IWB sheaths for fixed blades

[Pax Jordana]

Been thinking a lot about the whole IWB fixed blade knife concept. I kinna really want a kershaw military boot knife.

So I can't help but wonder if I could carry one IWB. Anybody else have good ideas for another knife (specific brands etc)? And who among us is of good repute and capable of making a sheath for it? I'd prefer kydex.

 

[Mike Sastre]

Almost any knife can be set up to carry IWB with the proper sheath. Inside the waistband carry is usually used for self-defense, so you would want the sheath to compliment fast access and concealablity. This means a slimline design that allows final grip on initial aquisition - like a well designed pistol holster lets you get your firing grip before the weapon ever leaves it. A properly designed sheath and a little attention to exactly where the "sweet spots" are on your particular body type, will let you carry some incedibly large knives, if that's your flavor. Sheathmakers can't be expected to own every knife out there, so expect to have to send your knife in for a sheath to be made (the best sheaths are made on actual knives). One of my favorites (otherv than my usual big Bowie) is the Spyderco Perrin Street Bowie (FB04). Here's a picture of it in one of my Drawpoint sheaths - IWB loop for wear with a belt, and the "G" clip for OTB wear or beltless (sweats & running shorts). All hardware is reversible for desired side of carry and edge orientation.

 

[bad LT]

Very nice setup Mike!

 

[SniperStraz]

S&W's HRT Boot Knives are nice. Not top of the line steel, but with the kydex sheaths I think that you'll find them quite nice.

 

[Mike Sastre]

SniperStraz,

While the knives pictured might be nice inexpensive solutions for IWB carry, the sheaths are perfect illistrations of not quite being able to get a full grip on the handle before drawing. In a SD situation you need to be able to grab and hit - no time for adjusting your grip in between. Most of your factory sheaths are only going to be "knife holders" because the bean counters need to keep the unit price down. They figure if you need something more suitable, you'll contact a custom maker. Just a fact of life.

 

[Master Blaster]

Before you do this you had better check the local laws in your state very carefully.

In Delaware I have a license to carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Gun Knife, blackjack, ASP batton, All are legal with the CCDW license.

In Pennsylvania, I also hold a license, it is to carry a concealed FIREARM.
If I carry a large knife concealed I can be arrested!!!!!

To Recap: Glock 26 and 33 round magazine concealed in PA. OK
Big knife over 4" concealed = Felony.


I see you live in Philadelphia, do you have a license to carry a concealed firearm???

 

[SniperStraz]

In a SD situation you need to be able to grab and hit - no time for adjusting your grip in between.

I agree comletely Mike Sastre, but even still, it is better than a folder. I think you'd be pretty hard pressed to find a sheath with good retention that will give you a full grip. The solution is simple begin your grip with your smaller fingers choked up near the blade. Go ahead and remove the knife and as the rest of the grip displays itself thats when you finish laying the rest of your fingers down. It takes a little practice to know exactly where to put your fingers, but it can be done with great speed and accuracy.

 

[Mike Sastre]

quote: "I think you'd be pretty hard pressed to find a sheath with good retention that will give you a full grip."

I make them all the time - it's one of my specialties, and one of the reasons my customers come to me. If you don't have a problem, you don't need a solution.

 

[SniperStraz]

Let me rephrase that: I think you'd be pretty hard pressed to find an off the shelf sheath with good retention that will give you a full grip.

 

[Mike Sastre]

I gues we're in real time here. My other post referrenced the difference between custom and factory sheaths.

 

[Pax Jordana]

Blaster,

In Pennsylvania, I also hold a license, it is to carry a concealed FIREARM. If I carry a large knife concealed I can be arrested!!!!!

I'd be interested to see the relevant laws cited, thanks.

I see you live in Philadelphia, do you have a license to carry a concealed firearm???

I live just outside it, just where the nice neighborhoods begin again and I do have a carry permit. I'm considering the HRT knives now also because I just ordered my first pair of Red Wings, and I can't find a boot holster for 'em


Mike - Is that a CS Kobun? When you carry it IWB, is it tip down edge forward, or crossdraw, or wot??

 

[Mike Sastre]

That's a CS Master Tanto. Loop is reversible and adjustable for angle, so can be either side with edge either way. Also has a "G" clip that can be substituted for belt wear (either side/way), or beltless as with "sweats" or running shorts. I've been making them like this for most knives for well over fifteen years. I've even done a few CS Kobuns. TRS Direct has just released a 3 DVD set called "Kitchen Kydex", where I show you how to make these, as well as multi-tool holsters, magazine carriers, and an IWB pistol holster, all without a big outlay of equipment. http://www.trsdirect.com