Spyderco G-clip

[jackknifeh]

I just wanted to mention to anyone who doesn't know about the G-clip that attaches to belt sheaths that Spyderco makes. I've never seen it advertised and I think I found out about it on Vess Leatherworks web site. It comes with 2 screws/nuts to attach to a sheath but I've just used zip-ties so far. I have 3 of them. I like them because with them you can remove the sheath or put it on without unbuckling your belt. It can be attached to carry the sheath in any position you want. You need to call the SFO to order one.

Maybe it would cost more to advertise this thing than they would make selling them. If that's the case here is some free advertising. Good job Spyderco.

Jack

[rodloos]

My only "frustration" with the G clips, if you want to call it that, is that they aren't on the SFO web site so you have to call to order them. I have added a few at the time of purchasing a Mule, for instance, to bump up the order total to qualify for free shipping.

They are quite handy, and not expensive as long as you are already ordering something else so you don't have to pay shipping for just a few light G clips.

Now I just need to get better at making the Mule sheaths to attach the G clips to.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I find that the one that came with my street beat is just far too tight. It is so stiff that I have to take my belt off to take it off. It's mostly easy enough to get on, but to try and remove it...just isn't very easy at all.

[angusW]

A post from Mike Sastre.

As someone who has a lot of experience using and making G-clips (about 20 years) and a little bit with the design of the Spyderco version, I've been keeping an eye on this thread and maybe should have weighed in a little earlier. Nothing wrong with Spyderco's G-clips. I'm using them a lot more than my handmades now. A lot of what causes problems with clips and sheaths cracking or breaking, is overflexing the material. Ever take a thin piece of metal and bend it back and forth 'til it breaks? Same principle. Now the G-clips are made to flex a little, as in ciiping them over pant, sweats, shorts, etc. and using them beltless (one of their advantages over TekLoks), but if you continuously overflex them (opening the clip too much), you'll get the same result. While you can clip it over thin, smaller width belts, I'd advise against clipping it over a double thickness 1.5" gun belt instead of threading the belt through the G-clip. Too easy to open the gap more than should be. I've got a little more bottom lip on my handmades to force people not to be lazy. As to washers, that's more a matter of preference, thickness of sheath material, and how the clip lays against the sheath. Some blade shapes are better with, some without. Too much of a gap between sheath and clip invites an opportunity for flexing to occur. When I use G-clips, I have the screw an post going through an eyelet rather than just a hole in the sheath material - reinforcement. Most of the time the washers aren't necessary, though I usually include them. If you want to carry IWB with a belt on, use the IWB loops as Mike Janich suggested. You can set and then keep whatever carry angle you want by adding a little clear nail polish or Loctite to the threads of the screw and post; also get the easy on/off without undoing your belt.

https://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?p=597564

[gunnut35]

I have a love/hate relationship with the g-clips. They can be a pain in the arsh to take off so i have to slide them off my belt but they are easy to get on. Its not my favorite type of clip.

[Dr. Snubnose]

A customer and even myself have had some issues with the G clips breaking...I sent those off to Sal for inspection and Spyderco shipped me out replacements...since that time the new clip has been holding up real good but I now thread my belt through it rather than clip it....All seems to be fine now....Doc :D

[Mike Sastre]

The Spyderco G-clips are tight on purpose. They give you a rock-solid foundation for your sheath on the belt that will not allow it to accompany the knife on the draw. We've all seen those cheap metal or plastic clips, that while they slip easily over any belt going on, will also slip just as easily back up when you go to draw your knife, bringing the sheath with it. Not a good thing to happen in critical situations. Same cheap metal and plastic clips tend to also slip a lot when you try the beltless option, while the stiff G-clip will grab the waistband of your sweats or running shorts, letting the knife come free from the sheath. If you absolutely have to have "easy-on, easy-off" belt carry, swap the G-clip out for a mini Tek-Lok; hole pattern fits both, but you will lose the beltless option. If you want "easy-on, easy-off" IWB with a belt, swap the G-clip out with an IWB loop with Pull-the-Dot Snap. Screw and post attachment makes both easy. This is the concept of adapting your equipment to do the specific job you want it to do, instead of expecting it to handle every possible situation. The more things you try to have one object do, the less it does any one thing well. The Spyderco G-clip gives you more carry options than other systems without sacrificing functionality and strength. I hardly do any of my handmade G-clips anymore, and use the Spydercos unless someone needs a specific belt width that they don't accommodate.
I am also another source for getting G-clips. I don't have a conflict with Blade this year, so plan on being there. I'll have a number of G-clips with me. Haven't seen Sal and company in person for a few years, so it'll be a good opportunity to do so.

