I carry horizontal in front where I can access it with either hand. I carry an IWB Glock, on my dominant side and draw my blade with a reverse grip from my non dominant side in case I need it if someone caught me off guard and was trying to access my firearm, I can protect it in a struggle while simultaneously drawing my blade with my other hand. Obviously, I can draw from my dominant side if needed also. I train in that scenario often. However, no matter where you carry, if you don't train regularly, you are at risk no matter what weapon you have and where you position it.
I carry a pistol in the appendix position and a folding knife in my right pocket, so behind the back, horizontal is where my fixed blade lives. I was checking out that Tops Saw about a month ago. Beautiful knife. It's on my birthday gift list. Another great video.
Your techniques look very sound and effective. I would like to add that knives are primarily designed for cutting. Therefore, I would recommend that when thrusting/stabbing, add cutting with the motion. So, when the knife penetrates, follow through with a cutting motion, hopefully cutting a major muscle or muscle group. Cutting a major muscle to a limb will render that limb useless, regardless of any level of effort or determination to use that limb, because the muscle moving it is now effectively disconnected from the limb.
I carry the Spyderco Street Bowie (5" blade) in the exact horizontal position you demonstrated. It doesn't interfere with any of my pockets or other concealed piece. I can draw it with either hand, right hand saber, left hand ice pick and practice both draws. (standing and seated)
I live in Alabama and here switchblades are legal so i carry a folding switchblade in my right pocket. I have found when deployed i wind up a little behind if someone throws a punch but it is hard to take a second punch when you receive a long or deep cut to the forearm and shock and awe allows for a more precise thrust to a vital area.
Look at the laws in Illinois especially Chicago concerning being able to carry a folding blade or fixed-blade and then get back to me about being able to carry in our GREAT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! This is a SAD EXCUSE for a "State" in the United States of America!!!
Excellent presentation. Thank you for a great video... I've been considering EDC fixed blade knife after carrying combat folders for years, and your video was quite helpful. Thanks again
I'm right handed so my concealed pistol is on my right but I've always carried my Esse-4 in a horizontal sheath in a forward left position. I can easily access it with either hand. Works for me.
I am five foot two and some knives are kind of uncomfortable to carry appendix it pokes me bending over or when i sit in the car. well done review salute
I agree. Although I have found 4 o'clock on a retention strand very very comfortable. My EDC I carry 4 knives 😆 don't feel too bad. I wear a neck knife basically 24/7 (a Ruko 2 1/2"), I carry a leatherman for every other task...when I'm out in Public and not carrying a firearm I will carry a fixed blade in front and a fixed blade tucked at 4:00 on the right side. Like you stated, all grips are going to be ice pick, from watching different examples of store clerks defending themselves, the icepick grip is very very effective in self defense situations. I say that because self defense is not "squaring off with a knife" in most cases; you're usually fighting for your life and I think choosing to go full ice pick from the beginning is way better off than trying to "nuance" a "technique" or "style." Hammer fisting is a natural human defense gesture, even children do it, apart of our instincts is to ice pick grip. I think, in self defense, keep it simple, effective and stay alive.
Awesome video thank you for sharing your time your knowledge and information. I carry four knives usually two for each hand , in different configurations.
I like inside the waistband carry, I think people call that appendix carry when they are right handed. At least that's the spot where I like it to be inside the waistband. If you have a classic belt buckle and a longer knife and a bigger handle, you can also belt buckle carry it scout carry style. As far as I am concerned scout carry does not necessarily mean on the back of your belt, and rather horizontal orientation via belt loops. In case someone doesn't know what I mean by belt buckle carry, that's when you put one belt loop around the part of your belt that shows right in your belt buckle. That way the tip side is elevated and angles the handle more snug to your body. You will need a regular, classic belt buckle for that though, doesn't work with these modern quick snap belt buckles. Hope I could help at least one person with some additional information. Another fun way is a long paracord on a neck knife, so you can put one arm through it and wear your knife under the shoulder. Mind you that the paracord might show if you only wear a t-shirt, but I like that way for some clothe arrangements. Gotta use what works best for you personally.
