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I bought the tac 2, was not very happy when I first held it. BUT when I clipped it to my boot and wore it all day long. In and our the car, lots of walking. No rubbing, didn't even notice it most of the time. Who knew.. I'm a boot knife guy. Thanks Zac, fantastic review.
Zac, I genuinely love the fact that within the first thirty seconds of the video you got to the point and were already showing us the first knife. I genuinely love you for that.
This video felt like a well written and very detailed explanation on why I need to start wearing a boot knife. Tips, suggestions, pros, cons, everything. Thank you for the awesome video!
I appreciate how you admitted your fascination w/ boot knives stems from your childhood & while I would never carry one I too was in love w/ the idea as a kid.
@Late to da Game that you have a boot knife? Or are you asking if you forget to bring it? If the latter then that's why you should have 2 knives in case you forget one. If the former I think you'd remember if you really needed it
Hi Zac, I haven´t watched the entire video yet but I did want to share that back in the 80´s I got a Western brand boot knife with a leather sheeth and I did cary it for a long time in a boot. However, for ease of access I switched the location of the knife to the small of my back (the sheeth inside of my pants) and slightly tilted towards my dominant hand. I still have the knife. I don´t carry it on a daily basis anymore (there´s no more need for it anymore) but I sometimes still stick it there while camping just for old times sake. I love that knife. Now, back to the video. Kind regards Alain
The gerber mark I (and the valor knockoff) was damn near a must have fashion accessory back in the late 70s early 80s. If you were really dedicated you had a custom sheath sewn into your boot
Some boots came from factory already with a knife sheath. It are standard issue here in Brazil for some EMT/Fire Departments and Highway Patrol units. But, more often, this sheath is used for rescue scissors instead knives.
I have a Ka-Bar TDI LDK laced up right in front of the tongue of my pair of Bates boots. It works very well, and you don’t even know it’s there. Personally I’d rather go with that than putting a knife inside of my boots. If you are looking for a nice little last ditch knife, look at the kabar tdi ltk. It’s also got a really nice point to it. I gave the skeletonized handle a paracord wrapping as well, and it fits great in the hand!
That's precisely what I do when I'm wearing lace-up boots, as well. Unfortunately, I prefer cowboy style slip-on boots, so it's a bit of a balancing act as to which I pick for the day. Ain't nothin' like a KA-BAR.
KABAR TDI LDK is definitely the knife to fit most footwear. I’ll wear a boot knife when hiking and for that I usually use a Cold Steel Bird&Game. Small, light, cheap, good sheath, and finger retention hole are big winners in this category. Be aware and be well my friends 💯🦾🤙
I carry the Cold Steel spike in spear point. Good general use, takes a good edge, thick enough to clean fish, back up dive knife. I carry on day pack boot carry fair. Thanks for the video. As a knife sharpener always good to see people thinking. StaySharp...Never a dull moment.😊
I just started carrying a boot knife a few days ago. I went with the Axial Alpine with an Ulticlip. The clip works great in my boot and has no movement. I am very impressed with the Alpine and Axial as a company. I anticipate great things from them in the future!
The Kershaw Secret Agent looks like a modern version of the old Special Agent which I carried for 30 something years. This had a leather sheath with a reliable dome fastener. Great knife! I now have a Smith & Wesson compact knife that is really unobtrusive.
I love how you're obviously a seriously rugged dude. Living the life, rough and tumble, but manage to always have stereotypical name brand rugged clothing that has always just been freshly unpacked. So fresh, so clean. Shine on brotha, shine on.
Hahaha... 👍 I was just about to write: "Who on Earth choses to pay Mr. Soft-Hands to promote such a useless foot product?" and then I saw your comment with a much better framing.
WTF are you doing stabbing wood?!? Unless you think you will be attacked by Treebeard….🙄. This is a weapon, not a general purpose edc. Used as intended, it’s fine.
I carried a boot knife for a few years in an institutional kitchen. I worked many jobs in the kitchen, and having that knife right there, Receiving and stocking, cutting cardboard and strapping, cleaning, as a putty knife scraping that sludge and hard scraps, prying up stainless air filters over the fryers and grills, even jimmying a door for my boss after he locked his keys in the office. It was an old boning knife with a broken tip.
I got the Counter TAC 2 simply because I wanted a dagger. My boots aren't any good for boot carry, but for carrying under armpit or appendix on a stiff belt its size and sheath are amazing. It might not be the best at straight cuts, but it's a fast, nifty little blade. That tip loves to dig into anything, your hands included if you're not careful.
I actually carry the Kershaw with my high vans from time to time. Actually works. The sheath almost touches the sole of the shoe but its still surprisingly wearable.
I'd rather focus on carrying an ankle medical kit..lots of other places to fit a fixed blade I've found. Most of my favorites involve a loop of paracord.
