Why all tip down?

AdioSS

AdioSS

Joined
Jul 13, 2012
Messages
337
Every Kershaw & ZT I have bought came with the clip installed tip down. Why do they do this?
 
For me, Its easier to pull out and use the flipper if tip down. Just my pref
 
My 0550, 0560s, and the new Kershaw models had them installed tip up. For the ones that come tip down though, is that an issue? They've been easily switchable for me.
 
If they have the holes to switch it, I could care less. The way I carry it just depends on the knife and if it has thumbstuds or a flipper. Also some designs leave way too much out of the pocket for my taste.
 
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I also wish they came tip up. A couple of my recent purchases came this way, the rest had to be switched. It just leaves more chances for a stripped screw, dealing with thread locker.

And I don't care how much sticks out of my pocket. Even if it's just a little, tip down requires reorienting the knife the get it "going". At least for me, as we are all different.
 
the debate will go on through out the ages... but we all know tip down is the right way! puts your finger closer to the stud or flipper on the draw and keeps you from touching a blade edge if it were to, somehow, open in your pocket. the only ZT i carry tip down is the 056X, and that is only because it is uncomfortable to hold with the clip at the top.
 
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Im a tip-down fanatic. I can handle tip up if there's no option, but deployment seems much more natural from tip-down. Plus, tip-down assures that i won't stab myself with my own knife while in pocket, which has happened before.
And the 560 does feels more comfortable with the clip in tip-down position when in use.
My 560 came to me in tip-up config as well.
 
tip-up, down, doesn't really matter to me Usually I'll change the clip orientation on my flippers to tip-up because I can envision the flipper catching on my pocket corner and deploying the blade. It's never happened, but I just feel that subconsciously, it's safer. Otherwise, I'll leave clips alone mostly.
 
gooeytek said:
tip-up, down, doesn't really matter to me Usually I'll change the clip orientation on my flippers to tip-up because I can envision the flipper catching on my pocket corner and deploying the blade. It's never happened, but I just feel that subconsciously, it's safer. Otherwise, I'll leave clips alone mostly.
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You're more likely for the flipper to deploy the blade when you put the tip-up knife into your pocket and either run your hand onto the blade or slice open your pocket with the blade.

I discovered that tip-up will work well for knives of 3" or less, anything longer and your fingers are too far from the deploy mechanism. I've tried every way, with my hands in different positions and always the same result, and I have long fingers. The only videos I've seen that show tip-up working are by the guys on youtube that wear pajamas all the time.

Oh and my 0561 camp tip-up. I don't think I can change the clip without ruining the screws so I'm going to have to leave it that way.
 
I prefer tip down, especially for rear pocket carry.

Tip down is especially helpful on frame locks because it helps keep your fingers off of the lock bar.

I don't think I've had any Kershaw/ZTs come like that from the factory.
 
I tend to change most of my tip down's to tip up's....not my pic, but this is my main reason. Lucky it was just the shorts :eek:

wkgmu.jpg
 
My 560/1 both came tip up, I changed them to tip down. 1 more comfortable in use.2 less grit in pivot.
The 300 came tip down, I think I'm going to try it tip up right now.
 
On my 200 and 301, tip up gives me alot more room to reach in my pocket. These knifes are alot smaller on the end of the handle than where the blade mets the handle. What ever floats your boat.
 
It's their way of getting you involved with the knife. Kind of like a bonding experience. :D
 
I just like having the option to switch it to up or down. Only gripe with my JYD is not having the option!
 
AdioSS said:
Every Kershaw & ZT I have bought came with the clip installed tip down. Why do they do this?
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My guess is it is a production line process. Whoever completes this portion of the work order, tip down is how they are comfortable completing their task. Perhaps , another employee will finish tip up and there is no defined standard from Kershaw as to which one they want.
 
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