I have daily carried fixed blade knives in the 6 to 7 inch blade length concealed for going on 20 years now, I have several makes and models and a couple customs, but my favorite is my Esee 6, I can easily conceal it deploy it in less than an eye blink and in 20 years have never had one guess I was carrying such a large knife, I also am never without my Izula 2 kneck knife, this is the one I let people see hanging around my neck and it draws thier attention enough that the fact that I carry both the Esee 6 and a full size 5 inch barreled 9mm race gun with a 22 round mag in it and an extra 22 round mag in carrier on my belt as my main concealed carry gun go completely unnoticed, but I can tuck the neck knife inside my shirt and all of it goes completely unnoticed, I also carry a buck 532 in my pocket, a Benchmade 928 proxy and a leatherman super tool in a custom made carrier on my right side on my belt (actually between my belt and pants) just forward of where I carry my gun at the three oclock possition, I have done this for a very long time, I have even walked into places like the court house in the county in Idaho where I live with no worries at all because even with close interaction with even the sheriff have never been caught doing so, I do know the sheriff very well as I have been a member of the sheriff's posse and county search and rescue for many years, but any way I have never been questioned about it, as far as carry methods I think you have more to learn.
Good morning brother! Another great video and I couldn't agree more about where you carry on your body. I carry 2-4 blades on me, 3 fixed 1 folder depending on where I'm going and who I'm with. I keep a blade in the small of my back horizontal/scout style, one at the appendix and one on my neck. The back blade is for my wife when we're out together. Easy carry and conceal where my wife who naturally has her arm around me can discreetly or quickly pull and get to work. Folder is for grunt work (Benchmade). The other 3 are usually a Ka-Bar TDI (appendix), Sog Instinct on my neck and Outdoor Edge Le hawk in my back for my wife. Le Hawk is similiar to an MDF from Scallywag in that the handle is curved for better retention and maneuvering. God bless you.
I like living where we live. The only knife most of us carry is a pocket knife. I like Case knives. Not too expensive and will cut a lot of bailing twine and feed bags before they need resharpened.
I edc a cold steel trailmaster (9.5in blade) pocket carry every day. I swap back and forth between leather and kydex sheaths, and 3v vs. San Mai 3 blades depending on how wet i think i will be getting from Rain, sweat, or work. It is surprising how comfortable and concealable it is.
I like your video it's very informative, I carry an esse 4 on my left side. I have my handgun on the right side, also have a folder in my pocket. As well as a tac light and extra magazine for the handgun.
I have a small pikal style fixed blade that I carry in either appendix or front horizontal carry. This allows it to even function like a clinch pick, if necessary.
I ve tried an appendix method, its really fast but as I usually wear well fitted turtlenecks and tshirts, even push daggers were printing too much so I had to stay with a 4 o clock and sometimes pocket carry. Its not as fast as appendix but it s been working well for me for past 5yrs. Good vid
Great video! I tend to prefer the horizontal 10 o’clock position for small fixed blades bc I can access it with both hands easily, support side hammer grip and strong side sabre grip. Larger blades (5”+) I prefer your right pocket carry. I just don’t like the idea of not being able to access it in a useful grip with either hand if im wrestling for my gun or whatever the case may be.
Excellent video Daniel! Gonna be looking very much forward to "Self defense Sunday" on the 411 Outdoors channel for SURE!!! Now there is one fixed blade that I have front scott carried for quite awhile now and that's my Cold Steel safe maker 1. I can very quickly set up my draw with a left jab while deploying my blade with my right and follow thru with a right cross... Push dagger already fully deployed! The other fixed blade I've been carrying is my Esee 4 tactical! Modded the sheath for front scott carry also but, I deploy it ice pick style with my left, but I practice setting that up with a right lead. For me at my age, speed is actually more accessible than power. And if needed, I can deploy my pew pew in the same way, just as quick... Grey and white facial hair can sometimes make you a target but, a little "surprise" can really work in your favor... Just sayin' 😊...
