BEST Knife Carry Options and Deployment Methods 2023
Author: Steve Hanafi, Silat Sharaf Practitioner, Malaysia
When we talk about knife carry methods, the number of ways that one can carry a knife is only limited to one’s imagination. Some are practical, and some are just pure nonsense. There are also methods (both safe and dangerous) to carry a bladed weapon just to get through a security inspection. Some can be your wildest imaginations come true.
Generally speaking, there are only 3 methods of knife carry, tip-up, tip-down, and horizontal. Everything else falls in between. For this article, we’ll skip folding knife carry methods as they are self-explanatory, and you can use the *Pocket clip* to clip them anywhere you want. For carrying options you can always choose to carry overtly or covertly (concealed carry), which depends on your local laws. For your fixed blades, if you want to, you can just drop them in your pocket, pouch, or in a bag. Or if you’re feeling a bit more hardcore, you can just carry it sheathed in your hand, all-day-long. However, to make life easier and less complicated without police cars surrounding you, there are endless sheath attachment options for you to choose from. Here we list down the best, no-nonsense, carry options that will provide you the best of practicality and comfort.
Inside Waist Band (IWB)
Pull the shirt, and the knife comes out ready for duty action.
The Inside Waist Band or IWB carry is where you carry the knife inside the waistband of your pants. This method offers some of the best concealability you can ask for, and when done right can give you comfort even after wearing it all day long. The two most popular methods are using an IWB clip or using a dummy cord.
IWB Clip
The IWB clip as the name suggests uses a clip that is either provided with the sheath or you can buy it from a 3rd party company. One of the most famous clips is the ones produced by Ulti Clip. The clip works by being attached to the holes on the sheath using a screw and then clipped onto your belt or the waistband of your pants. One of the best things about using a sturdy clip like the ones made by Ulti Clip is that even after you draw your blade out of its sheath, the clip and sheath remain in place, and the options you have for adjustability are endless.
The IWB static line, one of my favorite method due to the comfort it provides. Minimal gear, hassle free.
Static Line or Dummy Cord
The static line is where a cord is wrapped to the sheath and the other end to your belt or belt loop. 550 paracord is one that is most commonly used as it is well-known for its durability and strength. The good thing about using this method is that when drawn, the sheath is pulled out with the knife, ensuring that the knife first clears your pants before it clears the sheath which significantly reduces the risk of injuring yourself, that is of course if you’re training properly. No amount of gear or type of carry method can improve on a lack of training or skill. You need to deal with that if you’re going to carry a knife or any weapon at all. Another good thing about this method is during the resheathing of the knife, you don’t have to fumble around looking for the sheath, just grab the sheath in one hand and store the knife with another, like a badass Japanese Samurai.
Outside Waist Band (OWB)
OWB is one of the most famous methods of knife carry, especially among law enforcement officers, as this provides the best comfort and quickest time to draw out the knife. As the knife hangs in its sheath freely, unobstructed by the pant or shirt as in IWB carry. The two most common methods of attachment are either using an integrated belt loop that comes with the sheath, or a Tek Lok, which offers much higher adjustability for the user. In some states where open carry is allowed in public, some choose this method because of comfort but there are those who still prefer the IWB method as the blade is better concealed. If one chooses to carry their knife OWB covertly, usually a larger-sized shirt or a jacket is worn together to better conceal the knife from prying eyes. The only downside to this is that “printing” can happen where the shape of the handle of the knife can be seen and the wearer can be targeted by those looking for armed others. OWB is common in the Eastern world also in countries where open carry is normal in society.
The OWB method is also particularly famous among hunters, hikers, and backpackers alike. These people spend a lot of time moving around in the wilderness and they usually prefer the freedom of movement this carry method provides. It also gives ease of access when needed to cut ropes or chop through small branches, and sometimes for skinning or cooking.
OWB aka The Traditional Carry offers ease of access and comfort but little in the way of concealability. If someone specifically targets you it’s also a problem because they know exactly where your weapon is.
The Scout draw process is intuitive and quick but has seriously dangerous drawbacks.
Malaysian Navy Special Force or Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) members rocking their HK 416s and a Gerber LMF II attached to their belt
Scout Carry
Also known as the 6 O’Clock carry, where the knife is placed horizontally behind your back. While this method offers comfort and concealability, it presents a challenge during the resheathing process as one would be fumbling around to put the knife back into its home. Another thing that is a constant worry for users is that the knife falls out of its sheath and the person doesn’t realize it happening as they can’t see behind their back. One thing that makes this carry method unique is the safety that it provides which is why this is the hiker’s favorite. In the event where one falls during a walk or hike, the knife is out of the way, preventing injury that can be caused by the tip if it breaks through the sheath. Another good point is that it offers a quick draw from concealed positions.
From a self-defense perspective, this is a problem carry also because you need to draw the weapon from a rear position which creates the telltale “war triangle” as it’s called in Silat Sharaf with the arm. As soon as an aware adversary sees that triangle shape they know a weapon is being deployed and will strike immediately to counter it. Another problem is that it exposes your entire chest and stomach when you draw the knife, so if there is an issue with your sheath in that instance you’re at a severe disadvantage that could cost you dearly.
