Modern Pocket-Friendly Knives With No Clip

Ribbonz

Ribbonz

Joined
Aug 28, 2020
Messages
81
Most of the time when I'm out running errands in the Summer I am wearing basketball shorts and I need a knife I can carry easily in my pocket. I don't know if you've ever tried to clip a knife to basketball shorts, but it is not a pleasant experience. I've been looking at a bunch of traditional pocket knives like Case and that will work, but I don't see many modern style knives that are pocket-friendly or ones that don't have clips. (I hate clips unless I'm wearing some rugged clothing). So what options are there to throw in some basketball shorts? Blade must be under 3" according to my county's law.
 
Spyderco Dragonfly. You can just remove the pocket clip. :)

Although it’s a fixed blade, the ESEE Izula is a favorite of mine for casual walks or running errands.
 
I carry a CRK Mnandi. It's super light and you can remove the clip. Unfortunately, it's also super expensive.
Yes, the Dragonfly is also a good choice. (It's just not legal to carry where I live.)
 
I find my clipless knives are more apt to slide out my pockets in gym shorts, either while running or sitting. About the only time I carry a knife with a clip anymore is in gym shorts to help prevent loss. The knife has got to be light and without sharp corners, so something like a bugout or dragonfly works well.
 
I personally don't see the issue with basketball shorts and lightweight knives? I carry one of the four in the summer and all carry wonderfully with the clip in basketball shorts. I hate knives with no clips as that's the beauty of the modern folder, pocket clips. But to each their own......

Dragonfly 2 Salt
Benchmade Bugout
Para 3 LW
Chapparal LW
 
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Something from Victorinox or Wenger would be my first answer.

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I like clips, but I carry my Alox Electrician loose in my pocket. The secret is the rounded ends: with no corners to catch or jam on the other stuff in your pocket, it can shift around in your pocket as you go about your day.

Depending on your local laws, the Boker Toucan may be an answer.

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It's light, the rounded sheath means it doesn't jam against your leg, and it offers some other tool options. It may be difficult to track one down, though: they're no longer in production.
 
I think removing/moving/replacing the clip is the only bit of maintenance that Benchmade explicitly authorizes users to perform. In the safety warnings that come with the Mini-Grip they direct you to move the clip if you carry it in your left pocket (it comes for right pocket carry from the factory), and if you break the clip they'll send you a new one for you to install.

I removed the clip from my Mini-Grip, and it carries better for me and is better in hand. But, while I love my Mini-Grip, in the spirit of full disclosure I should tell you that I recently switched to EDC'ing a Lionsteel Warhorse, which would also meet your stated needs really well.

One final thought: if you were drawn to Case, but disappointed by them, maybe check out GEC. They are also traditionals, but extremely well made, where Case is often a bit sloppy.

-Tyson
 
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A SAK or GEC in the flavor you want is never going to be a bad choice, look at a Lionsteel Best man/Shuffler/Roundhead etc., for a really nice slippy with modern materials. I can also recomend the Civivi Rustic Get, just got one, it's really nice.
 
Also the Buck 112 LT and the 112 Slim series. The LT has no clip and the others are removable .
 
Also the Buck 112 LT and the 112 Slim series. The LT has no clip and the others are removable .
 
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