Horizontal Knife Carry

[ArfinGreebly]

Most of my pocket knives fit in pockets.

A few clip to the pocket or some other clothing edge.

And some ride in belt cases. I've come to the conclusion that most of the vertical knife cases get in the way to at least some degree, and they stand out. Anyone observing can pretty much immediately "make" that you're carrying a knife.

There are some elegant solutions to this (and with a little luck I'll find those links again), but this weekend I was looking for something cheap and handy.

I found just the thing in Black Sheep: GunMate Medium Magazine Case. The belt loop/strap is fastened to the back of the case at the corners only, which permits a belt to run either horizontally or vertically. I grabbed one for nine bucks, and tried it out today.

Very nice. Unobtrusive. Ballistic nylon, with no external brand markings. It will hold a Buck 110, a large Case Sodbuster, or a Normark/EKE "American Hunter"/Swede 92. It's the first time I've been able to comfortably carry the sodbuster or the Normark and not fumble for it in deepest darkest back pocket when it's needed.

It doesn't obstruct pockets, doesn't snag on seat belts, doesn't catch on things when you're getting in and out of cars. Looks rather like a soft glasses case.

No, it's not a quick-draw, but that wasn't the point. The point was comfort while being handy. It achieves that admirably.

Guess I'll have to get some more.

 

[hso]

Folks have been making leather horizontal knife cases long before semiauto handguns came out.


Some folks even have them made to resemble their belts so they don't clash.

New nylon sheaths often have features that mag carries lack. Stronger loops, lined pouches, very strong velcro, all set purpose built soft sheaths apart from inexpensive magazine carriers. Part of that is that knife nuts can't afford to loose their $100 knife as readily as a $20 magazine. TAD makes a nearly bomb proof horizontal nylon folder carrier that's very tough and comes in enough colors to blend in well also. Oh, and they only cost $13. http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme gear/gear organizers main/tad-s1_sheath.htm

And then there's this stealthy idea -
http://www.rjtaylor.net/products/knife/sheath.htm

 

[ArfinGreebly]

The TAD Gear Case

I like the TAD line; I'll have to order a couple of those.

The RJ Taylor line . . . I dunno. Looks okay, but I'd like to hear from someone who's actually used one.

I see your point on strength and durability. I can see where "cheap" can get to be downright expensive.

I also frequently wear cargo pants, but the large side pockets, while handy for a wallet, pretty much suck for carrying a folder. I've actually thought of either sewing "slot" pouches into the strong side (wallet rides weak side), so I could carry a folder and flashlight without the annoying clank and clack of two or more metal objects against each other in a large pocket. Alternatively I could just craft an insert for the pocket; more work, but probably a better answer.

Thanks for the links. I figured there would be something better out there.

 

[eliphalet]

Looks like a great idea to me. I don't carry a knife on my belt but a leatherman is there 24/7. It would be nicer horizontal I think, may just have to get one.

 

[bigdaddydan]

some of your upscale manufacturers knife sheaths can be carried either horizontal or vertical