The schrade needle is what I currently have. It’s a bit on the small size, but that means you barely notice it in your boot. Good kydex sheath, good handle, nice retention. Really it has it all unless you want a bigger knife.
Just purchased your number 1 recommendation. Looking forward to seeing how it works for me, thank you for putting in the time to do the research for us. God bless you man 🙏🏾
Good review. One major consideration is whether the plastic sheath contains glass fibers. Glass fibers in the plastic will dull the edge when you sheath and unsheath the knife. CRKT started using glass fibers a few years ago and Cold Steel has followed more recently. Mora and Glock do not use glass fiber in their sheaths and never have, so their sheaths do not damage the edges of the blade. Have you found you need to resharpen your boot knife when you drew it from your sheath?
Nice variety of knives! I had a boot knife back in the 80’s, I don’t remember the brand but it fell out of my boot, I didn’t think about using the lace to secure it, anyway the place where I lost it had a bunch of ivy in the yard and when they removed the ivy they found my knife. Of course, it was rusted and all messed up but at least it got back to me!
My army boot use to hold a boot knife while I was a soldier in Desert Storm. Sure I had my machine gun, but I wanted that extra edge in case things ever got down and dirty. Thank God I never had to use it! With crime the way it is now.... I decided to buy a couple of boot knives and carry one in each boot. You never can be too careful in your old age.... lol.
I’m a contractor and my EDC pocket knife is a…wait for it…a good folding utility knife LOL. I use it constantly, every day. And while it’s not a defensive knife, it CAN be. That being said, I also carry a S&W fixed blade in my boot. Great video!
For those people who are not boot knife fans, these knives especially the cold steel is easy to make a paracord shoulder rig for them. I use the system for my cold steel safe Maker 1.
I got a short dagger from budk. I sewed a nylon strap to the nylon sheath. I strap it to my calf and put my boots on. Works well. I paid less than $15.00 for it. I live in 10 acres in Texas in a rural area. So I always carry many knives in me as well as a firearm of some sort. In Texas every man carries knives and one out of every 5 people are packing heat. So if you come here you're welcome to carry. If you pull out your weapons be prepared to have weapons pulled on you. Unless you're showing your weapons then all the men will stand around and want to take a look at it. We like reviewing each other's items. That's always acceptable.
Gerber Guardian was my go-to combat dagger when I was doing direct action. I never considered a boot knife, but I just gave it a shot, and this little guy works great for that too.
Love this video! I've been trying to decide on a good boot knife for when I'm out on my motorcycle. I'm planning some longer bike camping trips later this year going down the west coast and to visit friends in the southwest. Usually I just scout carry a Bradford Guardian, but getting that out in leathers while seated is a real bear. Boot carry just seems like the right way to go. Thanks for sharing!
I carried boot knives now since 1985. 1. Gotta have good ankle holster or boot that is able to secure easy. tie or strap is better than clip 2. T handle are best aka push "daggers" due to draw ability as don't need to clear pant bottom that easy 3 Recommend the Gerber Ghoststrike as easily mountable, ambi sheath and light weight
Bought 2 of these to try out. The Cold Steel carries like you don't know it's there. I ended up using the Kershaw as off hand IWB carry. Fits under a fishing shirt nicely.
I wear a S&W 3" boot knife daily at work simply because I sit for the majority of the day and virtually every other carry option is impeded, and a boot option is the quickest / easiest option to get to. Food for thought.
My favourite, and well worth a look if you ever come across one, is an original 80s Gerber Guardian Backup with the first series leather sheath. Originally designed by R.W. Loveless, it's very compact, with a flat handle that rides well and a secure low riding leather sheath that fits very comfortably inside a boot top without any top heavy wobble..
I can personally attest to the smith and Wesson being a great cowboy boot carry. I’ve got one of them and it’s my usual boot carry. I put it at the back where the top of my cowboy boot curves down off to one side
Been wearing boot knives for about 7 years. I work with the public getting sent into 6 or more different homes a day in bad neighborhoods. Neck knife, boot knife and atleast 1 folder somewhere in a pocket are daily work carry . Never know when you'll need to cut something or someone and I would rather have and not need than need and not have. Current boot knife is a cold steel Kyoto after I lost my sog boot knife last year. I love it as a nice little beater blade and it never comes off my boot ,it's a permanent fixture.
My personal favorite boot knife is a gerber guardian. My wife bought it for me 30 plus years ago nothing says I love you like double edge blade I knew she was a keeper.
Nice! Thank you. I made the decision long ago to never keep a knive in my boot, but I was thinking of it as a primary defense, NEVER as a secondary EDC. Thank you for changing my mind, though I'm sure I'll hear about it from my wife!