Same here. In my pocket, every day. Daniel absolutely has to check out the MDV +1. IMO the best, most concealable and tought trough self defense blade on the market.
I got the Tops Street Scalpel 2.0 which is a get size for me for frontal carry which ride nicely and doesn't have too much of a profile when covered just by a shirt.
Good video..have a fixed blade (Bradford) Guardian 3.5) but don’t carry it much. Prefer my Benchmade Bugout. I’ve never ever had to use one for fighting but if I did have to use something I have my POM spray or if really bad my pistol. But hunting or camping one be essential.
I cannot carry for the purpose of self defense but I can carry a utlity knife. For me it´s the Eickhorn SEK II which is marketed as a rescue tool. I carry either in my front pocket or at the belt in the 5 o´clock position. As I always wear a vest concealment is covered in both positions.
Thanks for all the great information you’re providing for all of us. Others may have asked about this already but I’m going to ask about it anyway and that is carrying with a shoulder holster/ sheath on the side under the armpit. I really haven’t found a good rig for this and I was wondering if you have found any. I would appreciate a link to a website that sells them. Thanks. Also if you wanted to do a video on this that would be great too!
Good information to ponder. I lead with my left. It is closer and faster, but do I trust it with the knife, instead of my dominate, right hand? Or< I could use the left to get in close by distraction or a jab, and then use the knife in the right hand. You have some good moves for self defense. Hopefully, we never have to use these, yet we must prepare.
When it comes to any of the Tops knives with the steel spring clip, I prefer horizontal carry. Some of my favorites to EDC are the Saw, Street Scalpel, Street Spike and the Ute. Ulti Clips work great for appendix!
Thanks for a well made Video. I carry a Blade in the Horizontal Position similar to you. I find it gives me fast access and stays concealed till I ever have to use it. Only had that happen once, but the idiot that attacked me found out that it did indeed cut to the bone. The sight of the Blood gushing out took away his ideas of violence and his Mate took off quickly. It is not legal to carry anything here, but I would rather argue in Court than become a statistic
I modified my Mora sheath with 2 glued strips of webbing for horizontal belt carry. The solid belt hold provides a swift knife removal v.s the vertical sheath on belt method. Why? The vertical method affects one's concetration as one moves, limiting what you want to concentrate on. The sheath rises up removing the knife, slowing removal - first the rise then the horizontal transfer vs just a horizontal pull placing the knife ready for use, saving time.
When I travel overseas I usually pick up a cheap paring knife from the local market or 711,I just ditch it before fly home . Any ideas about a way to carry it, as it does not have a sheath?
That advice is good if your a soldier. In reality a stab is very hard to defend in court. You can stop someone with a slice if you understand were to slice. Most importantly that blade is to small. My background is in Filipino martial arts, and military training. But more useful then both is growing up in Baltimore city. I wouldn't consider any knife blade under 5 inches. Better yet go back and search lynn Thompson. He explains why he made the vaquero xl. An why he still carries it to this day.
May I respectfully add a 4th option: Under the arm. I made a kydex sheath for my TOPS Tahoma Field Knife (14 inches long) and I carried that EDC for a full year making tweaks to my harness. I can comfortably carry a fairly large knife under my left arm along the left side of my body.
Saw a video clip recently of a cop, Jonah Hernandez, getting stuck by a random trespasser. A very brutal video I must say. Goes to show how dangerous these things really are.
New to the channel. Cool content! But I have to compliment these woods. Looks like Blue Ridge or Tennessee/Kentucky woods. I'm in Texas, but I have family on the other side of woods like these, and I'm always jealous driving through.
@@411Outdoors True, these clips are not very common indeed, but quite practical, and you can always aftermarket a TekLok that can rotate as well. I like UltiClips though, they work great for me, I also put them on my neck knives, so I can be flexible with putting it somewhere else.
