Thoughts on Scout Carry

[DangerZone98]

Greetings. If this thread is redundant or incorrectly placed, my apologies. Just wanted to share my brief appraisal of scout carry or the practice of mounting belt knives horizontally at the 6 o’ clock position.

Generally, I’m more of a folder man. But sometimes when I walk around the house, it’s nice to have a fixed blade attached to your belt. I don’t have any issues with vertical 3 o’ clock or 9 o’ clock carry while standing or sitting down. For scout carry however, I noticed a couple of issues.

First was access. While it’s possible to unsheathe the knife smoothly, sheathing it is a bit awkward for me. You need to be more deliberate in replacing the knife lest you poke yourself in the side. A workaround for this one would be detaching the sheath and simply sheathing the knife in front of you.

Second was retention. The knife is in a position where I can’t exactly easily guard it. This isn’t a problem when alone in the backyard or in the woods, but it is something to be considered for urban EDC. Best-case scenario is losing the knife and worst-case is someone using it to harm you.

Last was potential for injury. If I fall sideways with a laterally mounted belt knife, I can still use my arms to minimize the impact. But the thought of falling backwards with scout carry makes me go, “Oyyy.” Reckon it would suck. I don’t wanna find out.

This is just my two cents’ worth. What do you guys think? Do you carry your fixed blades this way? How did you make it work for you if so?

 

[jideta]

I believe rear scout carry is mostly used when mounted.
I horizontal in front, though I designed my sheath for either front or back.



For just goofing around I made a clip on vertical.
I also have a clip on horizontal if I think I'm going to have to/want to re-position.

 

[115Italian]

Scout carry at 6 o’clock never worked for me. I get why people do it but I rather carry at me side especially for larger knives. I always carry a small knife vertically at my 11 o’clock.

 

[eveled]

Nothing should be over your spine.

 

[DangerZone98]

Nothing should be over your spine.

Agreed. Be it knives or firearms.

 

[allenC]

I've never heard the term "scout carry" when it comes to knives.
It doesn't seem like a good place to carry in a self defense situation where one might end up on one's back, with the opponent on top.

 

[Man with no name]

I see no advantage what so ever to scout carry. I prefer tucked under the belt as shown in the video. Doesn't have to be concealed either. This same method of carry works just fine outside the waistband. Easy on, easy off. And always remove the sheath to resheath the blade!

Bagwell Bowie/Panther Concealment Carry System - YouTube

 

[Lee D]

This is the only fixed blade I carry horizontally, and I don’t see a single benefit to it being behind my back as opposed to 11 o’clock.

 

[abcdef]

Nothing should be over your spine.

I've been told only an idiot would carry something on the base of the spine. I equate it with walking/jogging with one's back to traffic, really stupid.

 

[JParanee]

Great place to carry a knife if you do not have to get in and out of cars and the If the sheath can come off easily for resheathing

I found is not practical for EDC due to having to get in vehicles but if you’re on horseback hunting , backpacking etc it’s a good place to carry

 

[954Ink]

I scout carry at 11 o clock. I believe what others have said; to much risk carrying a knife behind me for potential attack or losing the knife while in the woods.

 

[DocT]

These called ‘scout carry’ is pretty lame. It is good for TV but that’s all. OP you’ve listed several weaknesses and one danger correctly. Falling is a potential for disaster.
One more issue is that it is very easy to lose the knife while walking in the woods.
On horseback a cross draw is practical, as it is around the house. I like to carry mine behind my right hip over the pocket, vertically, when walking, but crossdraw is good, too. It depends on firearms and other things I am carrying, like a hatchet and or backpack.

 

[22-rimfire]

Great place to carry a knife if you do not have to get in and out of cars and the If the sheath can come off easily for resheathing

I found is not practical for EDC due to having to get in vehicles but if you’re on horseback hunting , backpacking etc it’s a good place to carry

That fits my experience. I don't like carrying a gun behind me either as some do. To me, a person reaching behind them is a sure sign that they intend to deploy a weapon in any confrontational situation.

I'm right handed and prefer a horizontal or nearly horizontal sheath on my left side. It is out of the way for most things and easy to get at. I think you always have to be careful re-sheathing a knife so you don't injure yourself. Behind your back would be a pain in the butt.

 

[craytab]

I tried it with an izula years ago. Found I did not like it at all. Couldn't imagine it with anything even bulkier.

 

[Eli Chaps]

Nothing should be over your spine.

I completely agree. A lot of us youngsters used to carry our handcuff case right in the middle of the back. Then I read an article about a guy slipping on ice and his cuffs causing a serious lower spine injury. I rearranged my gun belt that day and never wore anything there again.

 

[Alsharif]

Tried it, it's not comfortable at all even with smaller knives. I prefer carrying a fixed blade at 11 or 1 o'clock.

 

[Filthyj24]

My Adamas 375 rides between my 7 and 8 o'clock on my duty belt. I can draw it quickly with either hand. When I'm not working I carry my Altitude in the same position at about a 45 degree angle.