Safety of IWB compression lock at 12:00 while running?

[Doc Dan]

I'd say don't do it. Even if the jarring from your running didn't open the blade, if you tripped and fell it might and then it could stab you. Of course, living dangerously is a high to some people. Me? I want to not have to worry about my own knife putting me in the hospital.

[cjk]

There is no way I would ever carry a tip up compression lock/liner lock/RIL IWB, ESPECIALLY at 12.

[JSumm]

The Para 3LW was one of those models that liked to come open in my pocket. Not sure if I was somehow engaging the lock or if it was getting caught on something, but it was enough times that I would never carry that model IWB.

[40mm]

I’d stick with a back lock for in waistband especially for when you’re out being active. I prefer a knife that wants to stay closed but can still easily be opened up. Running, riding, hiking? Backlock.

[Crox]

As others have said, it depends on the detent.

I have a couple PM2s that when compared are at opposite ends of the spectrum. One I have no doubt would stay closed IWB. It’s got the heaviest detent of all my Spydercos.

The other is very weak. I can easily shake it open. I would never trust it that way.

So…. It depends.

[standy99]

Only knife I have ever had open accidentally was a Para3 (not a light weight)

[JRinFL]

Is there any compelling reason to switch from the Delica? You could keep using the Delica while running, and switch to the P3 for everything else.

[phaust]

I won't when I run. It's not that it will jiggle out when you're just running. A jolt will send a detent ball style closure bias out pretty easy. It may be fine til you trip, then you've got problems.

[zuludelta]

I've never had an issue with compression lock detent being so weak so as to be patently unsafe for IWB carry, but I only ever carry a backlock when I have to carry a folder IWB when running, just for peace of mind (no such thing as being too safe when putting a cutting tool in close proximity to your, ahem, "biological tool"). And you're not really losing anything function-wise if you're sticking with the Delica as your running knife (as opposed to switching to the Para 3).

[capt.carl]

For running in your scenario id pick a backlock or like someone said a slipjoint. Or one of those button lock elementums since they lock closed

[Sonorum]

I run wither with a Salt 2 or a S90V Native and I tend to keep them away from the 12 o'clock position, often 4-6 o'clock.

I don't like the idea of being turned into Lord Varys, or slitting an artery in my thigh, in the off chance that something opens if I fall.

[Jason]

Thanks everyone! I’ll stick to the Delica or native backlocks for IWB and only use the para LW for pocket carry. Works great for pocket since it’s got a deep carry clip. Thanks!

[vandelay]

I discovered something interesting today. I have one liner lock knife with an absurdly strong detent that seemed impossible to open with inertia. I managed to drop it off my desk today and the blade popped open. I decided to drop my Atlantic Salt and Ayoob to compare. The Atlantic Salt required a bit higher of a drop but it was much lighter. The Ayoob didn't open easily (probably due to its substantial close bias).
I guess the lesson is that you need to be careful of impacts when carrying a detent based folder. I suppose 12 o'clock on the waistband is an area you tend to naturally protect from impacts though.

[Jason]

I discovered something interesting today. I have one liner lock knife with an absurdly strong detent that seemed impossible to open with inertia. I managed to drop it off my desk today and the blade popped open. I decided to drop my Atlantic Salt and Ayoob to compare. The Atlantic Salt required a bit higher of a drop but it was much lighter. The Ayoob didn't open easily (probably due to its substantial close bias).
I guess the lesson is that you need to be careful of impacts when carrying a detent based folder. I suppose 12 o'clock on the waistband is an area you tend to naturally protect from impacts though.

I definitely appreciate the last point – – I am, in fact, not in the habit of collecting impacts to my groin area.