Really appreciate what you do, and am asking advice: Can you suggest a knife similar to your Tops 02 ? Something I might afford, in the $30-40 range? 77 yoa ex-LEO here. (Alone, broke, widowed & on Soc Sec)
Absolutely! Check out the Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck Tanto www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Leatherneck-Tanto-Overall/dp/B09DLFGLW3/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_pp?crid=2R2W9XCQ2OYRN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PQm589kE8C3p9eWkm9v-efOjRXHu3slishvgKIFgiiXEiNtWJO5LuzVUSKwkfK5R9KUT2prOCBWqHtfp7ehShgjUFKo-Hy1zdpTfL-CnJOf5SgAVwwIG_GnXNwNr_NQr6M7vqIGLevqdHiD6AZjVUtcTHk2Gtvlem1fSMfFZPkLCYDD4HwCs9A7hkPY279C4yCr0QnCxsayYU_6JY3ZCkQ.n6tqxM5qlIcCQuEB7Wcrnsi7yjf7j9QixzGBWkpS4U0&dib_tag=se&keywords=mini+leatherneck+tanto&qid=1709516331&sprefix=mini+leatherneck+tanto%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1 Get one of these clips www.amazon.com/C-Clip-Small-Pack-of-2/dp/B07N6X568N
I prefer horizontal, placement on my back above my butt if I don´t mainly sit on chairs that day. Hammer grip is superior to reverse when it comes to self defense imo.
I'm in Canada, but I have a tactical pen that I wear at work I call Mr. Pensie. LOL. I can do paperwork, and the blade is long, and stabby. It pulls apart fast.
I have a base in Kali from my early days. As of late I have been training with Matei Florin from Tactical Combat Systems and going through his tutorial program
I just usually carry on my side traditionally. But fighting I like the ice pick grip as well. I also wanted to draw attention to the fact when you strike, it's not only a stabbing motion but slicing as well. Watching you strike after impact you naturally cut in that direction... which in the throat would be devastating!
So, this is a 6+ min. ad for a Tops knife? Can Mr. 411 Outdoors LLC disclose what his relationship is with the Tops company (or their retailer), and if he is being compensated in any way? Thanks.
Funny thing, where I work I can, with the proper steps taken, carry a handgun without violating any policies but fixed blades are against the rules. I really know nothing about knife defense techniques. I simply enjoy carrying and using a fixed blade for basic EDC tasks and like having a fixed blade in case I find myself in a situation where I need to perform heavier tasks. At least I can carry a folder without violating rules - so I have a Max 4 Scout in my EDC bag. I figure those are just about as close to a fixed blade as a folder can be. My pocket carry is a SAK.
@@411Outdoors Sounds like me but I started younger with my "Uncle" who was a Korean War Vet starting me out with Shorin-Ryu Karate around 7yrs old. I'm now 61, feeling 91, 🤣🤣. I studied some of the other Martial Arts same as you. Thanks for responding back to me so quickly, I appreciate it!
Nice video. Appendix carry works well if you're young and have a relatively flat belly. If not, your abdomen pushes the handle against your shirt making it visible. A curved blade would be nice.
I am into the Pistol grip style of push, I call them the knife for someone who doesn't know how to knife fight Like The Malasong kni-200, draws just like a pistol, got insane penatration, and 3 inch + slashing
I will grant that this is somewhat off topic. Nevertheless if one is unfortunate enough to live in some benighted area where carrying a weapon for self defense is illegal they might want to get in the habit of using a cane or a walking stick. Such items are not usually considered to be weapons, but can be quite effective. There are a wide variety of martial arts techniques that can be used with canes and several companies making canes that can be used that way. Do NOT get a sword cane. It will be considered to be a lethal concealed weapon and likely an automatic felony bust. For another the blade probably won't be long and heavy enough to do what you need it to. Just ask the guy who lost to Jim Bowie at the sandbar fight.
