Large fixed blade EDC

[Mississippi4476]

I am currently carrying a Ka-Bar EK44 for EDC and I have been trying out scout carry but I'm wondering if anyone else has any ideas for more of a concealed carry option. I'm in Tennessee so everything is legal. I have been debating on a custom sheath for possibly either iwb carry or inside my boot, I wear 16 inch tall boots. I personally don't mind wearing it in the open on my belt but people being how they are these days it's only a matter of time before I get hassled.

 

[DangerZone98]

Perhaps conceal it under a long coat? That should be perfect during colder months. For warmer months, I’m not sure.

 

[DangerZone98]

Is this your first post? Welcome to Blade Forums then.

 

[Mississippi4476]

Unfortunately the colder months have passed. But I figure if I can at least conceal most of the blade it will be mostly unnoticeable.

 

[Man with no name]

Go to Youtube and enter "Bowie Concealed Carry". Lots of great videos. No heavy clothing required as you will see!

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I'll have to take a picture of it today, but I have had good luck using a baldric for large knife carry.

You can make your own or get creative. Surprisingly, even though I dabble quite a bit in leather craft, my favorite set up is a repurposed 1911 "tanker" holster. The sheath of my knife slid down and out the bottom of the holster and needed almost no extra reinforcement. The strap holds it cross body well and only the smallest bit of the sheath sticks out from the bottom of an over shirt, like a flannel, and hides really well.

How big of a knife?

This little guy sporting a 4" bla....just kidding That bit of blue paper in the corner is a standard size post it note. This seax clocks in at 18" and weighs close to 2lbs.

I'll see if I can get a pic of my janky bubba-ed up rig in a bit. I wear it while out in the woods.

 

[justjed]

I assume you wear your pants tucked in? Otherwise, getting to a knife in your boot is a bitch! I also wear 16" boots. Personally, I don't care for boot carry. If you're going to be off-trail, with a big knife in your boot, keep a 4" wide elastic band around the handle and your calf. Keeps thorns, ticks, and other unpleasantness from getting wedged between the handle and your pants/leg, and dropping straight into your boot on either side of the sheath, or damaging your fingers when you go to clean it out.

 

[Mississippi4476]

Thank you yes it is my first post

I assume you wear your pants tucked in? Otherwise, getting to a knife in your boot is a bitch! I also wear 16" boots. Personally, I don't care for boot carry. If you're going to be off-trail, with a big knife in your boot, keep a 4" wide elastic band around the handle and your calf. Keeps thorns, ticks, and other unpleasantness from getting wedged between the handle and your pants/leg, or damaging your fingers when you go to clean it out.

Usually I have my pants over my boots but it doesn't bother me either way. I'm to old to care about fashion I got stuck on bluejeans and leather boots probably about 25 years ago.

 

[justjed]

Been wearing mine tucked in for about 25 years. In my opinion, if you can't get to your knife quickly and relatively easily, especially in an emergency, you need to rethink your method of carry. Remember, in your boot, the butt of that 6" handle is likely going to be nearer your knee than the top of the boot. That's a lot of denim to be scrunching up at your knee. Try it one-handed.

But it's your knife, your boots, and your choice.

EDIT: And I really couldn't give less of a rat's ass for fashion. Fashion is for people who don't have any style....

 

[Mississippi4476]

Yeah I know about making sure you can get to it easily from past experiences. Just trying to think of way I don't have any problems because of one of these people that are so common in society today flipping out and calling the police because I have a knife on my side even though it is perfectly legal. Just extra hassle I'm trying not to deal with. People in this town can be strange. And I've dealt with situations like that in the past as well.

 

[DGladden]

Since TN is an open carry state, just carry a Smith & Wesson 500 magnum with an 8" barrel. I guarantee nobody will notice the knife!

But on a serious note, a custom iwb sheath would probably not cost you that much and there are several talented members here that could fix you up with your choice of material.

 

[allenC]

North Carolina isn't a free as Tennessee...so don't cross the state line carrying a concealed knife.

