point pen.
For my IWB carry of my edc, the pocket clip is necessary.

 

[whp]

1981 spyderco put a clip on a knife that's when

That s the answer to to topic question.

 

[Sharp Steel]

The Buck Titanium used to have a pocket clip and a tool to remove it, but I don't recall when it was first released. Although I do recall thinking "why would anyone want that?" How times have changed.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Either loose in my pocket, in my pocket organizer, or on my belt.
Every once in a while the GEC H20 with CK slip sheath will get clipped to the outside of my pocket or into one of the pockets on my overalls out in the shop, but that's not as common as simply putting it on my belt where a belt knife belongs.
I'm 100 percent a traditionals guy for the foreseeable future and pocket clips are not a traditional thing.

 

[tiguy7]

The Buck Titanium used to have a pocket clip and a tool to remove it, but I don't recall when it was first released. Although I do recall thinking "why would anyone want that?" How times have changed.

The clip on the Buck Titanium (1986) was actually a belt clip to be used on the right hand side with the knife outside the belt.

 

[tiguy7]

View attachment 1309510 I like a clip, but I use it on my placket for my main EDC. I can access the knife with either hand while sitting.

 

[wardcleaver]

As others have said, I like a clip on locking folders clipped to my strong side pocket. Offside pocket, I carry a slipjoint(no clip) in a leather slip.

 

[gazz98]

Most of the time, my knife is in a cargo pocket. Does it take a sec or two fish it out? Sometimes. I'm ok with that. Tip up, tip down, deep carry, etc isn't important to me.

I did use clips at one point and got tired of tearing up the top of pockets.

 

[Billy The Blade]

...
"That raises a question. Are pocket knives meant to be pocketed?"
*That's like asking if a sheath knife is meant to be sheathed !
"What is your preference and why?"

"I voted 3 and 4. As my comment, I want to share my favorite clip picture."

*Well, he's obviously Not a 'knife guy' or he wouldn't let his wife/girlfriend carry in such an improper way.
However, from the look on her face, perhaps she's
'Wearin' the pants' and he's got No say in the matter!

"... age of the traditional pocket knife, dropping it in the pocket and letting it sink to the bottom where I always knew where it was."
I agree with this, including belt sheath folder & fixed blade belt sheath designed knives, however the 'bottom' of a pocket is Not very accessible, depending upon several instances. Especially if you
want/need it accessed quickly, and don't want to 'dance' around other items in the same pocket
I also 'always' know where a clipped carry knife is.
*I appreciate both traditional knives, as well as modern pocket clip designs, which, the latter offers several carry options, as in Left/Right, Front/Rear pockets, in waist band, shirt pocket or the pleat, and not to omit the endless options to clip it to gear bag pockets, webbing, etc.
* I also find that if one desires a traditional or clipless knife carry and does not wish to scratch /
dull the handle scales, bolsters, etc. A simple pocket 'slip' is an excellent option, leaving plenty of pocket space, & I've found that depending on the slip material, can indeed remain in a vertical position, as another member complained about.
..."I actually tried a modern folder clipped to my pocket. After I got tired of it snagging my seatbelt, snagging branches on bushes, scratching the car and getting in the way of reaching for anything else in that pocket, I ditched it and went back to dropping my pocket knife in my pocket."
* A properly designed & carried 'pocket clipped' knife
should Not be 'snagging & scratching' everything,IMO
And likely just a matter of getting used to 'where' the
knife is.
"I also don't see the wisdom of advertising to the world what I am carrying and exactly where I am carrying it."

*So, how do you avoid, as you call it, "advertising"
your carry method & location when you opt for a
Fixed blade ?!

1981 spyderco put a clip on a knife that's when

* I was really hoping that someone would answer the question accurately
-And ideally giving Sal Glesser / Spyderco credit for Revolutionizing The First 'One Handed Opening' knife, for the 'Working Man' ...suitable named
'The Worker'
Cheers Sal

A small knife (like Spyderco Dragonfly) can be put on the bottom of the pocket without much of an issue. But a bigger/longer knife like Spyderco PM2 or ZT 0562 will create a weird shape of your pants if laying in the pocket without a clip. So for bigger folders, yes - a pocket clip is necessary.