I'm giving a granddaughter the Secret Agent. (yes, her mom knows and approves) I took it out of the box today. Great retention in the sheath, which has very convenient strap loops, this could go under a sleeve, on a belt, boot, vest, pack strap. It felt good in the hands an old guy with a 5'8" frame. And the fact that one edge is not sharpened still makes it a tool. I'm also getting her a 325/1200 grit diamond sharpener, because it is a good skill to have.
Benchmade SOCP Dagger would make a good one as well. You need taller boots for it, but it does look like they sell a mini as well. It is ambidextrous as to which way it fits into the sheath. Can get it to sit really deep in the boot so it doesn’t protrude up above the boot very far.
That's my favorite as well. Works great in cowboy boots (I hate even having type the "cowboy", to us they're just boots LOL). I don't think many people want to spend the money for a Benchmade for this purpose.
One thing to note about most of those knifes, you can carry them on your belt ad well (admittedly your have to find a good place for it) I have found in the event I am not wearing a boot with CT-2 my flank right behind my waist is a solid place for me when I am wearing a suit or vest
I just bought the Tac 2 and I love it !!! I have a micro tech utx-85 ,trodon , Benchmade 940 ,Exo reate , kershaw launch 11 , Clinch Pick 2.0 but damn this lil guy hits different and way cheaper then any of those 😂⚔️
just ordered a Tac 2 for my next mall ninja tacticool adventure. seriously tho, at the price an easy purchase even if it never leaves garage or trail pack duty. thanks Zac!
I had a couple of cheap Gerber MkI copies in succession years ago. Think they were $10 knives. Traded them with the last one going even-up for a real Gerber Guardian that I still have - luckily. Almost lost the Gerber when carrying in my boot and running. It popped out of the scabbard and gravity cause it to impale my trouser cuff. Thought about finding a Kydex sheath, but decided instead it should be retired along with my MkII. Haven’t really been ito boot knives since, but that Civici looks promising. I lost interest in Cold Steel after encountering a complete total lack of response from customer service over replacing minor parts such as clips on folders. Anyway, this was a good presentation.
Never carried a boot knife until I became an Army Paratrooper and ALWAYS had a knife on the inside of my left foot for a jump after I left jump school. I would remove it when I hit the ground and put it somewhere else due to wait-a-minute vines.
I’ve actually been carrying a backup knife in my boot lately as well, and the knives I’ve been using as a boot knife are otfs! So far I’ve been carrying the infidel and it’s been great. Great spot for it in my cowboy boots.
Personally my favorite boot knife is the benchmade s.o.c.p. retention on the knife in the sheath and sheath to the boot is just right its easy to get in and out and stays in place and it's so slim it's the only knife I've ever forgotten it's there
Scout carry. There's the solution. And what I do. You can still keep it on your belt, without it sticking out, or rubbing on you. That S&W dagger is nice though. Besides, I'd have to find a big clip to fit over the big puffy part of Timberland boots...
I have the secret agent, I sharpened the other side as well. Clip fell off the sheath rather quickly. Attaches well with molle. You know where else it fits? Between two ribs!!
I have the smith and Weston, it's been great in my jungle boots, only cost me around 17$USD, I live in Florida an we tend to get alot of rain and humidity here but with my usual upkeep (light coat of mineral oil) it hasn't rusted on me like a few other ones have, the only downside so far is the fact that It wasn't as sharp as I would of liked straight out the box and it's a little small for my hands, mind you I'm 6.4 so the ladder isn't a issue for most people...
I have the Gerber Frisco Shiv, designed by Blackie Collins. I think I bought it back in the 80's. I actually wear it as a neck knife and I find it much easier to get to and use when I need it.
KABAR TDI LDK is definitely the knife to fit most footwear. I’ll wear a boot knife when hiking and for that I usually use a Cold Steel Bird&Game. Small, light, cheap, good sheath, and finger retention hole are big winners in this category. I’m really liking that Civivi though! Be aware and be well my friends 💯🦾🤙
Hey brother the last boot knife that you had was definitely the best one for sure I have a 7 inch double edge Valor that is 7 inches that is a lot like yours! Great choice
I never carried a boot knife but did carry an off duty pistol on my ankle years ago. The trick I used for easier access was I had the inseam on the carry leg taken apart and inserted velcro so the first foot or so would easily come open and give access to the gun. It's a nice move if you are going to be carrying this all the time.
I have owned a Parker Cut, Co Smokey Mountain ultra lite, "boot knife" for 45 years. never wore it in my boot. The Kershaw dagger looks light and edgy, the Civivi mini fixed blade is fine though I cannot see carrying a footwear knife at all.
