A GUIDE TO POCKET CLIPS ON YOUR EDC KNIFE

The pocket clip is a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in how your knife carries. You might not think about the pocket clip much at all when it comes to everyday carry (EDC) knives. The right clip changes how the knife rides in your pocket, how easy it is to draw and even the way the knife looks when you’re carrying it.

Here are the most common pocket clip styles found in the knife world, from the classic bent clip to the modern deep-carry style.

THE POCKET CLIP AND ITS ORIGINS

We’ve got to give Spyderco some credit here for being the first production knife company to mount a pocket clip from the factory. It first appeared on their model The Worker. The original design was only available in one position and now Spyderco provides several mounting points so you can set it up the way you like it.

BENT TITANIUM CLIP(TRADITIONAL STYLE)

The bent titanium clip is the standard setup you’ll find on a lot of knives. Simple, functional, tried and tested.

• A bent clip held by a screw, a design seen on knives like a Strider.

• Many brands add a second anchor point so it doesn’t rotate. Chris Reeve Knives, for example, countersinks the screw into the handle to lock the clip in tight.

It’s a simple, rugged look that’s stood the test of time because it works.

MACHINED TITANIUM CLIP

The fully machined clip is something you see more on higher end or custom knives.

Think Attention to Detail Mercantile: even their smaller models have fully machined titanium clips. It is mounted with two screws and has retention strength built into the design.

This adds a premium look and feel to the knife, and a touch of precision to the carrying experience.

CLIP, WIRE

The wire clip has a look of its own. Light weight and minimal, it is unobtrusive, and a nice change from standard solid clips.

• Brands like GiantMouse offer wire clips that are reversible for either left- or right-hand carry.

• Set screws and recessed grooves in the handle keep them steady and prevent the clip from rotating.

Wire clips may not be everyone’s favorite item, but they’re practical and surprisingly strong.

CLIPS: AMBIDEXTROUS & MULTI-POSITION

And again, a shout-out to Spyderco here. They have gone all the way with ambidextrous / multi-position clip setups.

Look at the Spyderco Delica , it can be configured left or right carry , tip up or tip down . This knife is configured four ways so you can carry it just the way you like.

DEEP CARRY CLIP

If you like things to be discreet, the deep carry clip is a winner.

On knives like the Protech Malibu the clip is right on the top of the handle. That allows the knife to sit deeper in your pocket with minimal exposure.

Trade off? It can be a bit harder to draw fast. But deep carry clips are hard to beat if you want a low-profile carry that doesn’t call attention to itself.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Pocket clips have evolved from Spyderco’s factory clip to the refined machined and deep carry designs of today. Whether you want something low-profile and fully customizable or just a dependable classic, there’s a clip style to suit your everyday carry.

We have all the classics from Spyderco to custom makers with premium clip setups at KnifeJoy. And either way, you’ll find a knife, and a clip, that feels right in your pocket.