How to secure large fixed blades

[CynicallyOptimistic]

Alright, the internet has failed me here

I just got the replacement hard-sheath for my KA-BAR (I carry it when I'm doing yard or house work, or any other time I might need a large knife and I'm not going to be harassed for it) I had some issues with the leather one, I wanted to get the hard sheath so I could secure it better so it wasn't flapping around and getting caught on stuff.

I've been trying to figure out what to use for the thigh-tie downs (I was disappointed they didn't come with it), and I wondered what you guys used or thought would be best.

Also, what other convenient options are there to secure the little bugger? I know there's a way to carry it on your back, but I haven't been able to get it secure right in the small of my back. Is there like a FAQ or guide somewhere for this? "How to tie a huge knife to yourself for idiots?" I dunno.

Hope I'm not comin' across like a mall ninja here, I'm not gonna be carrying the thing around Wal-mart or anything.

 

[James T Thomas]

reply not a solution

I did some of my yard work with my BK-2 Campanion on my belt; hard sheath.

It has a 5 inch blade, so somewhat less length than your KB.

It has the sheath hole for tying down cord, but when I squat down to get low the sheath tip tends to slide toward my but; that is rotate.
And that keeps the tip from gouging me in the thigh.

I believe you will find if you bind it to your thigh like a holster, it will cause more difficulty for you than the flapping.

One saving suggestion though. Try placing it one belt loop further back on your belt -toward your but. That lessens the flapping when you walk, and keeps it more out of the way when you brush by things.

My thougt about tying down is that even with an elastic cord or band, you may restrict your blood circulation, at least somewhat. Maybe?

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Boot Laces

I used a boot lace for mine -- different knife, different company, but it has a tie-down loop at the bottom of the sheath.

Common, garden variety, black fabric boot lace. Long sucker.

I also have a leather lace, but it's brown and the sheath is black, and I've never dyed it.

Thing is, the only times I've tied it down have been when it's worn low on the thigh to begin with. If it's high on the belt, sitting down becomes a bear, squatting is a "maneuver." I've tied it down maybe two or three times, and none of them recently.

Can't tie it too tight, 'cuz flexing the thigh makes it dig into the tissue.

Why don't I tie it down any more?

'Cuz I don't wear it any more. I found that large knives don't work as well for me as medium and small ones do.

So the big ones are either in boxes or in the gun cabinet.

So, anyway.

Boot lace.

 

[Pax Jordana]

boot lace - seconded.

Also: Try different places on your belt. Even maybe a crossdraw. As a guy that carries lots of different things on his belt at various times, I personally recommend the waistline just behind 3 o'clock (if you're right handed)- aim for the flat spot on the side of your cheek.

Gotta say this..

Hope I'm not comin' across like a mall ninja here

With your knife sheath flapping around? I heard lynn thompson is into tactical gardening too

Welcome to THR, if I have not said so before.

 

[Mongrel]

One word:

Paracord

Replaced leather thongs (yes the tie down can be appropriately called a "thong") long ago as the go-to solution for any number of problems.

Of course, you can always get a nylon shoe lace-lol

 

[CynicallyOptimistic]

I heard lynn thompson is into tactical gardening too

I almost spit my cereal out when I read this I was laughing so hard!

Any ideas on the small of the back carry though? better, worse, doesn't work in the slightest?

 

[Mongrel]

Honestly, I'm not seeing this...

I've worn a KABAR and as Arfin said, I found the tie-downs to be too restricting, and that's leaving them loose (when standing).

I don't understand the issue with the leather sheath, and I have replaced the Kydex one with leather on my 'other' KABAR. The kydex is over-kill for my needs. I don't wear LBE or MOLLE gear, so the simplicity of wearing a lighter and smaller profiled leather sheath on my belt works for me.

My primary yard-work blade is a machete and I just keep it close by as I'm working.

The best 'EDGC' (everyday garden carry) blade I've found is a larger SAK with the saw. That and a small pair of pruners is enough to navigate my yard even on a bad day.

The KABAR is not a small-of-back blade in my opinion. It's too large (especially the handle) to be worn comfortably whether horizontal or vertically. One thing I can't stand is something jabbing me or rubbing me the wrong way.

If you have the calves for it, maybe you could go with an ankle carry?

 

[CynicallyOptimistic]

Eh, I'm probably too short for ankle carry (5'6" 150lbs and hoping to God I'm not done growing), but in the event that I can, how do you keep that from shifting vertically? ::EDIT:: Actually it's like just the right length to fit on my calf. This is HIGHLY relevant to my interests.

