How To Carry A Fixed Blade

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While fixed blade knives have advantages over their folding counterparts, including increased strength and durability, keeping a fixed blade handy requires more planning than carrying around a pocket knife. Understanding how to carry a fixed blade knife correctly is vital to avoid accidental injury.

1. Scout

Any kid involved in Boy Scouts knows how to carry fixed blade knives with a sheathcorrectly. The Scout method refers to carrying the blade at a 90° angle to the height of your body, parallel to the ground.

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You can attach the sheath to the front or back of your belt–at your belly button or just above your rear. This position keeps the knife within reach for quick deployment, and it is easy to conceal your blade.

2. On Your Pack

Perfect for hikers, campers and hunters, the pack carrying method keeps your knife close by and ready for deployment in any situation. Attach the sheath to the paracord in the front of the pack straps to essentially keep the knife on your chest.

This is an excellent option for people who need a backup blade readily accessible or those who don't want to damage their best Microtech OTF knife on the trail. The one drawback to the clip-on pack technique is the potential to lose your knife, along with your pack, in an emergency.

3. Neck Sheath

Another excellent method for safe concealed knife carry is a neck sheath. When you aren't wearing pants with pockets or carrying a bag, neck carry provides an accessible and comfortable way to keep your knife close by.

You may need to exchange your regular knife for a lightweight variety, depending on what you usually carry. You can customize the cord around your neck to suit your style and enhance the comfort of this method. Paracord provides added functionality and a simple chain makes for a military style.

4. OWB Tip Up

Always reliable and designed for speedy deployment, the OWB (Outside the Waistband) Tip Up technique allows full mobility in your hips and legs without inhibiting the functionality of the sheath.

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The sheath should be attached to your belt and sit on the hip, allowing you to draw the knife straight down and out without grazing your leg.

5. OWB Tip Down

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Carrying your Microtech fixed blade outside your waistband and tip down is a standard way to keep your fixed blade handy while maintaining knife safety. Keeping the tip pointed toward the ground, away from your face and upper body, makes it easy to deploy the tool while respecting knife safety conventions.

This method translates well to carrying folding knives, as you won't have to worry about flipping the blade around after removing the knife from the sheath.

6. Static Line

A static line opens up a myriad of options for carrying your fixed blade. You can keep your knife secure by running the static line through your knife's handle and whatever you want to attach your knife to–most often your belt loop or an outdoor pack.

Static lines can help you keep your fixed blade in your pocket or inside your waistband without worrying about losing your favorite tool as you bump over a back road or clamber over some brambles.

7. Dangle

Look for a knife sheath that clips to your belt to achieve the dangle, or drop leg, carrying method. This method offers tons of mobility, as the knife is not rigid against your leg.

Even though the blade of your knife will be able to swing slightly as you walk, it's no trouble to reach down and draw the fixed blade out of its sheath when you need it.

Why Find a Safe Carry Option?

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Experimenting with different ways to carry your fixed blade can be an interesting and enjoyable process. You might come up with a favorite carrying method for each of your favorite daily activities.

Each of these carrying methods provides a safe way to keep your knife close at hand. In choosing your favorite, you should look for the option most comfortable for you and one that helps you practice safe knife-handling techniques when you draw your blade.

There are over 400,000 knife injuries treated in the U.S. every year, many due to improper carry and deployment techniques, but understanding some simple methods for fixed blade carry may save your fingers or your life.

Knives are incredibly useful and versatile tools you'll find yourself using every day out on the ranch, in the woods and even around your home and office. Find a method that makes carrying around these tools easy, comfortable and safe so you have your knife on hand when you need it.

Find High-Quality Fixed Blade Knives and Sheaths at eKnives

Finding a sheath that can accommodate your carry style and fit your fixed blade is the necessary next step. Look to eKnives for exceptional fixed blade knives and matching sheaths. A high-quality product can last a lifetime.