Leaving clips where the factory put them?

[David Lowry]

I've been trying something new lately. I used to change my clips around on pretty much every knife I would get. I would leave some as long as they suited my fancy out of the box. As of late I've been leaving clips where they are when I take them out of the box. I sorta figure that there must be a reason behind it and I want to see if I can use the knife well how like that.

Example: The Centofante 4 I just received comes with the clip screwed on for tip down carry. Normally I would move this so that it's tip up with the blade sticking up towards the rear of my right front pocket. I have decided to leave it tip down. I mean I love the Para-Military and the Military both being tip down. I however like my Delica's tip up. I like most knives tip up with the exception of the Para, and the Mili.

So what do you guys and girls do? Do you always swap your clips to how you "think" they should be or do you leave them how they come? Obviously this may not apply to Left handers because I would always want to switch the clip if I were left handed. Maybe some lefties could pop in and state their opinion on clip carry.

Lastly, if anyone from Spyderco feels like chiming in, please do. I would love to know if there is a reason behind certain clip arrangements. Like, is there a reason that each knife comes one way or another? If a knife is drilled for 2 or 4 way clip arrangement, do you just randomly pick a position or is there thought behind it?

[tonydahose]

always (if drilled) right hand tip up. if you switch your edc knives with different clip configurations i could see some bandaids in your future.

[gull wing]

I'm not from Spyderco but:
David, I can't leave most clips alone, only a few are "perfect".(CalyIII, UKPK, SaltI, Native). I had to move the CalypsoJr's(alltime fav) clip to tip up, same with the Para, the Mini Manix I shortened the orig clip.
MANIX:
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[KaliGman]

I have pretty much stayed out of the tip up/tip down/clip position threads and discussions. The reason is--I don't really care how the clip is positioned. I leave the clips the way they come from the factory. If I switch a knife from left hand pocket to right hand pocket, inside the waistband, inside pocket of a suit jacket, whatever, I still leave the clips as they are. One reason for this is that I can deploy the blades from virtually any grip and hand position; I train a lot in knife manipulation. In general, for most people, it is better to be consistent so that you don't do something you are used to doing most of the time that one time you are carrying the knife differently--the KISS principle. I don't lose fine motor skills in real situations and, based on working and training with many other martial artists and law enforcement officers, seem to be able to maintain my mental focus when bad stuff happens more than most people can. I am probably, then, not a good example. Or, as my wife puts it, "We're not talking about you. We're talking about normal people. You're a freak."

[The CoPilot]

About the only time that I move a clip is on a tip up knife so that the spine of the blade will be against the back of my pocket (right side front pocket). This provides just a little bit of "extra insurance" against a tip-up knife coming open in the open for an unexpected surprise when you reach in.

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, Tip-up, :spyder:

[JBE]

Always Right-handed set-up with the tip down if available but if not I'll settle for tip up (like on my Salt I)

[Left Hand Path]

Being left-handed, I switch the clips on just about every knife I get. Thank you Spyderco for offering so many knives with lefty-clip option. My preferred carry is tip-up for lightweight knives like D4, Salt, etc and tip-down for SS-handled knives like the Stretch or Adventura. I like tip-down on 'heavy'-handled knives b/c the Spyder-drop works better with a weighty handle. Tip-up is my favorite, though.

I could see the Centofante III/4 going either way - tip-up or tip-down. I find a bigger knife can be nice tip-down, and the Cento III/4 is sort of an 'intermediate' size that could go either way. I don't use liner/frame/comp-locks very often, but I prefer these tip-down simply b/c they seem more likely to accidentally 'fall' open in tip-up than a front-lock.

[araneae]

I like to keep mine tip up if possible. Keeping them consistent means I don't really have to think about what I'm doing when i draw the knife.

[dalefuller]

I don't change them because I don't use them. I carry my EDC in RFP and nothing else ever goes in my knife pocket. If I do carry IWB, it's most often a Para-Millie and that one is fine for 10:00 IWB just the way it is.

