ImHereForTheMilitary2 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 23, 2023 4:58 am
I get the feeling here but I don't understand the shot against pocket clips and one handed opening. What you do with your knife is your business, but why remove the clip? Its better to have it and not need it, right? You can keep the clip on the knife and not use it. Same goes for the spyder hole. You never know when you need to open a knife with one hand. And again, better to have it and not need it.
Like I said, I get the sentiment. I too yearn for the old days. But I just don't understand why you're calling out packet clips and thumb holes
There's no right or wrong, everyone adapts to their own circumstance.
It took quite some time for me to figure out that carrying clipless could be beneficial in some situations. It also kept me from trying the smaller man-/ladybug models. That was until I specifically needed the other features provided by the Manbug salt. And that little knife changed my knife carry habits forever.
Fast forward through a period of small adjustments I ended up with my main carry for 95% of my workdays being a clipless DF2 riding in the bottom of my RBP.
This pocket was previously unused pocket real-estate, so it solved the pocket organizing issue for me.
The DF2 is slim enough that I don't feel it when I sit down, but that changes when the clip is attached, so off it goes.
Being the only item in my RBP, it's easily accessible with my right hand whenever I need it. And it goes back just as easily. No fiddling around with clips that wont slide over the pocket seem.
Also it's a stealthy way of carry. Knives aren't totally accepted around here, neither legally or socially, so with no part of my knife sticking out of my pocket I have one less thing to worry about.
Same with scratching and catching. I often carry clipped knives in non-work settings, and I've scratched my share of car doors and leather seats to also appreciate this added benefit of clipless carry.
Clipless isn't all roses, hence why I choose clipped carry for outdoors and rough work. In some acrobatic positions and maneuvers I've had clipless knives slide out of my pocket. Smoothly surfaced knives like the Pakkawood DF2 is a no-go for clipless back pocket carry, while the bi-directional FRN texture mitigates this to the point where it's almost not an issue. Still something to keep in mind and be aware of.
While not for me, I can also see the attraction of the one handed knives. It allows for cleaner designs and there is no doubt a sentimental side to these more classic/traditional patterns of knives. I think it's somewhat analogous to mechanical hand winding watches - there's no reason to choose one considering the benefits of every other alternative available, yet the ritual and deliberate habit of winding your watch every morning, and be reminded of the intricacy and mechanical wonder that exists inside this little machine on your wrist, is something quite satisfying.
I can live with hand winding watches, but two handed knives is too much of a sacrifice in practicality for me. Just the other day I was working outside in the rain and pulled out my swisstool spirit to cut something, and my nails were so soft from being soaked in water for hours, I just could not get any of the implements to open. Luckily I was right outside my house, so alternative tools were just steps away. This actually gave me some pause though. While I used to always carry Leathermans in the backcountry, I've to a large extent switched to SAKs for my tool needs to save weight on my outdoor adventures. It hasn't been an issue yet, but now I know that it can be.
