Alternative to Zip Ties

Minibear453 · #1

Here's what I do instead of using those ugly blocky zip ties. I take this plastic thing that's used to make lanyards, or use string, and just tie it around the hole. You need to make the thing rough, and not a smooth cocoon of fluff. It looks nicer than zip ties in my opinion, and it's also a lot easier on your pockets. Also, you can use it as some sort of thumb stud thing, and it makes it easier to do Spydie drops, since you can grip something. I tie the knot on the side of the blade, so it'll experience less jiggling, and I use a bit of superglue just to be sure.

Here's a pic:

chuck_roxas45 · #2

I'm not trying to be a hard *** but that doesn't look any better to me than a zip tie. In fact, that looks less neat.

bohica1998 · #3

chuck_roxas45 wrote:I'm not trying to be a hard *** but that doesn't look any better to me than a zip tie. In fact, that looks less neat.

I have to agree with this.

golddot370 · #4

Emerson's work pretty good to :) But if that works for you good job. There is nothing like having a blade that can be at the ready in under a second. Ill give your way a shot. Thanks for the picture.

I_like_sharp_things · #5

If that works for you it's great. Does it deploy as consistently as it does with a zip tie? It looks like it might be harder to catch on your pocket this way.

tonydahose · #6

i remember some one took a piece of sheet metal (dont remember the guage) and put it thru the spydie hole and squeezed the two opened ends shut in pliers or a vice and then grinded a lil hook into it. that was the cleanest add on/non permanant wave that i have seen. it looked like a comma mark when it was done. if you are at all tool inclined get a dremel and some diamond bits and wave it yourself. i'd practice on a byrd first or even a crappy kitchen knife till you get the hang of it.

Minibear453 · #7

I_like_sharp_things wrote:If that works for you it's great. Does it deploy as consistently as it does with a zip tie? It looks like it might be harder to catch on your pocket this way.

I never had a zip tie... but it used to slip, until I found out you just had to push it against your pocket as you pull, and that I made it a bit thicker.

SQSAR · #8

chuck_roxas45 wrote:I'm not trying to be a hard *** but that doesn't look any better to me than a zip tie. In fact, that looks less neat.

I have to agree with Chuck on this one. However, I like your 'out of the box' approach in looking for new or better ways to do something.

chuck_roxas45 · #9

For SD, waving a knife out is a complicated enough movement not to add to it with an unreliable thinggummy. Can you wave that thing full speed 20 times, in a confined space, without a failure? If not, then it's not reliable enough for me for SD.

knkali · #10

here you go:

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50935

Donut · #11

tonydahose wrote:i remember some one took a piece of sheet metal (dont remember the guage) and put it thru the spydie hole and squeezed the two opened ends shut in pliers or a vice and then grinded a lil hook into it. that was the cleanest add on/non permanant wave that i have seen. it looked like a comma mark when it was done. if you are at all tool inclined get a dremel and some diamond bits and wave it yourself. i'd practice on a byrd first or even a crappy kitchen knife till you get the hang of it.

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44134

MCM · #12

I can hardly notice it...........

Blerv · #13

Zip ties work because they are ugly and asymmetrical. The raised square digs into the pocket and with a little residual sharp nub it works even better.

The best "wave" designs IMHO are ugly and aggressive. Like the P'kal.

Minibear453 · #14

chuck_roxas45 wrote:For SD, waving a knife out is a complicated enough movement not to add to it with an unreliable thinggummy. Can you wave that thing full speed 20 times, in a confined space, without a failure? If not, then it's not reliable enough for me for SD.

Yep. Although there's a scary pull at your pockets.

chuck_roxas45 · #15

Minibear453 wrote:Yep. Although there's a scary pull at your pockets.

Scary pull? You mean you have to apply a lot of pressure against the seam?

WalzAaronFFG · #16

chuck_roxas45 wrote:I'm not trying to be a hard *** but that doesn't look any better to me than a zip tie. In fact, that looks less neat.

I'd have to agree. Maybe some thin paracord knots would look nice? IDK just spit ballin'

Zendemic · #17

Here's a little mod I did to my Delica a while back. It worked out pretty well and lasted for 2 or so months until I got a little tired of it and took it off.

http://youtu.be/Jf44NXZYv0g

BDNX · #18

I used both the Delica Wave and a zip tie mod on one of my other Spydies...and I honestly haven't really cared for either all that much...thought I would. Oh well..

knkali · #19

ClusterFlux wrote:Here's a little mod I did to my Delica a while back. It worked out pretty well and lasted for 2 or so months until I got a little tired of it and took it off.

http://youtu.be/Jf44NXZYv0g

I like your approach. How did you heat it? Boiling water? Heat gun? hair dryer? Torch? Lighter?

Minibear453 · #20

How'd you do the delica wave? Like, what did you use, and how did you put it on/take it off??

Using a string works well, but you have to maintain pressure on your pocket. So every time I do it, my pants jerk up and to the right. I have never used another way of waving a knife, so no comparison.