Neck Carry
Other than the IWB static line, this is another carry method that utilizes a cord looped through the sheath holes and then worn on the body, in this case, the neck. The neck carry is considered the most famous, cheapest, and easiest knife carry method around. It’s also one of the most concealable when worn with the right clothing. This method is also popular in countries where people wear sarong or robes as there is no belt to attach a knife to.
The neck carry provides excellent concealment, ease of access and is comfortable enough for wear during long periods of time. It can be concealed well underneath a regular shirt or a layer of jacket will do the job splendidly.
Some people don’t this method because it’s downright scary as the knife is so closely placed to your ribs and neck. However, with newer sheaths that are made of stronger and more reliable material, we’ll say that there should be no problem unless you’re doing crazy things with the knife or don’t close it properly.
The push dagger is one of the most frequently used knives in this style of carry. It’s efficient, deadly, and very concealable. Pendekar Hussein, founder of TotalUrbanSurvival.com, here with his son and friend at a military meet in Sudan sporting his neck carry.
A WWII soldier re-sheathing his Fairbairn-Sykes Dagger.
Ankle & Boot Carry
Ahh, the golden classic. This is one of the most preferred carry methods for paratroopers during World War II and it’s popular until today. This is considered one of the preferred places for backup / last-ditch blades. They are usually clipped to a boot or using a strap that’s wrapped tight around the calf. It’s a no-brainer why paratroopers love this carry method as they sit firm, quick to draw, and are always there in bad times.
The pros of this method include concealability, quick draw, comfortable for long periods, and most importantly, it doesn’t hinder movement. When the paratrooper lands, the last thing they want is to realize that they’ve lost their weapon, and even worse, having it accidentally stabbing them. Should they be stuck or have to face an immediate threat, the knife is always at their feet, waiting for action.
We can only find one downside to this carry method, which is if the knife is too heavy, it can weigh down the boot and make it uncomfortable to wear over long distances. But realistically, in those situations, you’d probably have a lot more things to worry about than another 100 grams on your boot knife :)
Last but Surely Not Least: The Best Carry Option Under $50
When it comes to EDC knives, there’s always the endless debate of which knife is better built, uses better materials, or has the best design. In our opinion, pick one that doesn’t break the bank and won’t break on you when you need it the most.
The Gerber Ghoststrike: Cheap, Sexy, and Great Draw Method
Designed to be an ultra-light and slim last-ditch self-defense blade, the Gerber Ghoststrike fixed blade knife is one of our top picks for Best Carry Options under $50. Small in size, and slim in shape, the handle fits perfectly for those with medium-sized hands. The 3.3-inch fine edge blade, despite falling into the smaller size of blades, packs a huge punch. Now that I mentioned the word punch, the Ghoststrike series also features a push dagger which Gerber calls the Ghoststrike Punch Knife, also a great sub-$50 dollar carry option.
The CRKT Obake: Vicious Penetration and Solid Deployment
A monster, ghost, shapeshifter, or demon from Japanese folklore, the Obake is simply not to be messed with. This slim knife with a total length of 7.5 inches is a monster when you need a good self-defense knife. It was in fact, created with that in mind by the designer, Lucas Burnley. I’ve personally owned and used this knife myself for 2 years and I can safely say that this is one of the best fixed blade knives I’ve ever carried. I highly recommend it as one of the Best knife Carry Options under $50.
The Cold Steel Urban Edge: Concealable and Strong
A versatile knife that can be used for everyday utility tasks. But we all know, that push daggers like these are made for more than cutting papers or opening boxes, they’re a devil in detail. For the price point and the quality that is offered, none can beat this stunner from Cold Steel. It can be perfectly hidden under a shirt or clipped to a belt, or just dropped into your pocket, the ease of access and the firm grip that this knife provides makes it a tough challenger for those on the receiving end. The only dilemma you’ll face with this knife, like all neck knives, is the chain that comes with it from the manufacturer. Those beaded chains are usually not very good quality so we suggest that you use 550 Paracord or some other strong cord/metal to re-sling the chain. But other than that small, easily fixable issue, the Urban Edge is a top choice for Best knife Carry Options under $50.
The Ka-Bar TDI: Amazing Deployment and a No-Brainer for Those Comfy with Firearms
If this is your first time seeing this knife, it might raise an eyebrow. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The blade was designed by Ka-Bar with Law Enforcement Officers in mind, the TDI itself is the acronym for Tactical Defense Institute, a famous law enforcement training institute in West Union, Ohio. The curved shape is to give comfort and ease of draw for law enforcement officers as it creates a “pistol grip”, the same grip that one would use when drawing a handgun. Designed for extreme close quarters and as a last resort for officers (now made available to civilians), this is a no-nonsense knife perfect for those who want an EDC knife for self-defense purposes. 100% on our list of Best knife Carry Options under $50.
Some Final Thoughts
When it comes to carry options for knives, some people take it very seriously, some just don’t give a damn, some are totally clueless. For me, it’s one of the main criteria that I look at first when buying a new knife. Custom sheath makers and upgrades are available, but really, it’s less of a hassle if the carry option comes with the knife and you don’t have to buy or order anything extra. Deployment is also one of the most important aspects of carrying for self-defense purposes, so choose wisely.