And I didn't mean to come off disapproving of my leather sheath! I had some bad luck with it and have had to duct tape a couple holes (mostly inflicted by the KA-BAR itself when I wasn't being careful enough, those suckers are SHARP), and nearly severed the handle strap-down on a quick draw. It's kind of a pain to draw one handed sometimes, too, and I wanted the kydex with the tie-down holes so it would stick right there to my thigh.

 

[Mongrel]

Check this website out for ideas:

http://www.survivalsheath.com/main/home.htm

They sell a lot of tactical type setups that may be helpful. Not cheap if you decide to purchase, and as a caveat-I know nothing about them at all.

Basically, you need a flexible band with a strap lock or velcro that goes around your upper calf below the knee. Attach your sheath and you're good to go...

 

[Aka Zero]

Walmart sells elastic string. Godd for holding the knife close, but stretching when needed.

Paracord is good... can get tight though. Shoelace, cheap, easy to find, but like paracord.

Or you could try tying it to clothing, no constricting. some safety pins or something, with some paracord. moves with clothes, not your leg.

 

[James T Thomas]

mother of necessity

The solution from AKA Zero is a good one.

It had occured to me to fasten it to trowsers along the side seam by punching some small plastic or metal grommets there and then running some cord through the holes and sheath, but very practical AKA.

Just run a large size safety pin through the pant leg, and some cord through the safety pin. I will try that one myself.

Just give yourself enough slack on the cord.

 

[hangtime]

some good suggestions here. . . . .

but I would go with Pax Jordana's suggestion of the crossdraw carry considering your size. Small of the back carry has the disadvantage of positioning the sheath out of sight and when it comes time to re-sheath your blade this is not a good thing. Thigh carry is OK for some - not so good for others as it can be hard to attach the knife/sheath combo securely without a lot of fiddling around with straps etc.. Crossdraw or appendix carry as the handgunners call it is easy to secure, easy to access when needed and only at a real disadvantage when riding in a vehicle. IMHO

 

[leadcounsel]

Find a nylon strap with a male/female plastic buckle and cut to length. You can use an old rifle sling... shoot I bet if you look in enough junk bins you'll find one in your garage or gun stuff. Or at worst probably $5 at any sporting goods store.

A nylon string, boot lace, paracord, 550 cord would all work good, but require tying and untying and difficulty keeping tight without going too tight.

The trick is being able to quickly losen/tighten.

I was also going to suggest ankle carry or cross draw carry and just let it hang from your belt.

 

[trinydex]

survival sheath definitely makes all you're asking for. thigh rigs, chest rigs, back rigs and side mount belt rigs. it can all be done and if you want some pictures check out bladeforums.

but here's a sample of the wonderful work

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=554976

 

[sm]

Rawhide Bootlace here.
Except for when I wear it on weak side in a shoulder holster, or inverted onto suspenders where I use electrical tape to hold the leather sheath in place.

i.e. chest waders, and making duck blinds.

 

[CynicallyOptimistic]

And I'm now off on a quest to build my own shoulder rig! Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[sm]

Non-Firearm Tip Number 242:

When Building Duck Blinds, the Stanley Thermos goes into the chest wader inside front pocket , with the Cinnamon Twists.
Custom Fixed Blade is Electrical taped to weak side suspender.

Non-Firearm Tip Number 243:

Tie cord to Stanley Thermos.
This way when Black Lab gets a whiff of them Cinnamon Twists, and gets that Stanley Thermos out of that chest wader inside pocket, the Thermos is tied in.

Yes a Stanley Thermos will float, full of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.


"If you bite my custom knife or sheath, I am never going to bring you do-nut holes again!".

Black Labs will stop, look at you, turn that head and get the most pitifullest look...
"I sorry, just gimme a Cinnamon Twist *burp* I done inhaled all my do-nut holes".


You don't get knife reviews , tips, suggestions and such from magazines like this now do you?

Knife: Olive Wood handle, with 3 1/4" "Steve's Clip Point", in 01, in a Kangaroo Leather sheath, with the design allowing horizontal and vertical carry.
Oh, the sheath had a small round ferro rod, and small round Norton fine slip stone for sharpener "blended" into it.

Trick huh?

 

[hso]

RE SOB carry - Wrap the sheath in sections of paracord leaving a loop of paracord for each section. You may tape the paracord to keep in in place on the sheath or use super glue. This way you can carry it horizontally SOB or carry it vertically using the paracord to attach a small diameter bungie to your leg.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

* Sigh *

full of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

That is some SERIOUSLY good coffee.

My late older sister introduced me to it. Every year from then on we would surprise her with a stash of it for Xmas.

She couldn't afford to buy it on a regular basis.

Neither can I.

Still, I remember.