Lots of great info, sir - enjoyed it! 2005...2006 I was one of the early folks to get a HAK (Hide away knife) when Artemis first come to the forums. I put it iny dog chain which has been around my neck since 18 and I joined the Army. I use the HAK a LOT and it shows it. It's been sharpened a zillion times and every scratch tells a story. Not a boot knife, but while I have tried over the years to carry a fixed blade in a lot of places on me... around my neck on that chain with my dog tags is about the only place I found that it didn't get taken off. Thanks again for the great content - its below freezing here today so I'm not riding the Harley or paddling...but hey, that leaves YT and knives to watch vids about!
The Kershaw Secret Agent looks nice.. although a knife in the boot seems sort of uncomfortable and not a good idea if you carry for defense out in nature.. me personally i would like a video that shows different scout knives that sit horizontally.. whoever created the vertical fixed blade sheaths obviously never wore one themselves and realized how uncomfortable they are when sitting/driving.. thanks for the video ✌️
I saw in a couple of your older videos you mentioned the cold steel counter 2. So I bought one and I love the damn thing. Its comfortable, affordable, and fun to just throw around Haha.
97% of people buy boot knives exclusively because they wanted one when they were kids and couldn't have one. I think the same probably goes for Italian stiletto switchblades, especially the ones with floating crossbars. I always thought they were badass, I did have a couple ones without the floating guard, but at soon as I could but them online, I did. It was cool…all but useless as an actual functioning knife, but cool.
Years ago, like 4 decades ago I tried out a boot knife. It was damn expensive too. Clipped it in, went on a hike on the deer trails… boot knife was gone. Lesson learned.
We are headed to SHOT Show 2023 make sure you are following the channels for coverage of all the best new stuff! fortwild.com/pages/get-ready-for-shot-show-2023
You inspired me to go back to school and I just joined my local Carpenters union of Detroit. Thanks for being an awesome badass man🤘🏼
I still want that purple kalashnikov though….
Thanks Another fine informative one That’s all I ask
70k subscribers congrats dude🎉🎉
@zacinthewild
What kind of boots are you wearing?
I’ve never considered a boot knife before. My wife thanks you for another totally necessary knife purchase.
Lol glad to hear I could help!
Most, if not all knife purchases are totally necessary. Anyone who says otherwise is misinformed.
ugh me too now 😂
Every man should carry a knife. Exceptional men should carry multiple. Sounds like your wife is at fault for marrying an exceptional man.
@@edwardmarshall2035 TIL I'm exceptional, and all it took was an extra knife in my pocket!
I bought the tac 2, was not very happy when I first held it. BUT when I clipped it to my boot and wore it all day long. In and our the car, lots of walking. No rubbing, didn't even notice it most of the time.
Who knew.. I'm a boot knife guy. Thanks Zac, fantastic review.
Zac, I genuinely love the fact that within the first thirty seconds of the video you got to the point and were already showing us the first knife. I genuinely love you for that.
And still gives 12 minutes of good content
Hallelujah
This video felt like a well written and very detailed explanation on why I need to start wearing a boot knife. Tips, suggestions, pros, cons, everything. Thank you for the awesome video!
Thanks! Really means a lot🤘
I appreciate how you admitted your fascination w/ boot knives stems from your childhood & while I would never carry one I too was in love w/ the idea as a kid.
I've been carrying a Gerber MK 1 for over 45 years. I love it.
The concept of the boot knife as an edc utility is great. Even if it's not the BEST knife, the knife you have is always better than the one you dont.
But what if you don't remember?
@Late to da Game that you have a boot knife? Or are you asking if you forget to bring it? If the latter then that's why you should have 2 knives in case you forget one. If the former I think you'd remember if you really needed it
got me a buck 616 about 2 years ago and I absolutely love it. I go from neck carry and boot carry with it. Absolutely beast of a little knife.
Have carried my Kershaw Secret Agent for over 10 years. Great knife!!! Thanks for the confirmation.
I love you Zac 😂 the dedication to carry a boot knife for two years to make such a comprehensive video. I’m gonna try one just because of this!
Hi Zac, I haven´t watched the entire video yet but I did want to share that back in the 80´s I got a Western brand boot knife with a leather sheeth and I did cary it for a long time in a boot. However, for ease of access I switched the location of the knife to the small of my back (the sheeth inside of my pants) and slightly tilted towards my dominant hand. I still have the knife. I don´t carry it on a daily basis anymore (there´s no more need for it anymore) but I sometimes still stick it there while camping just for old times sake. I love that knife. Now, back to the video.
Kind regards
Alain
The gerber mark I (and the valor knockoff) was damn near a must have fashion accessory back in the late 70s early 80s. If you were really dedicated you had a custom sheath sewn into your boot
This is the way
Some boots came from factory already with a knife sheath. It are standard issue here in Brazil for some EMT/Fire Departments and Highway Patrol units. But, more often, this sheath is used for rescue scissors instead knives.
leaves all these wannabes, especially the cold steel ripoff, crying
Cool video. I'm not a boot knife guy, but I liked seeing the pros/cons and hearing the thoughts of someone with years of experience.
