Tip up/Tip down

[spydutch]

Why are some knives made standard Tip up ( when they come out of the factory) and others tip down. I like tip up the best but I don't have the guts to change the carry ( if the option is there) because I'm afraid to damage the screws or the handle. If I'm right, the most users like tip up so why not make the knives standard Tip up?
One advantage of tip up carry is that less of the knife is sticking out of your pocket.

[The Deacon]

Probably several factors at work. First, some folks prefer one mode, some the other, so it makes sense to offer a few models each way. Some models, such as the FRN lockbacks, are easier to design tip up clips for than tip down ones. Imagine having to position all those little studs on the Caly Jr must add to the cost. Some of the models that use the three screw clip do offer both options.

I'm not a fan of clips myself, but will add there are a few models that, back in the days I worked on a loading dock, and occasionally jumped down from it, I would definitely NOT want to be carrying tip up for fear of them "popping" open on their own.

And, for what it's worth, you would be hard pressed to find a knife that carries deeper that a Meerkat

[Gerard Breuker]

Spydutch,

Tip uppers are actually a minority around here. Grabbing an opened folder with a razorsharp blade seems to be an unpleasant experience.
I prefer TU myself but after carrying TD for a while now not as much as before. Using the right equipment switching the clip for TU carry is not very difficult and it was actually the first thing I did with the Manix.
New designs as the next generation Delicas en Enduras will offer LH/RH TU/TD options which will allow the user to choose his favourite carry mode.

[Ray.Hood]

I also prefer TD for EDC. TU works though.Does anyone know when these come out? (TD)

[Andkatz]

I've read alot of posts from people worried about damaging the screw threads when changing clip positions. Here are some suggestions. First, using the driver (screw driver allen key etc.) place the screw in position straight in and back out the screw by turning counter clockwise. you will hear/ feel a tiny click as the beginning of the male and female threads slip past each other. Now you know the threads are aligned and ready to screw in.

A dab of grease is reccomended if you ever plan on switching later. With titanium grease is not reccomended for long term, instead use anti seize compound. Hope this helps.

[BBRex]

Spydutch, I know what you mean. I bought my first EDC knife in probably 12 years when I ordered a Cara Cara, and I originally planned to use it only as a camp knife. The byrd line did it's job -- in more ways than one -- and now I want to order my first :spyder: .

The Cara Cara is tip up, and I got to where I like that arrangement. A friend let me borrow a tip-down Kershaw to see if I liked it, and the tip down drove me nuts for about a week. I'm going to order my next knife soon, and it's become a tough decision between a Caly Jr. (tip down) and a Native (tip up).

[BBRex]

One more thing, how do you carry/retrieve your knife from tip-up carry? I always keep the night pressed tight against the back of the pocket --which holds the blade in place. To get the knife, I put my thumb inside my pocket against the back of the knife and then, with my fingers outside of my pocket, I push the knife up far enough to grasp it.

I've never really thought about having the knife open on me while carrying it or retreiving it. Has anyone had a problem with either?

[spydutch]

BBRex,
I suggest to take the Native. When I first handled the knife I immediately fell in love with it and carried it for weeks.Apart from the Manix, the D'Allara and the Li'l Temp, it has the most ergonomic handle I felt( it really becomes part of your hand)
I have the NativeIII/SE. Never handled a Calypso Jr. though( I only have the big Calypso, C54BMS)

[spydutch]

BBRex. It happened to me when I EDC'ed my Gunting. The Li'l Temp opens rather easy too.

[Gerard Breuker]

Salsa opened a little bit once or twice maybe due to the cobra hood. If you put your knife against the rear pocketseam TU is save enough IMO but my RH pocket is a knife only one.

[WOTANSON1]

I prefer TU in all of my knives, for me it's much easier to open out of a pocket. I sold my Starmate because I couldn't get used to the TD carry, if I had the option for TU/TD on it I wouldn't have sold it which was a shame because I really liked the design. I have a custom that is TD, but because the knife has a smallish blade (2 7/8") I can tolerate the TD, I guess :) . Larger knives like the Endura are better IMHO Tip-Up.
Cheers,
Rob

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: Some knives must be tip up or down because of where the metal liner is positioned. The para comes to mind. :spyder:

[greencobra]

I do prefer tip up, and I guess on a knife where one can adjust the pivot, there could be a danger of a blade opening and the chance of a wound because it's adjusted too loose, but I just don't see it on pinned model.

As I said, tip up works for me, it's a more natural, all in one, hand motion. Hey different strokes....

[spyderknut]

I prefer tip up but almost don't notice a difference in use to be honest.