[sal]

Thanx much Jack and Mike.

We make them for our knives. We offer them to our customers more as a service than a model. Our G-clip was designed by Mike Sastre and he had many years of making them from other materials before creating our design.

sal

[jackknifeh]

The Spyderco G-clips are tight on purpose. They give you a rock-solid foundation for your sheath on the belt that will not allow it to accompany the knife on the draw. We've all seen those cheap metal or plastic clips, that while they slip easily over any belt going on, will also slip just as easily back up when you go to draw your knife, bringing the sheath with it. Not a good thing to happen in critical situations. Same cheap metal and plastic clips tend to also slip a lot when you try the beltless option, while the stiff G-clip will grab the waistband of your sweats or running shorts, letting the knife come free from the sheath. If you absolutely have to have "easy-on, easy-off" belt carry, swap the G-clip out for a mini Tek-Lok; hole pattern fits both, but you will lose the beltless option. If you want "easy-on, easy-off" IWB with a belt, swap the G-clip out with an IWB loop with Pull-the-Dot Snap. Screw and post attachment makes both easy. This is the concept of adapting your equipment to do the specific job you want it to do, instead of expecting it to handle every possible situation. The more things you try to have one object do, the less it does any one thing well. The Spyderco G-clip gives you more carry options than other systems without sacrificing functionality and strength. I hardly do any of my handmade G-clips anymore, and use the Spydercos unless someone needs a specific belt width that they don't accommodate.
I am also another source for getting G-clips. I don't have a conflict with Blade this year, so plan on being there. I'll have a number of G-clips with me. Haven't seen Sal and company in person for a few years, so it'll be a good opportunity to do so.

Removing the sheath without unbuckling my belt was my first reason to look for something other than the belt loop on every sheath. The Spyderco clip is definately stiff when putting it on or taking it off. Personally I'd rather deal with that than the posibility of it coming off by accident. I did make one out of thin sheet metal and covered it with very thin leather but the metal was so soft that it did come off too easily. Also you can mount the clip holding the sheath in any position you want, even upside down. I'd like that I think if I had a sheath with a flap that closed and wouldn't open easily.

Jack

[닭다리]

Does anyone know the exact size and type of the two screws that attach the gclip to the Sheath for the Aqua salt?

[Michael Janich]

The standard screw supplied with the G-clip is an M3.5 metric screw. The threaded section is 10mm long and the head is a Torx T-10. Any M3.5 screw of comparable length should work.

I hope this helps.

Stay safe,

Mike

[xceptnl]

My apologies for the necro thread, but it was more relevant and gives good context. I wanted to know if anyone else reverses their G-Clips? I've been carrying mine this way for a long time without realizing it was "goofy" if you catch my meaning.

I leave the elongated tab turned outward (closer to the body) rather than conventionally (closer to the sheath). I find this much easier for clipping to a belt or pack and more importantly for removing from my belt or the nylon webbing on my pack. I reversed my clip on my Swick long ago and it wasn't until trying out the carrying positions on my pack with my new Moran and Temperance that the difference was made clear.

The hole sizes require a reverse of the barrel screws as well, but with a little effort it's achievable. Any of you G-Clip users find this the same?

[Jeb]

I too, have a question about these g-clips. I would like to know if these are the same as what comes on the Boltaron Sheath?
I have looked at the pic on the website but can't say for sure.

[Mushroom]

My apologies for the necro thread, but it was more relevant and gives good context. I wanted to know if anyone else reverses their G-Clips? I've been carrying mine this way for a long time without realizing it was "goofy" if you catch my meaning.

I leave the elongated tab turned outward (closer to the body) rather than conventionally (closer to the sheath). I find this much easier for clipping to a belt or pack and more importantly for removing from my belt or the nylon webbing on my pack. I reversed my clip on my Swick long ago and it wasn't until trying out the carrying positions on my pack with my new Moran and Temperance that the difference was made clear.

The hole sizes require a reverse of the barrel screws as well, but with a little effort it's achievable. Any of you G-Clip users find this the same?