I have a Ka-Bar TDI LDK laced up right in front of the tongue of my pair of Bates boots. It works very well, and you don’t even know it’s there. Personally I’d rather go with that than putting a knife inside of my boots. If you are looking for a nice little last ditch knife, look at the kabar tdi ltk. It’s also got a really nice point to it. I gave the skeletonized handle a paracord wrapping as well, and it fits great in the hand!
Ka-Bar is tried and true
That's precisely what I do when I'm wearing lace-up boots, as well.
Unfortunately, I prefer cowboy style slip-on boots, so it's a bit of a balancing act as to which I pick for the day.
Ain't nothin' like a KA-BAR.
KABAR TDI LDK is definitely the knife to fit most footwear.
I’ll wear a boot knife when hiking and for that I usually use a Cold Steel Bird&Game. Small, light, cheap, good sheath, and finger retention hole are big winners in this category.
Be aware and be well my friends 💯🦾🤙
I carry the Cold Steel spike in spear point. Good general use, takes a good edge, thick enough to clean fish, back up dive knife. I carry on day pack boot carry fair. Thanks for the video. As a knife sharpener always good to see people thinking. StaySharp...Never a dull moment.😊
I just started carrying a boot knife a few days ago. I went with the Axial Alpine with an Ulticlip. The clip works great in my boot and has no movement. I am very impressed with the Alpine and Axial as a company. I anticipate great things from them in the future!
Rad! I love the look and feel of that Alpine. Totally agree that Axial is a company to watch🤘
The Kershaw Secret Agent looks like a modern version of the old Special Agent which I carried for 30 something years. This had a leather sheath with a reliable dome fastener. Great knife! I now have a Smith & Wesson compact knife that is really unobtrusive.
I love how you're obviously a seriously rugged dude. Living the life, rough and tumble, but manage to always have stereotypical name brand rugged clothing that has always just been freshly unpacked. So fresh, so clean. Shine on brotha, shine on.
Hahaha... 👍 I was just about to write: "Who on Earth choses to pay Mr. Soft-Hands to promote such a useless foot product?" and then I saw your comment with a much better framing.
@@bjarkenielsen8515😂 glad you got a chuckle.
Smith and session HRT is my go to. All the advantages of the one you mentioned, same sheath, but much less handle heavy. Plus very budget friendly
The hrt sucks, I stabbed some wood with it a couple tunes and the tip broke off.
WTF are you doing stabbing wood?!? Unless you think you will be attacked by Treebeard….🙄. This is a weapon, not a general purpose edc. Used as intended, it’s fine.
My daughter carries one in her Justin's. Can't beat it. Won't cry if you loose it.
@@sethklikesguns Why are you stabbing wood with it in the first place? This ain't a bushcraft knife.
I carried a boot knife for a few years in an institutional kitchen. I worked many jobs in the kitchen, and having that knife right there, Receiving and stocking, cutting cardboard and strapping, cleaning, as a putty knife scraping that sludge and hard scraps, prying up stainless air filters over the fryers and grills, even jimmying a door for my boss after he locked his keys in the office. It was an old boning knife with a broken tip.
When I was deployed, my favorite boot knife was the Gerber Guardian. That knife was perfect for me. I sadly lost it, wish it was still in production.
I have carried a Gerber guardian, literally for decades I have a couple of spares. I find them at gun shows, and swap shops quite reasonably.
@@missourirebel9669 Me too. A great R.W. Loveless design.
I've got one somewhere. It was a nice little knife but it really really really rattled in the sheath.
I got the Counter TAC 2 simply because I wanted a dagger. My boots aren't any good for boot carry, but for carrying under armpit or appendix on a stiff belt its size and sheath are amazing. It might not be the best at straight cuts, but it's a fast, nifty little blade. That tip loves to dig into anything, your hands included if you're not careful.
Very true in the blade profile. It makes a great neck knife too!
I actually carry the Kershaw with my high vans from time to time. Actually works. The sheath almost touches the sole of the shoe but its still surprisingly wearable.
I'd rather focus on carrying an ankle medical kit..lots of other places to fit a fixed blade I've found. Most of my favorites involve a loop of paracord.
Great alternative for sure! I’ve tried in the past and it always feels bulky. Any suggestions?
I've been carrying a boot knife for probably 7 years. Cold Steel Hideout, hilt down, on the outside of my boot.
The schrade needle is what I currently have. It’s a bit on the small size, but that means you barely notice it in your boot. Good kydex sheath, good handle, nice retention. Really it has it all unless you want a bigger knife.