[spydercojoe]

Good subject. I am left handed and I know how to attach a clip where I want even though there are no pre-drilled holes. The best example is my para-mili. I put a 3 screw black more standard Spyderco clip for left carry-tip up.
I cant imagine anyother way. The speed is very, very fast!! I have had 2 people with switchblade knives and probably 6 people showing me the super fast "speed assist" knives be put to baby-crying shame when I got to say and demo--"thats not fast -bam!!- this is fast!!" Every time they put their head down, not saying another word on that subject and put their "slow"knives away. Please dont get me wrong, I am not a knife-fight type advocate/weapons person. It is just when you need to cut you need to cut and if in an emergency speed is important. Try tip up , pull your knife out of your pocket by holding the back one third of the handle, give it (para works really well here) little downward whip motion and the blade will lift up like a rocket. (you must use all safety knowledge and practice of course) I have been doing this ever since the para came out. It will change any tip down thought you have for sure. Take care, and be safe. Joe

[Tank]

I am also a lefty so all knives get the clip moved.


Good subject. I am left handed and I know how to attach a clip where I want even though there are no pre-drilled holes. The best example is my para-mili. I put a 3 screw black more standard Spyderco clip for left carry-tip up.


Joe,
Do the screws stay well in the G-10? Do you use an epoxy of some sort? I have been wanting to do this with my Mili but have been a bit reluctant.

[jimbo@stn24]

I'm kinda like KaliGman in that I don't really have a preference, right hand pocket tip or down, it doesn't matter. But unlike Gman, it's not because I'm good at self defense, I just seem to be able to adjust everyday to what I put in my pocket.

That posted, the one time I have a preference is when hiking, if I clip a folder to a pack stabalizer strap I like tip down, they seem to stay closed better. The millie is a good knife for that.

[spydercojoe]

Hi Tank, Yes I predrill a hole just ever so smaller then the screw , put in a little high strength epoxy then screw in the screws whereas they self tap in place. Put a clamp on them with clip in place then leave it alone for a couple of days.
If you ever need to remove the clip-bring out the hair dryer, heat the screws up to very hot and unscrew them. This has worked very well, Joe

[Jenner 515]

I've moved only two clips on my Spydercos.

The Captain I played around with to get it to ride more comfortably, and to draw smoother. I finally ended up back to the original factory setting.

The Karambit I swapped sides to make it easier to present in reverse grip.

[GeorgeMaggos]

Hey David,

great question. I have had 1 of almost every folding knife Spyderco ever made & of all them I did carry I only have moved the clip one time it was on my Blue PE Dodo & it was right after I reached in my pocket to get it & the blade had somehow worked itself partially open in my pocket & it bit me pretty bad.

After the blood stopped flowing & I got back to my tools I swapped the wire clip to the other side so the blade rested against the seam of my pocket so that would never happen again whew it took a couple weeks to heal because it was right across the joint & kept reopening.

I guess they know what they are doing when they assemble them & install the :spyder: clips.

[The Deacon]

If I'm going to carry the knife more than once or twice a year, I take the clip off. I've set up the clips on a few of my display pieces for left hand carry, tip down if possible, as my brain tells me that's the ideal setup for a left handed user, but can't honestly recall ever having one clipped in my pocket for more than a couple minutes.

[Jazz]

I change them if need be... I usually like lockbacks tip up, feel a little safer with linerlocks tip down... it depends on the knife. I prefer tip up, so the clip is at the rear of the handle - it makes opening a bit easier - more to grip.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[WORKER#9]

Good subject. One of my favorite all time knives is the Military, BUT it is tip down, so I buy one, marvel at the slicing power in this wonder knife and then sell it because I can't carry it. I am Tip-up only. Not because I am some master knife drawing guy, but because Tip-up is the only way a knife should be carried!:D For me anyway~!:)

[SimpleIsGood229]

If I'm going to carry the knife more than once or twice a year, I take the clip off. I've set up the clips on a few of my display pieces for left hand carry, tip down if possible, as my brain tells me that's the ideal setup for a left handed user, but can't honestly recall ever having one clipped in my pocket for more than a couple minutes.
Deacon, do you carry all your Spydies in sheaths/belt pouches?

