I've realized I dont like pocket clips on tools.

[Aloha]

Ok let me rephrase that a bit.  I dont like to carry tools with pocket clips in my front pocket.  I haven't been carrying a dedicated knife for a while now.  I didn't really think about it till I cleaned up an Opinel I recently got and begin to carry it.  I had typically carried my knife in my back left pocket but worried the clip would tear by seats up for sofa up.  I stopped carrying one as a result yet I like having one. 

My favorite blade is my Native and while I could carry it inside my pocket like my Opinel it seemed lame.  I mean it has a clip for a reason right?  I never felt the clip held strong enough and actually bending or stooping the knife would creep up, never fell out thankfully.   

Anyone else feel this way? 

[Toolslinger]

Interesting. I only carry clipped tools in my front right pocket and that is usually a folder. SAK on a dangler in the left. Everything else in the pocket or on the belt. Nothing in the rear pockets (not comfortable for me).

[rebel]

Ok let me rephrase that a bit.  I dont like to carry tools with pocket clips in my front pocket.  I haven't been carrying a dedicated knife for a while now.  I didn't really think about it till I cleaned up an Opinel I recently got and begin to carry it.  I had typically carried my knife in my back left pocket but worried the clip would tear by seats up for sofa up.  I stopped carrying one as a result yet I like having one.

Well not exactly the same thing but kinda similar. I did have a Cadillac with nice leather seats and a permanent mark from the .45 I wore in a holster while driving it. So I don't think your concerns are unfounded. I prefer holsters for everything- guns, lights, tools, because a belt carries the load a lot better than the best pocket ever made and I have not seen everything but I have yet to see a belt rip and fall off. They don't sell denim patches for nothing, pockets come and go.

My favorite blade is my Native and while I could carry it inside my pocket like my Opinel it seemed lame.  I mean it has a clip for a reason right?  I never felt the clip held strong enough and actually bending or stooping the knife would creep up, never fell out thankfully.   

Anyone else feel this way?

Yeah, absolutely I worry about anything heavy or ill balanced that has a clip. I have a few Olights with clips and they are just a problem waiting to happen. I wish they sold those with holsters.

[N_N_R]

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM 








I love clips. On most stuff. It at least gives me a "sense of direction", I mean, I can easily know/figure in what position my knife is. Otherwise I'll have to feel in my pocket and see... of course, I could also always place the knife in the same way in my pocket, but.... why bother since there's a clip

 



P.S. I almost cut myself while typing this 

[styx]

Considering that I haven't carried a clipped knife in a few months now, I share your sentiment. Although I do feel that some clips are very comfortable for IWB carry

[sir_mike]

I am one that cannot carry anything like that in my back pockets.  I can and have carried a Wave or Charge AL using the clip in my front pocket without much trouble at all! 

[zoidberg]

If I like a tool but the pocket clip interferes with the function then it gets removed.

I try to avoid using back pockets.

Marked up a few cars and doorways when I started to carry folders/MTs with clips.

[Aloha]

I am just not a fan of having a tool clipped inside my front pockets.  I'd rather have it on my belt since my keys and wallet are in my front pockets.  I only moved the knife to my rear pocket as I wanted to carry it.  It's actually not so uncomfortable its just the clip marring stuff up that bothers me. 

I have my MT so I don't really "need" a dedicated blade and my SAK can handle what ever else. 

Hmmm, maybe I'm just not a folder kinda a guy 

[Gerhard Gerber]

I immediately took the clip off my Skeletool.

The pocket clips on my cheap a cheerful chinese folders are a non-symmetrical irritation, but since I don't carry them and the 3 holes left by taking them off would freak my out.....they stay.

I'm seriously considering bringing in a small folder into the rotation instead of the Skeletool, that would be new to me and I think will have to ride clipped.....

[rebel]

On a folder I think a clip usually works well. The companies seem to have thought out good balance points and folders with clips are usually flat and thin and ride perfectly well in a back pocket.

I am surprised to hear people are comfortable carrying sharp stuff in front pockets. Sounds like asking for an ugly groin injury if you fall, etc. Nothing goes in my front pockets but a handkerchief and maybe a few coins.

[Toolslinger]

On a folder I think a clip usually works well. The companies seem to have thought out good balance points and folders with clips are usually flat and thin and ride perfectly well in a back pocket.

I am surprised to hear people are comfortable carrying sharp stuff in front pockets. Sounds like asking for an ugly groin injury if you fall, etc. Nothing goes in my front pockets but a handkerchief and maybe a few coins.

This is why I carry tip-up in my right front pocket. Keeps the blade pinned between the handle and the seam of the pant. Can't come open and can't catch my hand on it. I dislike tip-down since it can come loose and stab me in the leg/groin or catch my hand when I reach in for other stuff.

I also don't like a knife without a strong retention in the closed position. Whether it be detent, backspring, etc, the knife needs to stay closed when I shake it (of course extreme shaking or wrist action can get most things to open at least partially).

[Gerhard Gerber]

I am surprised to hear people are comfortable carrying sharp stuff in front pockets. Sounds like asking for an ugly groin injury if you fall, etc. Nothing goes in my front pockets but a handkerchief and maybe a few coins.

Three main reasons I wouldn't carry in a back pocket would be having to take it out when you sit down, best case it being stolen by a pick-pocket, and worse case being stabbed in the back with you own very handy knife.

[Steinar]

I never carry knives in my back pocket either. Uncomfortable and not very practical in the season of long jackets and heavy clothing, i.e. winter.

As for pocket clips... I think I have actually used them a single digit number of times, even though at least four of the knives in my EDC rotation got one. I sort of like the idea in theory, but... not for me, I guess.

[sixracer]

I like clips as they keep stuff from falling into uncomfortable orientations in my pocket (usually right front). Love the deep clip on my Spyderco Sage and on my SOGs.

My only issue with clips is stealth in my city with a 2.5" knife law. Clip is something police tend to notice. Haven't had any issues but could.

Been playing with a suspension clip on my SAKs. Ideally my SAK would ride vertical next to my wallet (back pocket) but that never seems to work. 

[rebel]

My only issue with clips is stealth in my city with a 2.5" knife law. Clip is something police tend to notice. Haven't had any issues but could.

What I used to do for that is clip the knife inside the waistband on my back. The clip is hidden by your belt and the knife is still easily accessible. I got into more than one "weapon free" establishment doing that