Tip Down Carry is Better for Pocket Knives

[@don0giorgio]

Yes dude! At last someone said it. Less pocket lint in the lock and bearings/washers

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks for the comment its just interesting to see the changes in the hobby.

[@jlg395]

I’ve carried the same knife in my pocket for eleven years, and never once have I had lint be an issue. What a crazy thing to worry about at the expense of so much ergonomic convenience.

[@randyf.9188]

I prefer tip up for smaller knives. Tip down makes sense on larger ones.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah can definitely see that.

[@williamlenderman387]

Personally, I like tip down carry. When the knife is withdrawn from the pocket your finger and or thumb are close to where they need to be to deploy the blade without having to shift your grip very much. Trouble is, not all knives give the option of tip down carry. Because of this, I carry all of my knives tip up even if the knife could be carried tip down. My reasoning for this is because when I withdraw my knife from my pocket, I don't have to stop and think, "which way was my knife oriented in my pocket and do I need to change my grip in order to deploy the blade?" Having said all of this, I say carry your knives however you're most comfortable with. If it's right for you, then it's the right way to go.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah in deed, I just feel there is a benefit to tip down, but the community has made it "the wrong way" I still feel if someone is carrying something then that's great.

[@michaelknott4895]

I believe this is actually the logic behind the Spyderco military only being drilled for tip down carry. With such a big knife it becomes somewhat unwieldy to quickly get it out of the pocket and get it open in the tip up configuration.

[@BladeBanter]

That very well might be the case, thanks for watching.

[@cocabandi]

I have always favored tip down carry, but some of my folders have come with tip up only, so I've gotten used to both configurations.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah the trend of the community currently.

[@sganet_]

I had to learn this the hard way, I usually carry right handed tip up, but I was helping a friend move one day and right pocket was full, so I put my knife in the left pocket. And I JUST resharpened it (Bess avg 120) and gave it a mirror polish. When I reached my left hand into the pocket for it, the knife had just opened enough where it sliced the top of my middle finger, about 1/2” wide, 1” long. Blood started gashing out and to the ER I go!

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah that is one thing about tip down is the versatility of carry positions. A lot of tip up was from the tactical side.

[@marshalllaw123]

For me it’s all down to how the clip hits my hand when I’m holding the knife. My Hogue EX-A01 is tip-down because tip-up makes it mega uncomfortable in use.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah lots of different reasons for carry thanks for watching and commenting. were you able to see the pictures I sent you on instagram?

[@stevemilk4526]

You sir are officially shunned from the knife community ! 😊😂

[@BladeBanter]

Bring out the fire and the pitch forks.

[@denizkendirci]

i am a tip up guy, because of the deployment. what is the quickest way a folding knife can be deployed? emerson wave. it literally cannot be quicker than "already open when it's taken out". and emerson wave requires what type of carry? exactly. tip up.

[@BladeBanter]

Oh definitely there is a purpose and the tactical side is where tip up came into play. But versatility of carry location can be said for tip down.

[@denizkendirci]

@@BladeBanter so true. for example if i was a camper with relavitely big folding knife, i'd probably carry it tip down. or if i was using my medium or small sized folding knife mainly for utility and opening packages, then i'd carry it tip down. the tip up my personal choice because of my priorities, everybody have different purpose, usage, habits and choice, of course.

[@BladeBanter]

@denizkendirci in deed just interesting how it's considered the right or wrong way to carry. Carry, use and enjoy.

[@jtucci5711]

Thanks David, After looking at the Hecate following your overwhelming endorsement, I knew its sculpted look would get the better of me sooner or later and the price I payed made it a very good value so it was a done deal, thanks!

[@BladeBanter]

It's a great knife and I don't like big knives that much. One on my list at some point.

[@SeanLiu888]

I don't think tip up is universally better than tip down, but I still prefer tip up because 1) the only time I've been cut by a knife in the pocket was with tip down and 2) the pocket clip is often more of a hotspot in tip down right where your hand grips.

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks for the input, how did you cut yourself in the tip down orientation?

[@SeanLiu888]

@@BladeBanter it was along time ago but I think it was sanrenmu 710 that was slightly open when I reached in my pocket. The detent on that knife isn't even that weak so I was very wary of tip down knives after that. I wouldn't mind carry lockbacks tip down though.

[@BladeBanter]

Interesting as if it was slightly open in a tip down when you out your hand in you pocket would close the blade at the base of your pocket.

[@menacewithaknife4045]

Most my knives are tip up except my pm2 LH. Since I'm left handed I only buy knives that allow me to switch the clip to the other side,if they don't I don't buy them. Thanks for sharing 🐱

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah the reversable clip is not very popular, I think some of the idea is they don't want to add the machining or to break up the show side scale.

