Emmett's Low Rider clip

[STR]

I got a request for something I was a bit hesitant to try for fear it would just be an effort in frustration but managed to pull it off today for a fellow forum member for his Para Military. I hope this isn't seen as an advertisement. I don't need to advertise. I think everyone that knows me is aware of what I do already. I just wanted to show what can be done with simple tools. I did this with my band saw after drawing the shape, then sanding it to finish it. Then used a pair of duck bill vice grips, and a gas stove front burner to heat the clip up to red hot to make the bend. Emory cloth could be used instead of a bead blaster to give it a brushed look.

I Wish I could find out how to make a clip black so it would be as good as a factory made one but since I don't have the means to do that bead blasting it with glass beads has to substitute for now. Even if I can't get the black finish the function is there as it allows the knife to ride approximately 3/4" or more lower in the pocket now compared to the original clip which is what was wanted. No holes were drillled in the knife. Just used the old screws and the original clip as a template to cut out a new titanium clip in a .040 thickness. No special drill bits or high tech machinery was needed to do this. Just some scrap titanium. It could be done in stainless too for that matter. I think this could be a good beginner project for anyone wanting to personalize their knife.

STR

[greencobra]

Nice job on that. I really like my knife to ride low also.

[Hannibal Lecter]

What a nice modification! I prefer my knives to ride low and unobtrusively also. Again, hailing back to the preferred Meercat "ball point pen" clip...

--------
Hannibal

[steeldust]

Can you make one for a Merlin? I would like it even higher so the knife is not seen at all. Like the one on Mcusta's, except I would like it to look like a pen is attached! That would be perfect! :D I am serious, let me know, Thanks!

[naggalowmo]

WOW. i love it Steve thanks a bunch. exactly how i envisioned it!
cant wait to get it back and test it out.
btw ever think of "rave" modding a Civilian? :rolleyes:

[Axlis]

Good Job, that clip really does the Para justice in my opinion! Low, low riding knife now.

[redhawk44p]

That is a good job. Someone should sell low ride clips. They would sell a bunch of them. I keep hoping Sal will offer them.

[gull wing]

STR,
Good job, and gets the job done. I like it!

[PSU]

Wow, great job STR. After carrying my paramilitary today I was wishing that it would carry lower in my pocket. It was only fitting that I checked out the forum tonight & I saw your post. Now I am jealous :o

Tom

[Blades]

Excellent work!! Very nice. That is what I have been wanting for a few of my spyderco's. Kinda what I did with my Skirmish( :eek: ) clip.
I like it.



Blades

[#36]

Nice clip! Thanks for posting those photos, STR.

The requests for low ride clips keep popping up here and there...in case anyone is keeping track, I just wanted to say I would also buy one (well more than one) if they were available...

[224477]

nice work, maybe you could tape the clip with some tape, for better traction.

[spydutch]

Very nice work STR :cool: . The clip on my Para is the only (little) minor of the great knife.

Thanks for sharing :) .

[redline]

Just one question - where do you get bits of scrap titanium?
I've been looking for some for a while, the only stuff I've seen is large (expensive) sheets on eBay.

[STR]

Contact Chuck Bybee. He'll set you up. He is a member here as well as other forums. http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/

[Steel Vader]

I've thought of fabricating low-ride clips like that.

Why not take the idea a little farther, like the SOG "bayonet" clips?

Where the clip actually loops up slightly higher than the handle scale, then back down.

So the only thing you see is the clip, no knife handle at all.

Just a thought.

-SV-

[FRIZ]

"Where the clip actually loops up slightly higher than the handle scale, then back down."
Yup! :)

[STR]

I'll try that on a tip down carry one next time. I thought when I did this one that it looked in line and would sit all the way down but bending these is tricky and harder than you might think because titanium cools down real fast compared to other metals. All the work has to be done off the knife also so that makes it hard to know where you are. Once the holes are drilled you have to keep them in line best you can so you can still access the top install screw as well as the pivot pin. But even above all of these things I think it is best to have just a slight hint of the knife showing so you are not accused of concealing it or so it makes it harder to prove that is what you are doing.

I don't think I'd like it on a tip up carry knife where it sticks out. Then it is likely to poke into your palm or some other part of the hand when you are using the knife. Not too sure I'd like that much at all.

[argyll]

I think it is best to have just a slight hint of the knife showing so you are not accused of concealing it or so it makes it harder to prove that is what you are doing.

Very nicely done. That's the ticket! Obviously a lot of demand for this style of clip, hint hint. :spyder:

I don't, however, share your concern about being accused of concealing the knife. I mean if you think of it pocket knives are by their nature designed to be carried in the pocket, I don't see how the presence or absence of a clip changes that.

Further, if the law is a concern, I doubt a clip visible on a pant pocket with a "hint" of a handle showing would make an otherwise concealed knife kosher, but your mileage may vary.

Keep up the good work.

Best regards,

Argyll

[Lost Jaguar]

STR, I congratulate you on your innovation and craftmanship. I hope you're ready for the demands that might be headed your way. Looks like the same concept would work on an ATR, and we could lose that funky standard clip. As I recall, you yourself had experience with the ATR clip...I seem to remember something about suspenders holding up pants.

Again, my compliments.