Securing a boot knife

[Pax Jordana]

Discussion round the kitchen table a few days ago strayed to boot knives. Legality aside, it seems some people in my various circles have been known to stick blades in their boots.

I look online and I feel that I see two types of knives - one, reputable knives in belt sheaths, and two; no-name knives in what I'd call a 'boot knife sheath'. For purposes of this discussion, a boot knife sheath is one with a clip on it that slips over the top of the boot.

See, what I don't get is, how is one to secure a knife's sheath in one's boot if this sheath does not clip on? What do you do with a pull-on boot? Maybe I should buy my own clip and secure it on? Did yon cowboys and roughnecks of old just shove the sheath in hard enough to stick when the knife was pulled?

I get that feeling like there's something obvious here that I'm missing. Somebody brainstorm with me.

[theotherwaldo]

There were a few years when I carried a simple, legal-length knife -


(wait for it...)



- In my sock!

Simple, yes?

[MrAcheson]

Haven't ever carried a boot knife. I have carried a sock knife on occasion (like when wearing a kilt). Sheath slips between the sock and the leg. It is held there by tension of the sock around the leg. Works great. I imagine the same thing could be done with a well fitted boot and a knife.

I've also seen at least one boot knife that came with elastic bands that went around the leg (a lot of F-S commando knives are sold this way). Don't know how they would work.

[CWL]

I suppose you could permanently attach a sheath by punching holes in both and using metal rivets.

Can also add some metal buttons to the boot and cut some loops in the sheath for a removable solution.

You can also stitch them together.

[pmeisel]

Check out A. G. Russell (agrussell.com I think, I get the print catalog)... they usually have a few, from reasonably priced on up, with quality to match. Saw one yesterday that I think I would like for 50 bucks or so.

[dbriannelson]

I've carried two boot knives, both in the Marine Corps. The first was Jimmy Lyle (that I bought from the man himself while travelling through Arkansas) and when I was offered too much money for it, a Gerber MkI (still have this one). It clips to the combat boot, sheath on the inside, laces adjusted for comfort and is covered by the blousing. For me it worked on the right side of the right boot, slightly to the back.

In a cowboy boot, it also clips inside the boot, with the trouser leg covering it, but you have to be a little careful it doesn't clatter out. The Gerber had a snap sheath and I notched the liner of the boot so the clip would sink into it, and the sheath was secure.

That said, I've never had to use a boot knife or any knife for defense, and pulling a boot knife to open a can of Cope isn't as cool as one might imagine.

Edit: OK, the rest of the question. How to secure a knife in the boot if the sheath doesn't clip on. The answer is to make a sheath that does clip on. If that's too much work, use adhesive-backed velcro on the sheath and in the boot.

-Don

[CAS700850]

When I camp, I carry a Cold Steel Outsdoorsman on my right ankle, outside, under my pants, tucked in my boot. It's less aggressive looking than on my belt, but close at hand. I made straps for the leather sheath out of an old seat belt and velcro. I also carry a folder clipped on my pocket, and a multi-tool for the utility.

[Clermont]

I purchased this Browne & Pharr boot knife in the late 1970s or early 80s. I obtained it, mail order, from Cobray Industries. The blade length is 2" and the overall length is 6". I am seeking any additional information on Browne & Pharr knives and their relationship with Cobray Industries.

[HungSquirrel]

Haven't ever carried a boot knife. I have carried a sock knife on occasion (like when wearing a kilt).

Sounds like you could use a Utilikilt.

[22-rimfire]

I have two boot knives that I bought on a whim in the last 10 years. One is made by Gerber with kydex sheath and the other is made by Kershaw with sheath (multiple option). Don't carry either and they were a waste of money since I have few delusions of using a knife in a fight. The Kershaw is in plastic container containing the bulk of my knives that seldom get used. The Gerber is in my larger tool box. Both will clip onto your boot especially a loose fitting boot.

[soccergod04]

Some kind of static cord attached to the sheath and your boot/ankle?

[dairycreek]

I carry this knife (Kershaw) in its sheath in my boot. I use a piece of industrial strength velcro - one on the sheath and one in the boot throat. Works for me.!

[WhiteTiger]

+1 on the velcro.

Self adhesive dots and strips of the stuff can be bought in any home improvement center, and the name brand ones tend to have quite ample adhesive. I always avoid the cheapo import stuff though as they tend to peel off as soon as your feet sweat a bit.

Nice thing about the velcro is it allows moving the same blade from one set of high tops to another.



Tiger

[jakesterz]

Duct tape the sheath to the inside of your boot?

[ClarkEMyers]

It's said Harry Warner (chute knife fame) had his boots made with a sewn in pocket and used a folder.

[gear]

I personaly prefer to carry a boot knife inverted. (of course if the pants aren't tucked into the boot itself) This allows you to use your left leg and left forearm (assuming your right handed) as a shield against incoming attacks as you take a knee on your right leg. and drawing the knife from within the pant leg it is actually pretty quick for ankle carry that is.

[bigfatdave]

Zombie thread wants brains

[gear]

Woops I didn't look at the time stamp sorry guys I'm new even though thats no excuse.