[@menacewithaknife4045]

@@BladeBanter your probably right, one thing that drives me nuts is the knife reviewers and even blade HQ will say how ambi the PM2 is because of the holes on both sides, I wish they would review the pm2 LH to find out what a lefty experiences when they try a PM2 for right handed

[@shaneintegra]

I have a Tip Up Benchmade Super Freek and instantly realized I couldn't go tip down. I've had the blade open two times but managed not to cut myself yet :/

[@BladeBanter]

Thats not great tip up is definatly one that has specific locations in the pocket for them to ride against the seam

[@Agent-vj3ns]

Spyderco compression locks don't open randomly

[@BladeBanter]

Even if that's the case I personally wouldn't recommend having any knife tip up with the blade side where your hand is going, may not have been a Spyderco but many a person has been insured by that orientation.

[@dimi7055]

For sure... Tip down if you pull your knife out the pocket you have your fingers allready on the flipper or studs ... I prefer tip down for sure. Socom elite and spydie military are the best examples.

[@BladeBanter]

The Socom is one that gets recommended a good deal, seems like a solid build.

[@dimi7055]

@@BladeBanter socom elite is the most solid folder i have ever felt.

[@bladecentered2264]

I used to care, but now, tip up or tip down is not that big of deal

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah it depends on the knife and a good deal of preferance.

[@efcruzado]

I carry my primary knife tip up in my left back pocket with nothing else in there. If I carry in my front pocket, it’s usually a smaller knife. I never carry a knife in the pocket with keys.

[@BladeBanter]

Mine shares a pocket with my wallet.

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

Sir, all of your logical & practical reasons for tip down carry are valid. But the reason that convinced me, was the second time that I slipped my hand into my knife pocket and received a sharp knife tip up into my flesh behind a fingernail. Ouch!! The first time was an "accident" but the second time taught me a lesson. (A painful lesson.) (For the record...both knives were quality knives, no cheap gas station knives were involved).

[@BladeBanter]

Oh thats no good. when doing tip up were you carring the blade side against the seem or into the packet. Tip is would be the one that has a specific way of carring.

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

@@BladeBanter :- It was tip up, inside the main right side pocket. That pocket is reserved for a pocket knife only. No pocket change, keys, etc. just my knife...and it bit me.

[@BladeBanter]

That's no good yeah I had seen some tactical folks use the knife tip up with the blade facing into the pocket, but I feel it should always be on the outer seam

[@GaryWiens-c8o]

Since my favourite locking mechanisms are the axis lock or variations of it tip down is not an option. That said ive experimented with standard sized blades and find deployment of the bkade more natural tip up and also closing the knife and returning it to the pocket isbmire natural.

[@BladeBanter]

Definitely something that has become the normal carry for pocket knives.

[@asleepyinsomnia]

i like tip up carry because the pocket clip doesnt get in the way as much, and also consistency. i dont want to deploy my knife and go 'oh wait, its the other way today' -although some tip down carry clip assists in certain type of cutting tasks. but more chance of that clip creating hot spots

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah good point regarding the consisentcy with the tools you are using. Thanks for watching.

[@knaftasticedc956]

Ok David I tried this..🤬 now I can't get my Emerson wave feature to work..any ideas? Lol No seriously I like both but prefer tip up..it just feels more natural for me and easier tip up..great video brother..

[@BladeBanter]

🤣 yeah it's just one of those things that has become a right or wrong on tip up or down.

[@lucasmills1246]

I carry tip up, but I keep my swivels tight enough to have a smooth action but not open by itself. Furthermore, I'd rather have it eject backwards to the seam of my pocket, than forwards while sitting down to slice an artery in my leg. Yes I know the chances of that happening are 1/1,000,000 but I have terrible luck. Also, I like pulling it out and opening it without having to do that flip around in the hand.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah true, interesting that the tactical market affected the entire community with tip up carry being the only way to carry a knife.

[@PoetFisherman]

Oddly, I guess I haven't had a preference. I'll swap a clip on a Leek since I have two, and see which I like better.

[@BladeBanter]

Nice, let me know what you decide and that gets into another topic of how much the handle sticks out of the pocket.

[@mrblauer1]

The Leek is an excellent choice to experiment with. In the tip down configuration it sits much deeper in the pocket, which is part of the reason why I carry my Leek tip down.

[@PoetFisherman]

@@BladeBanter ok, well, I swapped one clip to configure for tip down and have just been carrying both. For extraction and deployment, I do like the Leek at least, tip down.

[@BladeBanter]

The Leek is one I have in the tip down orientation too.