Just purchased your number 1 recommendation. Looking forward to seeing how it works for me, thank you for putting in the time to do the research for us. God bless you man 🙏🏾
Good review. One major consideration is whether the plastic sheath contains glass fibers. Glass fibers in the plastic will dull the edge when you sheath and unsheath the knife. CRKT started using glass fibers a few years ago and Cold Steel has followed more recently. Mora and Glock do not use glass fiber in their sheaths and never have, so their sheaths do not damage the edges of the blade. Have you found you need to resharpen your boot knife when you drew it from your sheath?
Nice variety of knives! I had a boot knife back in the 80’s, I don’t remember the brand but it fell out of my boot, I didn’t think about using the lace to secure it, anyway the place where I lost it had a bunch of ivy in the yard and when they removed the ivy they found my knife. Of course, it was rusted and all messed up but at least it got back to me!
My army boot use to hold a boot knife while I was a soldier in Desert Storm. Sure I had my machine gun, but I wanted that extra edge in case things ever got down and dirty. Thank God I never had to use it! With crime the way it is now.... I decided to buy a couple of boot knives and carry one in each boot. You never can be too careful in your old age.... lol.
Awesome…….I have 2 of these and I’ll be checking out the Circulus CIVIVI soon. Thanks
I’m a contractor and my EDC pocket knife is a…wait for it…a good folding utility knife LOL. I use it constantly, every day. And while it’s not a defensive knife, it CAN be. That being said, I also carry a S&W fixed blade in my boot. Great video!
For those people who are not boot knife fans, these knives especially the cold steel is easy to make a paracord shoulder rig for them. I use the system for my cold steel safe Maker 1.
Cold steel countertac has a lousy clip,but has a 3 sided blade i love that
I got a short dagger from budk. I sewed a nylon strap to the nylon sheath. I strap it to my calf and put my boots on. Works well. I paid less than $15.00 for it. I live in 10 acres in Texas in a rural area. So I always carry many knives in me as well as a firearm of some sort. In Texas every man carries knives and one out of every 5 people are packing heat. So if you come here you're welcome to carry. If you pull out your weapons be prepared to have weapons pulled on you. Unless you're showing your weapons then all the men will stand around and want to take a look at it. We like reviewing each other's items. That's always acceptable.
Not really a boot knife guy since I wear Vans a lot but this is all super useful information. Cold Steel has always been a go to brand for me anyway.
Gerber Guardian was my go-to combat dagger when I was doing direct action. I never considered a boot knife, but I just gave it a shot, and this little guy works great for that too.
I really love my Kershaw Secret agent, I also like S&W "descret" boot knife for a very small and low vis carry, and final the S&W HRT3 boot knife.
Love this video! I've been trying to decide on a good boot knife for when I'm out on my motorcycle. I'm planning some longer bike camping trips later this year going down the west coast and to visit friends in the southwest. Usually I just scout carry a Bradford Guardian, but getting that out in leathers while seated is a real bear. Boot carry just seems like the right way to go. Thanks for sharing!
Might be a niche for Ben to design a good utility boot knife. If I reach for a self defense tool in my boot it would probably be a .38.
Galco ankle glove is a great rig. (S&W 640)
@@charlessalmond7076 440. Lol
I carry a knife cause it doesn't draw attention
@@Hammer1978 That's what concealed carry is for.
@@flaco5581 nice. My 640 in .357mag was my fathers. Its a great gun.
I love my country. We can make videos about boot knives. We are truly blessed 🙏
I carried boot knives now since 1985.
1. Gotta have good ankle holster or boot that is able to secure easy. tie or strap is better than clip
2. T handle are best aka push "daggers"
due to draw ability as don't need to clear pant bottom that easy
3 Recommend the Gerber Ghoststrike
as easily mountable, ambi sheath and light weight
I have been carrying a Gerber Guardian for decades now love this knife
Bought 2 of these to try out. The Cold Steel carries like you don't know it's there. I ended up using the Kershaw as off hand IWB carry. Fits under a fishing shirt nicely.
I wear a S&W 3" boot knife daily at work simply because I sit for the majority of the day and virtually every other carry option is impeded, and a boot option is the quickest / easiest option to get to. Food for thought.
I’ve been wearing a s&w hrt every day for the past two years. Im very happy with it.
I was always interested in a boot knife but have never owned one. I can now make a purchase with confidence. Thanks for making this video.
Glad it was helpful!
Carried a boot knife for years when I was much younger. I like them.
The Counter Tac II makes an incredible forget-until-you-need neck knife. I can’t wait to try it in my boot. Great video!
Totally agree!
My favourite, and well worth a look if you ever come across one, is an original 80s Gerber Guardian Backup with the first series leather sheath. Originally designed by R.W. Loveless, it's very compact, with a flat handle that rides well and a secure low riding leather sheath that fits very comfortably inside a boot top without any top heavy wobble..
I had my doubts. Not anymore. I will buy the CS Counter Tac II. Thank you. Great video. Thumbs up!