[The Deacon]

Deacon, do you carry all your Spydies in sheaths/belt pouches?Nope, mostly just loose in my pocket. Almost always have a Kiwi in my watch pocket, although on rare occasions it get replaced by the Kopa that STR "de-clipped" for me. Whichever larger model I'm carrying goes in my left back pocket. Lately that's been one or the other of these - Stretch II, STR customized Stretch in Lignum Vitae over Ti liners, Oupa customized Desert Ironwood Schempp Persian, another Schempp Persian with a Tom Krein full flat grind, or a very special "undented" CF Caly 3. If I'm wearing pants without a watch pocket, the Kiwi rides in a pocket pouch.

[Mr Blonde]

I 'know' how the clip should be set up for me, and that it Tip-Up, both left-handed and right-handed. If there's a factory option of switching the clip to tip-up, I will. Some knives however, are nice enough to adapt to a tip-down clip, like my D2 Millie.


Wouter

[mrappraisit]

At the moment it's tip-up for me. When I get my Caly jr I will try tip-down.
Since I am an appraiser not an LEO i'm not sure whether or not I will notice much difference. For SD applications I would probably be better with my hands anyway, more defensible in court and the knife should be a last resort.

[Piet.S]

The Karambit I swapped sides to make it easier to present in reverse grip.

That is the right thing to do for the K-bit indeed.
It fills the hand better that way too.
I carry mine IWB or loose in the back pocket.

[LOOKABIRD]

I'm with KaliGman on this one, I really don;t care where the clip is. I like tip-down more personally just because I feel like with tip up I'm going to stab myself when I reach for it because I'm clumsy like that :cool: So when I go for my Caly3 it kind of throws me off a bit but doesn't really bother me. I would rather tip down but I if it was only tip-up I really couldn't care any less :P

Tom

[Michael Cook]

So when I go for my Caly3 it kind of throws me off a bit but doesn't really bother me. I would rather tip down but I if it was only tip-up I really couldn't care any less :P

Tom

:spyder: frn zdp-189 caly jr. is tip down and still available. :) :spyder:

[bladese97]

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: I allways switch my clip positions on all my Spyders, except my P'kal; For some reason it came clipped lefty style:confused: It's pretty much for me a must to "clip things up"...I don't know...Just to see what kind of carry each clip position will give me, and which one suites my everyday needs, and preferences.

[David Lowry]

I just had to switch the clip on the Cento 4 that I just got to tip up. I did this because everytime I would put my hand in my pocket the jimping on the thumb ramp would grind my hand up. ;)

So I guess we all do what we have to. Thanks for the replies thus far. Good thoughts and ideas.

[Manix Guy 2]

Hello David , I did change factory clip set up awhile back , thanks to STR . When the first CF Military came out a conversion was made to it left hand tip up . The knife feels great with this arrangement in pocket , only way I enjoy this model , not crazy about a righty liner but with pratice I have enjoyed this knife very much . Still bug Sal when ever I can for a true lefty Military . Regards MG2

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: I allways switch my clip positions on all my Spyders, except my P'kal; For some reason it came clipped lefty style:confused:

:spyder: That's actually clipped for right hand ice pick carry. Here's s'narc's demo: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6Sk7B-XXCJY&mode=related&search= :spyder:

[A.P.F.]

I have always held to the philosophy, that the design engineers of a knife know what they are doing. As a result, when I buy a knife, I leave it 'as is' - no clip changes or re-grinds. If I don't like the knife 'off the shelf', I simply won't buy it.

[bladese97]

I have always held to the philosophy, that the design engineers of a knife know what they are doing. As a result, when I buy a knife, I leave it 'as is' - no clip changes or re-grinds. If I don't like the knife 'off the shelf', I simply won't buy it.:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: Just cuirous, are you lefty? Due to the fact that I am, I have to change all clips. I admire your faith, and confidence though:)

[A.P.F.]

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: Just cuirous, are you lefty? Due to the fact that I am, I have to change all clips. I admire your faith, and confidence though:)

Heh...nope, nothing 'sinister' about me, bladese. I do however sympathize with 'lefties' in a right handed world. Variable clip positions are quite appropriate.