Safety of IWB compression lock at 12:00 while running?

[Jason]

Hello everyone! I regularly run in my neighborhood with a Delica clipped IWB into my running shorts at the 12 o’clock position. As we all know the Delica has a back lock. I’m very familiar with the knife and its carriage based on about 20 years after taking an Insights defensive knife course. Recently, I just got a PARA 3 lightweight and I love it. I would like to change to carrying the PARA3 IWB like I have been with my Delica, but I’m hesitant because of the compression lock, potentially opening while in my shorts in this position.

My question is this: has anyone else been doing any running or other physical activity with the para3 while clipped into your shorts IWB in the front position? If so, have any of you experienced the knife opening by mistake? Is it secure in this position to not open while doing running, and jumping?

Thanks!

[JakeXman]

I’m not proud to admit it, but the only time I’ve had a compression lock open accidentally (while carried tip up IWB) was when I dropped my pants to answer nature’s call. I was in a rush and the handle struck the floor hard enough to jostle the blade open. Fortunately I caught it before I was finished

If your waistband is reasonably tight I reckon you’ll be alright.

[Saucerito]

I’ve carried a Sage 5 LW with no issues opening up. It’s a little chunkier (as is the Para 3) than the Delica but I haven’t experienced the Para 3 LW version which should have some nice rounded edges for comfort. The Delica is still easily my favorite IWB knife though. Tip down at about 12:15 to allow it to nestle in the groin crease. For me, I can’t imagine there’s another knife around this size that comes close to the Delica in terms of forgetting you have a knife down there - including a BM Bugout. The mini bugout and dragonfly are great too but they’re smaller.

[vivi]

it all depends on the detent stiffness. I've had some comp locks open in my pocket from just walking around (para 2), but I can run up and down mountain trails with my yojumbo clipped IWB without issue.

You absolutely need to loc-tite the pivot. How well comp lock knives stay shut depends on the pivot being tight. If the screw comes loose the knife will come open much more easily.

[ladybug93]

i've run many times with a caribbean iwb with no issues and most people complain about the caribbean having a weak detent. that said, i carry mind at 3 and would never carry a knife iwb at 12. it's funny to think about cutting the jewels and such, but you also have vital organs and arteries right there. i don't think my knife will open on me, but that doesn't seem safe at all, regardless of the lock type.

[Jason]

i've run many times with a caribbean iwb with no issues and most people complain about the caribbean having a weak detent. that said, i carry mind at 3 and would never carry a knife iwb at 12. it's funny to think about cutting the jewels and such, but you also have vital organs and arteries right there. i don't think my knife will open on me, but that doesn't seem safe at all, regardless of the lock type.

I can understand that. But for self defense I prefer they if I’m carrying one knife or be at my centerline so it’s available to both hands. I’ve never had a delica open up when carried at my center for 20 years. Maybe I should stick to back locks for centerline carry, like the native or Delica. I love the para3 so much though I’d love to carry it all the time!

[vandelay]

It's probably worth experimenting to see how heavy of an impact it would take to have the blade open accidentally. Just hold the knife and bang your arm on a table and see how much it takes before the blade comes out. If it doesn't take much force, IWB carry is going to be risky. Some knives require more force than you'd expect, some less.

Para 3s don't have a particularly heavy detent but I'd really only be worried about one opening if I was doing something where I could take a big impact (e.g. rock climbing) or something might snag on the hole.

you also have vital organs and arteries right there.

yeah the idea of having the knife right next to your femoral artery is a little scary.

[ladybug93]

i've run many times with a caribbean iwb with no issues and most people complain about the caribbean having a weak detent. that said, i carry mind at 3 and would never carry a knife iwb at 12. it's funny to think about cutting the jewels and such, but you also have vital organs and arteries right there. i don't think my knife will open on me, but that doesn't seem safe at all, regardless of the lock type.

I can understand that. But for self defense I prefer they if I’m carrying one knife or be at my centerline so it’s available to both hands. I’ve never had a delica open up when carried at my center for 20 years. Maybe I should stick to back locks for centerline carry, like the native or Delica. I love the para3 so much though I’d love to carry it all the time!

check out wise men. you could put a ring and a fang on your para 3 and put it on your weak side for a quick and easy draw. then you could just carry both.

[dsvirsky]

I've had my Para 3 LW open in the pocket of my sweatpants (not clipped) when I dropped them. Don't know that I'd trust it IWB during physical exertion.

[Wandering_About]

I'm not one that has tons of distrust for compression locks detents, but I'd go with a back lock for that carry position personally. The Para 3 is great but I'd probably choose a Native 5 Salt. When cycling I usually carry that or a UKPK Salt in a jersey pocket. The UKPK isn't a back lock but the backspring seems not far off in keeping it closed.

[Brock O Lee]

I’m in the “rather safe than sorry” camp, after a few stories over the years of detent-based locks opening inside pockets. I’ve made a decision to avoid carrying them IWB on principle. It may be unlikely, but only has to happen once to ruin your day(s)…

Every time I think about reconsidering, I remind myself of this happening with my razor sharp piercing tool near the “wedding vegetables”:



Spyderco has many excellent alternatives in more corrosion resistant steels the the Para3. My pick is the UKPK (S110V or LC200N), or any other back lock Salt.

[wrdwrght]

I put nothing IWB at 12 o’clock except natural parts. But, then, I’m crazy like that.

[yablanowitz]

I have carried tip-up knives IWB. It is a mistake I will not repeat.

[navin johnson]

What is wrong with the Delica?

My P3 has a very weak detent

[Jason]

I have carried tip-up knives IWB. It is a mistake I will not repeat.

Can you explain? Please detail your experience. Thanks.

[Bill1170]

In a Kydex holster at 12:00 should be safe. Not safe enough just tucked in waistband.

[yablanowitz]

I have carried tip-up knives IWB. It is a mistake I will not repeat.

Can you explain? Please detail your experience. Thanks.

I've had tip up knives open in my pockets several times. I tried carrying my ATR inside my waistband since it was so thin. The Cobra Hood waved it open unexpectedly and assasinated my shirt. Luckily, I got to keep my kidney. That was the last time I trusted a tip up knife in my pants.

[kennethsime]

I do just that - run with my Para 3 LW clipped IWB. I keep it away from the family jewels, though.

[Airlsee]

Pac Salt 2 SE seems like the best option for this use case in my opinion...

[Skar]

Personally I wouldn't worry about it.
Usually I carry iwb, no issues to report.

Not at 12 (uncomfortable to sit down).