Advantages and Disadvantages of Carrying a Boot Knife
Advantages and Disadvantages of Carrying a Boot Knife
The majority of us carry a knife on our belt when we carry a fixed blade, but there are many other ways to carry, including pack carry, neck carry, and boot carry. With that latter one being broached, here are some of the considerations you should take if you are considering carrying a boot knife. There are some pointed advantages to doing so (if you can excuse the pun) and a few drawbacks you should know about as well.
So let’s dive into them.
First, the Advantages
If you are thinking about getting a boot knife or carrying one as a backup or for personal protection, here are some of the main draws.
- Discretion: Arguably the main advantage of carrying a boot knife is that it’s one of the most discreet ways, if not the most discreet way, to carry a knife. The only other carry discipline that comes close is neck carry, and only then if you carry it under your clothing. Most people will not notice if you carry a knife on or in your boot, especially if it is tucked into the laces or the vamp. This is also good if you venture places where you might be checked for a knife; your boots may not get checked.
- The Element of Surprise: Sun Tzu said if you know your enemy and yourself you will win every battle, but he also said that if you do not know yourself, you will only win half. Maintaining the element of surprise, that is, preventing your enemy from knowing you entirely, gives you an advantage in engagements.
- Great as a Backup: Since carrying a boot knife will keep your other mounting points clear, you can carry another, larger, main knife elsewhere on your person, whether on your pack or somewhere else. Keep to the maxim that “two is one and one is none” more readily with a boot knife.
- Keeps Your Belt Clear: Another great thing about carrying a boot knife is that it will keep your belt clear, which is a bonus if you carry a lot of other EDC gear. That way you can keep more real estate on your belt open.
- Dependability: This is more of an attribute of any fixed blade than it is of a folding knife, but the fact of the matter is that boot knives are fixed blades, which gives them better structural integrity than basically any folder. That alone is a big advantage and a good reason to carry one.
Now Let’s Consider the Drawbacks
Now that we’ve covered some of the reasons you might like carrying a boot knife, here are some of the things you should be aware of going into that decision.
- It can be hard to draw a boot knife from some positions. For better or for worse, it can be really hard to draw a boot knife effectively from some positions, especially when standing, because generally you need to bend over to draw the knife. This can make other carry methods a lot more practical, especially if the boot knife isn’t there as a backup and is the main (or only) knife you carry.
- It can be hard to resheath a boot knife. You need to be careful when you go to resheath a boot knife because if you miss the sheath and it is lodged in the laces, you can cut them. The same goes for sheathing in the vamp; you need to be careful.
- You’re going to be limited in size. A boot knife will naturally be limited by the size of your boot, so you can’t just carry anything. If you’re looking for a larger knife, there might be better options out there for you than a boot knife.
- Access and speed. While boot knives can be extremely discreet and convenient, it can take a bit longer to draw them than knives carried in other ways, which can serve as a distinct disadvantage.
- They can be uncomfortable. Depending on where and how the sheath is attached or affixed to your boot, you might find it bulky or uncomfortable. This is especially true if you are on your feet for long periods of time throughout the day, but again, it ultimately depends on the size of the knife and how it’s carried in or on your boot.
Here for a New Boot Knife?
In the market for a new boot knife? We carry plenty of different options, along with a massive collection of other fixed and folding blades. We also carry automatic knives and neck knives, too, so check out our collection for these if you’re still not completely sold on a boot knife, regardless of your reason for carrying.