That sounds like an idea I'd like to try. I've had trouble removing the clip from my belt in the past, so if simply reversing it can remedy that, it's worth a shot. Thanks for the idea.

I too, have a question about these g-clips. I would like to know if these are the same as what comes on the Boltaron Sheath?
I have looked at the pic on the website but can't say for sure.

Yep, they're the same thing.

[Jeb]

Thanks MRoom, I figured they were but was not sure, going to need to order me one of them.

Thanks again!

[jmj3esq]

I have tried to use them but they just dont work very well. I prefer a Mummert Slotted Ti Clip. They are very versatile and very sturdy and firm. I have several on my fixed blade sheaths.

[zuludelta]

My apologies for the necro thread, but it was more relevant and gives good context. I wanted to know if anyone else reverses their G-Clips? I've been carrying mine this way for a long time without realizing it was "goofy" if you catch my meaning.

I leave the elongated tab turned outward (closer to the body) rather than conventionally (closer to the sheath). I find this much easier for clipping to a belt or pack and more importantly for removing from my belt or the nylon webbing on my pack. I reversed my clip on my Swick long ago and it wasn't until trying out the carrying positions on my pack with my new Moran and Temperance that the difference was made clear.

The hole sizes require a reverse of the barrel screws as well, but with a little effort it's achievable. Any of you G-Clip users find this the same?

Neat little trick you found there, thanks for sharing. I'll have to try it out, the G-clip has great retention on belts (I prefer it over Tek-Lok style belt clips), but in some situations I need something that is easier to take off.

[vivi]

I don't do what you described xceptnl....

.....but I do like to switch them for what appears to be left handed carry. Then carry the knife IWB.

This makes the knife much easier to unclip from my belt, makes the knife less likely to get hung up on things, and makes it easier to conceal.

Obviously you won't want to use this setup where concealed fixed blades are against the law, and there are times I'd much rather carry a fixed blade the more conventional way.

In fact I often keep different sheaths setup different ways just for that reason.

For example I have three street beats. Right now I have a sheath setup for IWB 3 o clock, on my waist band at 3 o clock, and horizontal on the front of my belt.

Same idea with aqua salts. I have my satin user setup for on waist band carry, with my blacked out user setup for IWB carry.

When it comes to using them setup how they come from factory, I have a tip for unclipping them. Instead of pulling the g clip out and pulling the sheath straight up - I find it much easier to pull the g clip out then rotate the sheath like I'm trying to point the knife tip in front of me. Works better in my experience than pulling straight up.

[jwbnyc]

This is the one time, besides the lefty MM AND PM2, I don’t need to switch clips around. I carry fixed blade knives in my front left pocket when in use. Otherwise, they are in the bag. Very handy. If on the belt I just go with reverse draw. I like G Clips for the ease of use. I keep a couple on hand, in case of breakage. Haven’t managed to do it yet.

[xceptnl]

I don't do what you described xceptnl....

.....but I do like to switch them for what appears to be left handed carry. Then carry the knife IWB.

This makes the knife much easier to unclip from my belt, makes the knife less likely to get hung up on things, and makes it easier to conceal.

Obviously you won't want to use this setup where concealed fixed blades are against the law, and there are times I'd much rather carry a fixed blade the more conventional way.

In fact I often keep different sheaths setup different ways just for that reason.

For example I have three street beats. Right now I have a sheath setup for IWB 3 o clock, on my waist band at 3 o clock, and horizontal on the front of my belt.

Same idea with aqua salts. I have my satin user setup for on waist band carry, with my blacked out user setup for IWB carry.

When it comes to using them setup how they come from factory, I have a tip for unclipping them. Instead of pulling the g clip out and pulling the sheath straight up - I find it much easier to pull the g clip out then rotate the sheath like I'm trying to point the knife tip in front of me. Works better in my experience than pulling straight up.

Agree with what you're saying vivi. For IWB the factory installation position works great. I have to lift and rotate to remove from my belt. I've worn a 5.11 double sided nylon 1.5" pretty much exclusively since before I ever joined the forums. It is thicker and nests really well in the hook of the G-clip. This is great for retention in OWB or IWB.

I have found the reverse position I showed above very convenient for removal from my backpacking strap and onto my belt when done with my hike and transitioning into camp mode.