I can personally attest to the smith and Wesson being a great cowboy boot carry. I’ve got one of them and it’s my usual boot carry. I put it at the back where the top of my cowboy boot curves down off to one side
You missed the best option for a boot knife from Smith and Wesson. The SW HRT series, specifically the 3BF model.
Really cool to see you go in-depth for boot knives!
Been wearing boot knives for about 7 years. I work with the public getting sent into 6 or more different homes a day in bad neighborhoods. Neck knife, boot knife and atleast 1 folder somewhere in a pocket are daily work carry . Never know when you'll need to cut something or someone and I would rather have and not need than need and not have. Current boot knife is a cold steel Kyoto after I lost my sog boot knife last year. I love it as a nice little beater blade and it never comes off my boot ,it's a permanent fixture.
Brother, if your needing to carry 3 knives around for safety please just buy a gun if thats legal in you area
My personal favorite boot knife is a gerber guardian. My wife bought it for me 30 plus years ago nothing says I love you like double edge blade I knew she was a keeper.
Never got to carry one but I’ve heard they were great!
Nice! Thank you. I made the decision long ago to never keep a knive in my boot, but I was thinking of it as a primary defense, NEVER as a secondary EDC. Thank you for changing my mind, though I'm sure I'll hear about it from my wife!
I have carried the S&W for years. It ate holes in all my work jeans but it was a sturdy piece of equipment when I needed it.
Easy solution for not getting holes in your pants…. wear a kilt 😊
The Secret Agent is fire. I haven't tried it on a boot, but on the wasteland it fits nicely.
When in the USAF, my favorite was a Cold Steel Culloden. Love the Skean
Dubh. Tall boots and taller socks!
I'm giving a granddaughter the Secret Agent. (yes, her mom knows and approves) I took it out of the box today. Great retention in the sheath, which has very convenient strap loops, this could go under a sleeve, on a belt, boot, vest, pack strap. It felt good in the hands an old guy with a 5'8" frame. And the fact that one edge is not sharpened still makes it a tool. I'm also getting her a 325/1200 grit diamond sharpener, because it is a good skill to have.
Benchmade SOCP Dagger would make a good one as well. You need taller boots for it, but it does look like they sell a mini as well. It is ambidextrous as to which way it fits into the sheath. Can get it to sit really deep in the boot so it doesn’t protrude up above the boot very far.
That's my favorite as well. Works great in cowboy boots (I hate even having type the "cowboy", to us they're just boots LOL). I don't think many people want to spend the money for a Benchmade for this purpose.
I really enjoyed the format of this video. Well laid out and in-depth.
One thing to note about most of those knifes, you can carry them on your belt ad well (admittedly your have to find a good place for it) I have found in the event I am not wearing a boot with CT-2 my flank right behind my waist is a solid place for me when I am wearing a suit or vest
I love cold steel knives i look to them before any other brands when i want to make a purchase. Best bang for the buck in my opinion.
I just bought the Tac 2 and I love it !!! I have a micro tech utx-85 ,trodon , Benchmade 940 ,Exo reate , kershaw launch 11 , Clinch Pick 2.0 but damn this lil guy hits different and way cheaper then any of those 😂⚔️
just ordered a Tac 2 for my next mall ninja tacticool adventure. seriously tho, at the price an easy purchase even if it never leaves garage or trail pack duty. thanks Zac!
I had a couple of cheap Gerber MkI copies in succession years ago. Think they were $10 knives. Traded them with the last one going even-up for a real Gerber Guardian that I still have - luckily. Almost lost the Gerber when carrying in my boot and running. It popped out of the scabbard and gravity cause it to impale my trouser cuff. Thought about finding a Kydex sheath, but decided instead it should be retired along with my MkII. Haven’t really been ito boot knives since, but that Civici looks promising. I lost interest in Cold Steel after encountering a complete total lack of response from customer service over replacing minor parts such as clips on folders. Anyway, this was a good presentation.
Never carried a boot knife until I became an Army Paratrooper and ALWAYS had a knife on the inside of my left foot for a jump after I left jump school. I would remove it when I hit the ground and put it somewhere else due to wait-a-minute vines.
I used to carry the schade old timer boot knife. Admittedly not a good boot knife. Thanks for the list of good ones!
I’ve actually been carrying a backup knife in my boot lately as well, and the knives I’ve been using as a boot knife are otfs! So far I’ve been carrying the infidel and it’s been great. Great spot for it in my cowboy boots.
lovw boot knnives so usefull when working in the ranch.
Personally my favorite boot knife is the benchmade s.o.c.p. retention on the knife in the sheath and sheath to the boot is just right its easy to get in and out and stays in place and it's so slim it's the only knife I've ever forgotten it's there
Scout carry. There's the solution. And what I do. You can still keep it on your belt, without it sticking out, or rubbing on you. That S&W dagger is nice though.