*Agreed, but I'm used to a 'Weird Shape' in 'my' pants anyway, Lol

- My Best to All of my Fellow (Blade) Formulites,
especially with the current 'state of affairs' that we
have All been Negatively affected by.
Stay Safe, Smart, and Healthy.
Regards, B.T.B.

 

[DrRollinstein]

I have no clue how you dudes keep catching your clips on everything. Just like, move out of the way. I never have that issue unless im going through a tight space and have a not great clip.

 

[DocT]

I don’t usual use pocket clips. However, some of my pants have a small pocket on the inside of the front pocket. In these I clip the knife.

 

[afishhunter]

I think clips became a "thing" when the first "modern" one hand opening/flipper/assisted opening knives hit the market ... what? Sometime in the 1980's or 1990's?

My personal preferance is traditional knives.
I have no use for clips. I like my pocket knives to ride horizontal in the bottom of my pocket.
I find that more comfortable than vertical, especially when seated.
For folding knives that are really not pocketable, such as the Buck 110/112 and a 2 blade slipjoint folding hunter, (way too heavy and/or large for pocket carry) they ride on my belt.

As for one hand opening or being able to flip the blade open ... I don't need that yet.
I can still open a "old fashoned" slipjoint, and I'm not in any hurry. So what if it takes more than an instant to open it?
Besides, traditional knives have more than one blade. They are more versatile.

Even when working from a ladder (I truly hate ladders and heights) I never had a problem opening a slipjoint or lockback with both hands.
(Yes. I "hugged" that blasted Hades and all his kin curst ladder when I opened my knife.)

I usually have between 3 and 4 traditional knives of different patterns riding loose in my RF pocket, and another 2 on my belt.
Even 60 years ago when I was a youngling I akways had at least two knives in my RF pocket. (back then it was either a "Demo" knife my uncle gave me when he got out of the Army, or 4 blade Scout knife, and a Barlow or two blade jack knife.)

 

[marchone]

Very impressive comments everyone. The 1981 Spyderco introduction of the pocket clip is a great lede to this story.

 

[tltt]

Spyderco was indeed the first I can remember. In fact, for a while Spyderco was a pretty big supplier of unmounted clips to custom makers that were building early tactical knives.

Before Spyderco, people just used bails and lanyards, etc.....

 

[David45]

It’s fairly apparent that different knives get handled differently.

Fixed blades get sheaths for OWB carry.

Locking folders get clipped inside pockets. I’ll add that I prefer a dark clip so the presence of the knife is lees apparent and it should allow for deep carry so the end of the knife doesn’t stick out above the top of the pocket. I use aftermarket clips if necessary. I love my ZT 562CF as it copies Hinderer’s best design (imho) and comes with a perfect deep carry clip. Big shout out to Casey Lynch for his contributions to the deep carry clip world!

Gentleman folders ride nicely in the bottom of pockets but I think it’s a good idea to have a nice pouch to protect them from being scratched up by keys and relatively dust/dirt free.

 

[allenC]

Clips aren't really a factor when I'm choosing a knife.
I've carried a Buck 110 in a belt pouch for decades...and then a multi-tool on my belt for years.
I kinda like my pockets free of a large folder.

 

[Pomsbz]

I don't know if it's simply the way I move, sit or move my limbs but clips have never worked for me whether pen, knife or holster. They always come off my shirt, trousers or belt. I carry my knife in a belt pouch with a nice big loop.

 

[DB_Cruiser]

I prefer no clip. If a knife has a clip, I will remove it 90% of the time. I usually make a slip for pocket carry. I work in NYC and all other carry restrictions aside, it is my understanding that knives must be concealed. An exposed clip can lead to some unwanted "Imperial entanglements" if observed in the wrong place (like the subway).

 

[marchone]

I'm of a similar mind. I rarely if ever use a clip, preferring instead to pocket carry. I don't use a slip, dedicating a pocket to the knife alone so as not to scratch it with keys, etc. Conveniently, I find the clip on most modern folders to fill my palm somewhat to improve ergonomics. But that's about it.

 

[MarkN86]

I like having clips because I can use them or take them off if I want, but most of the time I do use them. Worst problem they cause is an unsightly mark where the clip attaches. Traditionals should never have clips, sheath or pocket carry only.