Maybe a folder could be designed with a special guard or some design feature that makes it sit and stay upright in the back of your pocket, tip up, without a clip, and just stay there and not fall over
I just read through the whole thread, and this stuck out:
Yes, I can buy a replacement CRK clip and screw for $15. This is a massive advantage. I can also bend, rebend, adjust, and generally fuck up my clip without worrying too much. A replacement clip for a Shiro costs a lot more and doesn't work as well.
Aesthetically I agree, it does look "nicer."
If there's a CPK folder, I hope they consider the CRK clip since it's (1) proven; (2) used by other makers already; (3) cheap. Offer a milled clip option for those that really need the aesthetic, but I'll take a stamped bent clip for usability every day of the week.
While this is true to a certain extent about rebending or rebuying a relatively inexpensive replacement, the problem is that you might have lost the knife beforehand. And those ain't cheap.
Maybe I’m misunderstanding. You’re suggesting that the clip causes loss of the knife?
If so, from my perspective, stamped clips are superior for retention. I can increase (or decrease) tension on a stamped clip much easier than a milled one, and this lets me customize to whatever carry application I have.
Milled clips are fine, but stamped is more practical.
Thank you for the comments. Good points. But, yes, I am suggesting exactly that. One commenter spoke of a branch lifting his knife out by the clip into a wood chipper! If the knife is caught by something and then lifted out of pocket it can be lost to the ages.
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ALSO: I was remiss in not introducing myself. My sincere apologies for the breach of etiquette.
Ah, I understand. This is one of the trade offs for carry style. Myself, I prefer the clip to a pocket slip or belt sheath. The former I find moves too much in my pocket, the latter too obvious. All with trade offs as you highlight.
No breach of etiquette! Good to know you.
Wait a sec, where's the clip?
I’ve suggested the same thing several pages back.For me, what makes CPK stand out is the combination of toughness with performance as a cutting tool.
I’ve said it before elsewhere, but to my mind, if you want to transfer that concept to the ultimate hard use folder and fill a gap in the market, then build a balisong designed for practical use with a 4.5” D3V blade. Charles Marlowe’s Badger would provide a good model, but it you don’t want to license that, then design something similar (perhaps with less blade height).
I’d certainly buy a DEKisong.