This is how we carry our knives. You ought to see any of this guys draw their knives, they are fast indeed. The wide belt works like body armor in knife fights or if a puma jumps you (most of the damage is made by their rear claws which they try to drive into your belly). Pumas are not so sneaky, if you are riding, you horse will let you know something is amiss. If on foot you'll probably smell them.

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20090730/July30-Knife-AP.jpg.