My trusty Spyderco Delica that lived in my waistband (for defense) for years has finally decided to go find another home.

Needless to say I'm grief-stricken and miss it horribly.

Was walking in a parking lot with my beloved last night and I stuck my thumb in the waistband of my pants where the Delica used to hide just out of habit.

I felt naked without it.

Having grieved and decided that I don't like walking around feeling like I'm naked I started looking on-line at what's come available as far as concealed carry knives and the Columbia River Bear Claw caught my eye.

Does anyone own one?

Is it small enough to carry inside the front waistband of your pants (not trying to get personal or anything) and not stick out like a sore thumb?

(I would eventually get tired of the "is that a bear claw in your pocket or are you glad to see me" jokes).

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:kAUsDrYsihKDNM:http://www.robbinsinternational.com/outdoorgearstore/images/columbia-riverbear-claw-serrated-knife.jpg

I carried one for a couple of years until it to went looking for a new home. After much trying and looking at others I went back to the Bear Claw.
Only person that has ever noticed it on my side was a “LEO” and he showed his ignorance about it.
But all in all I like the knife, it holds it’s edge well and the sheath clip can be moved for a top or bottom draw. Only down side for me is that the angle of curve on the blade makes it hard to sharpen on a stone.




"We become what we habitually do. If we act rightly, we become upright men. If we habitually act wrongly, or weakly, we become weak and corrupt"

Thanks for the info Lance.

Did you carry it outside-waistband or inside?

I carry enough stuff on my hip already that draws attention (nite-ize pouches, Fatboy bag, Carribeaners hooked on belt to secure pocket knife lanyard, ...)

I'm just curious how much the handle sticks out.

I am also eyeballing the karambits but checking the Louisiana laws online it looks like they could possibly fall into the "switchblade" catagory (opens automatically upon drawing from pocket, etc).

I'm still researching, and open to other information.

What was the LEO's take on it?

For the current and retired LEO's on the forum, what are your recommendations?

I still have the fall-back option to get another Delica (it's familiar), but before I invest the money I want to use the opportunity to investigate other alternatives.

Thanks again.

Thanks Nighthiker.

I like that curved blade on the peck.

Samhain, my limited knowledge on the Karambit is as follows:
I had a fellow soldier who carried one, and was instructed on how to use it, for several years. However, the knife has but one useful purpose; to intimidate & maim your attacker. Now, granted thats a good thing, provided you are being attacked, but the knife isnt practical for really anything else. And, LEOs could get sketchy over it, as it is an intimidating looking tool, which, again, only serves one purpose. They may question you as to WHY you'd carry it. IMHO, the more invisible you are, the better. The karambit doesnt keep you below radar.

Good point.

I'm wondering if the same argument could be made about the bear claw as well.

Just off hand, the Delica is looking a bit more practical.

I tend to procrastinate before making most decisions/ purchases just to take the "impulse" factor out of the equation as much as possible so I'll be mulling this over for a little while before acting.

Thanks.

With respect, I had a KISS about 5-6 years ago. Carried it for about 2 months, and had the 'luck' to be squeezing it moderately tight, and the frame lock slipped out of place. Didn't cut me up too much, but I feel it's a huge design flaw: your finger can move the lock.

Tossed it after that.

I agree with the design problem on the KISS. I have one as well and don't carry it.

I used to carry a Delica every day too. Last year I bought a 4th generation Delica to replace it, but at the same time I bought a Spyderco Caly 3 to try. I never carry the Delica at all. The Caly 3 is an amazing knife for about 50% more than the Delica.

http://www.knifesite.com/product-p/c113gp.htm