Prefer carry method--tip up or down?

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Dave K
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Prefer carry method--tip up or down?

#1

Post by Dave K »

Hello, I just got a Lil' Temp which I like very much. It comes with the clip attached for Tip Down carry. To match my Delica, I changed it to tip up carry. I tend to like tip up better because you don't have to reposition the knife in the hand to open the blade. Also, the closed blade edge is against the rear of my pants pocket where my hand won't rub against the closed blade as I move my hand in and out of my pocket without removing the knife. This way seems safe to me because the back edge of the pocket won't allow the blade to fall open in a tip up position.



I'm curious as to what others prefer, tip up or down and why. I'm always open to new ideas. I noticed that the Lil' temp is shipped in a tip down configuration while others like the Delica are made with tip up only. Anyone know why?



Thanks, Dave



Edited by - Dave K on 1/31/2004 7:14:59 AM
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boxer93
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#2

Post by boxer93 »

Dave K,
I did the same thing with my lil' Temp. I was used to the Calypso Jr. and Native so it felt better to me. I believe that one of the reasons for tip down is if the blade starts to open it won't cut you. I've always found the Spyderco detents to be strong enough that it's never happened to me.
YMMV
Chris

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Zrexxer
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#3

Post by Zrexxer »

Man, seems like this debate almost rivals "Ford or Chevy" in some circles. Personally, I prefer tip-up on my EDC, because I keep a short lanyard tied on it and I like to grab that lanyard to snatch it out of my pocket.

~Z~
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silverback
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#4

Post by silverback »

Hi Dave,
tip down makes speedy deployment using the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>drop method possible, where you take the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>hole between thumb and index finger and flick it open, so the handle ends up in your palm.
Looks flashy, too. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

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Jim2
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#5

Post by Jim2 »

I like tip up. For the obivious reasons I can't carry my FRN Delica or Dragonfly tip down (won't let me) but I like the fact that the butt of the knife is the first thing you touch. I switched the clip on my SS Endura for that reason plus it seems that less steel/handle sticks out of your pocket(at least on the SS Endura).
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chux
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#6

Post by chux »

Initially I preferred tip-up but I couldn't get the clip off my SS Delica and carried it anyway. Now I am equally happy with either. In fact, for larger knives I prefer tip-down now as it is easier to reach the hole.



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KBR
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#7

Post by KBR »

I prefer the tip down carry. I think that this type works well for larger Spydies, whereas the tip up works great for smaller bugs like the Delica and Native.

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Tech a Billy
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#8

Post by Tech a Billy »

It's tip down for me. I can live with both but I carry tip down inside the waistband over the right rear pocket most of the time. I reach back and "pinch" the clip screws between my thumb and forefinger and when I draw the knife it rotates into position in my palm and my thumb is right there by the hole.

With tip up, I pinch the butt end of the knife and when it comes out, it seems like it's the wrong end. Tip up is what causes me to have to change grip in order to get my thumb to the hole. I don't Spydie drop.

Maybe I'm just weird. I'm still trying to get used to my Sebenza (tip up only) for the same reason but we seem to be getting along just fine anyway.
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CKE
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#9

Post by CKE »

Both, Endura is tip up and Harpy(thanks again Hawkbill!!!) is tip down. Don't really have a preference. Take Care!!!

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Peter LC
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#10

Post by Peter LC »

Tip down. Glad my CF Delica has the option of both. Just feels safer.
ZDP-189
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#11

Post by ZDP-189 »

For me it depends on the method of carry, and the size of the knife relative to my hand, the ease of opening of the axis and the type of opening (stud/ hole/ nail nick).

The preferred opening is a conventional thumb opening, and the alternate is a 'biker flip'.

Assuming a hip pocket clip carry, I go tip up for a conventional opening if the position of the knife as it leaves my pocket leaves my thumb on the thumbstud or fingerhole (e.g. BM721), and assuming I can open reliably and smoothly in that way.

I go tip down if the knife is too big, like the BK AFCK, then I reach in, pinch the blade and flick the handle down to open.

And with respect to coolness - any smooth opening that won't result in the knife flying out of your hand is cool enough!
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swede
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#12

Post by swede »

Tip up hasn't failed me yet. Funny, Zrexxer's comment about Ford v. Chevy is right on. Not including me, the vote is Up=4; Down=3; Neutral=4. Maybe that's why a lot of Spydercos are "ambitipstrous".

Dave
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DAYWALKER
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#13

Post by DAYWALKER »

I prefer TU for FRN models, TD for SS models.

My EDC's are fast openers w/ the tip up, i.e. Delica,Endura, Matriarch soon...But, I do carry on occasion my SS Calypso Jr. I do the pinch hole opening tech on my SS TD models,i.e., Harpy, Police...

Overall, Tip Up for me!

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jbake
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#14

Post by jbake »

Tip Up...
First thing I did to my Lil Temp was change the clip. Faster for me and fits my hand better - better for my grip changes.

I imagine they ship it tip down because it's harder to cut your pocket open and stab your leg. I would probably do the same if I were them - to avoid lawsuits. The detents are strong, but you never know what someone has done to or with their knife.

My Emerson SOFCK is bad about opening in the pocket if the pivot gets loose.

I bought a CRKT M1 recently, it's drilled and tapped all over, but it came with a note saying that if you changed it to tip up, you shouldn't put it on your pocket... yeah, right... go figure.
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BOK
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#15

Post by BOK »

I'm a fan of tip up for my knives.

Exception for the Gunting though.
Zeppelin
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#16

Post by Zeppelin »

I prefer tip down. But I have knives both ways. It looks to me like which ever one you're more used to is the best. I don't see a whole lot of reason to pick one over the other. My first one-hand opener was a S&W which was tip down, so when I got into spyderco, taht was the way I usually went, though I can handle either way. It's more a personal preference question than a "which is better" question I think.
Alan2112
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#17

Post by Alan2112 »

Tip up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RKBA!
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aggat
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#18

Post by aggat »

tip up!!!!!!
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Simple Man
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#19

Post by Simple Man »

I prefer tip up for one particular reason, I get too much dust and just general gunk in the pivot of my Millie with it tip down. It tends to get gritty quickly, especially in the summer when working outside.

Has anyone else run into this, or have a solution?

BTW, I carry RF pocket 100% of the time.

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toothed
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#20

Post by toothed »

Small knives: tip up
Medium and large knives: tip down
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