[@BladeBanter]

Nice, thanks for the follow up. I probably need a update as for assisted it has a bigger chance of deployment if the blade isn't at the seam

[@Penguin482]

My preference is tip down. I typically carry in my back right pocket far off to the outside. The blade is against the seam, the flipper away. I pull any size blade with the same turn you speak of for larger blades so the opening mechanism is always in the correct location regardless of size. My front pocket has my cellphone. I have never had an accidental deployment. My knife is a tool, not a self defence weapon.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah I agree there are different carry methods and the tip up is the popular way to carry a knife, but not the "right" way as some make it out to be.

[@koga8100]

My shaman is tip down all day, for a flipper and a smaller knife, tip up all day

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah definitely good for some knives, check out the newest video the CME would be a nice addition to your Shaman

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

I truly respect your opinion, and I definitely look up to you and unity but I have to say that all the major knife companies will tell you to keep the knife seemed against your pocket For safety concerns. Kershaw says it all day long. I think it would be wise to check first imho.

[@BladeBanter]

I would agree that the absolutly safest way would be against your seem but the same knife tip down carry blade on the pocket side. When your putting your hand into your pocket the blade is being pushed closed. With Kershaw the recommendation is going to be the safest carry its like Hot coffee needing to say hot.

[@lionknives3]

I Prefer tip down carry! Just if it's a hot spot or makes the looks of the knife ugly then I carry tip up. It's for me faster and easier to put the Knive out and deploy

[@BladeBanter]

Nice thanks for the input.

[@jcb6713]

with tip down, when drawn from the pocket with thumb and forefinger, there are fewer moves/movement, to get into the hand position for opening; therefore a little quicker, 'especially for larger tactical blades'. You spend less time walking the knife into position. stay safe, have a good one.

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

JCB 67 I have to say that every single time I pull out my pocket knife I feel where the flipper tab is with my index finger and I pull it out with my middle finger and thumb and I literally slide it out with my finger on the tab so I think it’s different for each person. I definitely pull out the knife and flip the knife and it’s literally two motions. I’m more worried about people thinking now that they can carry their knife night against the seam of their pocket and have an open blade in their pocket

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks for watching and your input.

[@BladeBanter]

Its down to preferance for the knife. Please explain the concern regarding an open blade in their pocket?

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Tip up only for me... just feels right to draw and deploy the knife... btw I don't use flipper taps and I would never buy a knife with a flipper tap... but that's just me I guess... Apart from my own preference, I really like that some companies (like Spyderco) offers 4 positions for their clips, so the user can choose what ever they prefer...

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah in deed there are knives for everyone and other than basic safety reasons for some ways to carry, it then comes down to preferance.

[@rbs1889]

Blasphemy! 😁😉

[@BladeBanter]

I know right. Thanks for watching.

[@raulbanegas1982]

Tip down is not better because the pivot area it's exposed to dirt and also is top_heavy therefore easier getting lost.....and there are more real good reasons for tip up carrying....

[@BladeBanter]

There are positives and negatives for both, thanks for commenting.

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

In my personal opinion, it is extremely dangerous to carry a blade that is not sheet against the seam of your pants. The same of your pants keeps that blade closed with more force than you would realize. With an open blade that has a flipper tab that’s touching your hip, it is very easy to accidentally deploy a blade and to not know it. There isn’t just a risk of cutting a finger, there is a much worse risk of not knowing and then having to go through your leg, or having somebody bump into you and having it go through them which I have heard of. I think that we should look at the stats before even talking about this. Look up online pictures and pictures speak 1 million words online. I have personally seen a child sit down on someone who had a pocket knife in their pocket that was not shipped and it cut the child- it’s just not smart to do. It’s like keeping bullets in your pocket. We all know people who have done it, but it’s definitely not the smartest thing to be doing.

[@BladeBanter]

That is where I agree in a tip up configuration it should be against the seam near the side of your pocket. But in a tip down configuration it can safely be carried more universally. I had seen in other posts of your concern, let me know what those are to be able to see your side of things. Thanks a lot.

[@jlg395]

Tip up is definitely the way to go. Nothing else makes sense.

[@BladeBanter]

Large knives I feel still makes sense tip down.

[@MikeJ2319]

My primary knife is always tip up right pocket. No way the blade can be partially deployed if there’s a flipper tab. Its vice versa for tip down, your hand or anything going down in your pocket could catch the flipper tab And deployment from the tip up is waay quicker than tip down. And more efficient, no need to fidget and rotate the knife to get a proper grip before deploying. Tip down carry also eliminates the possibility of using a lanyard loop

[@BladeBanter]

Nice I find that both have their place, see what you mean about the lanyard although I personally don't use lanyards. The tip down I find rotates as you are pulling the knife out and putting the knife away you don't have to rotate it. Comes down to a lot of preferance.