Ronin 2: Could it work for Appendix Carry?

[Knifestyle]

I have spent the better part of a year bugging all my training partners and sources about carry blades. In the end, I'm settling on a pikal style fixed blade mounted next to my pistol when I'm carrying it, and a Ronin for when firearms are not permitted by law. Ideally, since I run everything from appendix universally, I'd want to carry it diagonally across my front where my pistol would usually be. Most likely I'd have to obtain or make a smaller sheath, but I am really trusting this design and hoping to make it work. I have enough rigging to do soft belt loops, a clip, etc, even tether cord. Has anyone tried a full-sized Ronin with no modifications in this fashion?

[vivi]

I have. I found it a little too large to be comfortable for appendix or horizontal belt carry. I generally carry mine IWB behind a hip with a static cord, per the designers recommendation.

With a small taco style sheath you may have better luck.

[Bill1170]

Educate me please. Is appendix carry a horizontal sheath on the same side as the wielding hand?

[vivi]

Educate me please. Is appendix carry a horizontal sheath on the same side as the wielding hand?

I thought it was carrying the knife in front of your hip, canted at a 45 degree angle, but after searching for images I'm not so sure.

Regardless, I tried carrying my Ronin 2 like that, and horizontal on the front of my belt at 1 o clock, and didn't care for either position. The latter would probably work with a taco style aftermarket sheath though.

[Bill1170]

Educate me please. Is appendix carry a horizontal sheath on the same side as the wielding hand?

I thought it was carrying the knife in front of your hip, canted at a 45 degree angle, but after searching for images I'm not so sure.

Regardless, I tried carrying my Ronin 2 like that, and horizontal on the front of my belt at 1 o clock, and didn't care for either position. The latter would probably work with a taco style aftermarket sheath though.

None of those sound very comfortable, but I have no experience carrying sheath knives anywhere but at 3:00 vertically in an exposed sheath.

[vivi]

Educate me please. Is appendix carry a horizontal sheath on the same side as the wielding hand?

I thought it was carrying the knife in front of your hip, canted at a 45 degree angle, but after searching for images I'm not so sure.

Regardless, I tried carrying my Ronin 2 like that, and horizontal on the front of my belt at 1 o clock, and didn't care for either position. The latter would probably work with a taco style aftermarket sheath though.

None of those sound very comfortable, but I have no experience carrying sheath knives anywhere but at 3:00 vertically in an exposed sheath.

Horizontal on the front of the belt is pretty convenient IMO, provided the knife is under 7" OAL and the sheath is pretty narrow top to bottom. https://streamable.com/948d8

[Michael Janich]

The Ronin 2 will work for appendix carry in its stock sheath, but a lot depends upon your body type. Because the sheath is pancake (two-piece) construction, it is wide, so riding in the crease of the hip can be a bit uncomfortable. The stock Spyderco sheath is 2.9 inches across at its widest point. My personal carry Ronin 2 rides in a foldover/taco-style sheath made by Dane Bender of Switzerland. His Kydex work is truly incredible and often complements many of Fred Perrin's custom pieces. Bender's Ronin 2 sheath is just slightly over 2.2 inches wide--about 24% narrower than the stock sheath and much more comfortable for IWB carry.

As for carry method, I use a "static cord"--a short loop of 550 cord run through the tip of the sheath. Loop it over your belt with a cowhitch knot and then tuck sheath and knife into your waistband. If the loop is the right length, it will not slip down into your pants and will "float" with your movement. When you draw, the sheath and knife come out together. When the sheath reaches the end of the loop, it's pulled taut and comes off the knife safely away from your body. This method also allows you to draw in any direction with either hand and is great for non-dominant-hand handgun retention use. Very importantly, it is also much safer when it comes to sheathing your knife, since you don't have to tempt fate sticking a sharp thing inside your waistband.

Concealed carry is a very personal thing, so what's comfortable for one person may not work for someone else. Those of us who are truly committed to a particular style of carry also make the sacrifice to "wear a spot in your hide" to accommodate that tool. It sounds like your methods of sorting out the perfect carry set-up for you are spot on, so keep at it.

Stay safe,

Mike

[vivi]

Here's a little visual to go along with Mr. Janich's nicely detailed description:



Using the carry method he describes, I've found the Ronin 2 stays in place just fine, whether I'm sitting, standing, or all out sprinting.