Besides, I'd have to find a big clip to fit over the big puffy part of Timberland boots...
I have the secret agent, I sharpened the other side as well. Clip fell off the sheath rather quickly. Attaches well with molle. You know where else it fits? Between two ribs!!
I have the smith and Weston, it's been great in my jungle boots, only cost me around 17$USD, I live in Florida an we tend to get alot of rain and humidity here but with my usual upkeep (light coat of mineral oil) it hasn't rusted on me like a few other ones have, the only downside so far is the fact that It wasn't as sharp as I would of liked straight out the box and it's a little small for my hands, mind you I'm 6.4 so the ladder isn't a issue for most people...
I have the Gerber Frisco Shiv, designed by Blackie Collins. I think I bought it back in the 80's. I actually wear it as a neck knife and I find it much easier to get to and use when I need it.
Neck knife is definitely more convenient then boot🤘
KABAR TDI LDK is definitely the knife to fit most footwear.
I’ll wear a boot knife when hiking and for that I usually use a Cold Steel Bird&Game. Small, light, cheap, good sheath, and finger retention hole are big winners in this category.
I’m really liking that Civivi though!
Be aware and be well my friends 💯🦾🤙
I came here because I've been eyeing a Circulus but that Secret Agent is pretty darn sexy too. Thanks for the video!
i have personally been using the gerber basic drop point as a boot knife for around a year, works great for me.
Great video! Might try and carry a boot knife now. I feel like Jakebcreates chickadee would be a cool boot Knife if only it had a proper sheath.
Hey brother the last boot knife that you had was definitely the best one for sure I have a 7 inch double edge Valor that is 7 inches that is a lot like yours! Great choice
I never carried a boot knife but did carry an off duty pistol on my ankle years ago. The trick I used for easier access was I had the inseam on the carry leg taken apart and inserted velcro so the first foot or so would easily come open and give access to the gun. It's a nice move if you are going to be carrying this all the time.
You should throw a video of how to do that up.
This video was great for showing me I don't want to carry a boot knife. Thanks.
Great Video ... Cold Steel Counter TAC 2 order inbound!
Yeah!🤘
I have owned a Parker Cut, Co Smokey Mountain ultra lite, "boot knife" for 45 years. never wore it in my boot. The Kershaw dagger looks light and edgy, the Civivi mini fixed blade is fine though I cannot see carrying a footwear knife at all.
Lots of great info, sir - enjoyed it! 2005...2006 I was one of the early folks to get a HAK (Hide away knife) when Artemis first come to the forums. I put it iny dog chain which has been around my neck since 18 and I joined the Army.
I use the HAK a LOT and it shows it. It's been sharpened a zillion times and every scratch tells a story.
Not a boot knife, but while I have tried over the years to carry a fixed blade in a lot of places on me... around my neck on that chain with my dog tags is about the only place I found that it didn't get taken off.
Thanks again for the great content - its below freezing here today so I'm not riding the Harley or paddling...but hey, that leaves YT and knives to watch vids about!
Love it! Stay warm🤘
The Kershaw Secret Agent looks nice.. although a knife in the boot seems sort of uncomfortable and not a good idea if you carry for defense out in nature.. me personally i would like a video that shows different scout knives that sit horizontally.. whoever created the vertical fixed blade sheaths obviously never wore one themselves and realized how uncomfortable they are when sitting/driving.. thanks for the video ✌️
I have a Western 777 Has been with me for 30 years, Not pretty anymore, Just works well, Would love to have 2 More 😁😇
I saw in a couple of your older videos you mentioned the cold steel counter 2. So I bought one and I love the damn thing. Its comfortable, affordable, and fun to just throw around Haha.
I didn't know I needed a boot knife until now!
TOPS Knives Lionstoothpick is my boot knife. I wear Double H boots and clip to the inside of my right boot. 3 Months in and I'm happy so far.
Thanks for this video, Zac, I’ve been looking for a good boot knife for years!!
Just ordered me a Cold steel counter strike 2 . Thanks for your time
97% of people buy boot knives exclusively because they wanted one when they were kids and couldn't have one. I think the same probably goes for Italian stiletto switchblades, especially the ones with floating crossbars. I always thought they were badass, I did have a couple ones without the floating guard, but at soon as I could but them online, I did.
It was cool…all but useless as an actual functioning knife, but cool.
Years ago, like 4 decades ago I tried out a boot knife. It was damn expensive too. Clipped it in, went on a hike on the deer trails… boot knife was gone. Lesson learned.
This has me considering getting a boot knife. You the man, sir.
Thanks for the video, the civivi circulus might be exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks for the tips! Never considered a few things you mentioned. That is one thing I love about this channel. Learned a lot on each video.