"North Carolina law strictly controls the ability of individuals to carry weapons concealed. Except under the limited concealed handgun permit provisions of State law, described in Sections III. B. and III. C. of this publication, and the exemptions set out below, it is unlawful for any person in North Carolina, except when on his/her own premises, to willfully and intentionally carry concealed, either on or about his/her person, any “Bowie Knife, dirk, dagger, slungshot, loaded cane, metallic knuckles, razor, shurikin, stungun, or other deadly weapon of like kind.” Specifically exempted from the requirements of this law are ordinary pocket knives carried in a closed position. An ordinary pocket knife is defined as being “a small knife, that is designed to be carried in a pocket or purse, which has its cutting edge and point entirely enclosed by its handle. The knife must not be capable of being opened by a throwing, explosive, or spring action.” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269. Whether, in a given case, a weapon is concealed from the public is a question of fact. By using the phrase “concealed about his or her person,” this law makes it illegal to have a weapon concealed not only on a person, but also within a person’s convenient control and easy reach."

 

[justjed]

People in this town can be strange. And I've dealt with situations like that in the past as well.

People are strange everywhere. If I'm doing woodsy stuff, I carry what I need to and ignore onlookers. For more urban environments, I have a 4-1/2" fixed blade on my belt, a folder in my pocket, and .45 Commander inside the waistband. And, again, I ignore onlookers. I control what they think they see...

EDIT: Having dealt with the hassles, I can tell you that, even if legal, daggers are generally frowned upon by LE. They're considered too single-purpose. It's much easier to explain a single edge, and the less 'tactical' the appearance, the better. Not that I care. But knowing the law is the best defense against an over-zealous officer. Logic, not loud.

 

[eveled]

Its about appearances. I always look like I’m going to work, or going fishing. So nobody notices my knives.

you can set up a shoulder holster to carry a large fixed blade.

 

[22-rimfire]

Yeah I know about making sure you can get to it easily from past experiences. Just trying to think of way I don't have any problems because of one of these people that are so common in society today flipping out and calling the police because I have a knife on my side even though it is perfectly legal. Just extra hassle I'm trying not to deal with. People in this town can be strange. And I've dealt with situations like that in the past as well.

That is not just a knife, it's a double edged weapon. I assume you carry it as such. Good luck with it as I have no interest in such things. Carry something smaller if you don't want people to really zone in on it.

 

[Mississippi4476]

That is not just a knife, it's a double edged weapon. I assume you carry it as such. Good luck with it as I have no interest in such things. Carry something smaller if you don't want people to really zone in on it.

I know what is and I keep it very sharp. I'm also aware that it really only has one function and do to my particular situation also the reason I carry it.

 

[22-rimfire]

I know what is and I keep it very sharp. I'm also aware that it really only has one function and do to my particular situation also the reason I carry it.

It's okay. I hope you have some skill with a knife. I carry a gun if I am that concerned about self defense. But a smaller knife would certainly be easier to carry during the warmer months.

 

[strategy9]

I prefer a small knife, 4-5" with a sheath I can tuck into my pocket...

For your knife, I'd suggest a quality custom scout carry or under the arm pit sheath...

 

[Mississippi4476]

It's okay. I hope you have some skill with a knife. I carry a gun if I am that concerned about self defense. But a smaller knife would certainly be easier to carry during the warmer months.

I've used a knife for a few different tasks in my life and I am comfortable with the double edge. Due to the current situation I am in a firearm isn't a viable option. Most times I prefer to wear my knife in the open on my belt just to deter any possible trouble before it surfaces. But there are times when concealing it is preferable.

 

[Mississippi4476]

Since TN is an open carry state, just carry a Smith & Wesson 500 magnum with an 8" barrel. I guarantee nobody will notice the knife!

But on a serious note, a custom iwb sheath would probably not cost you that much and there are several talented members here that could fix you up with your choice of material.

As I just commented a second ago a firearm isn't a option right now but I would definitely like to know where to find someone who could make a iwb sheath that would be perfect for the summer.