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Carrying a fixed-blade knife concealed presents a particular challenge. The traditional methods of a vertical knife aren’t exactly subtle. Nor are they exceptionally comfortable in some scenarios. Thus, the development of sheaths that ride at a 90-degree angle on the belt loop (hence being referred to as a horizontal belt knife).
Although used often for self-defense, this carry style is also great for EDC tasks. There may be no more comfortable way to carry a fixed blade. These are our picks for the best horizontal carry knives being produced today.
Key Considerations
As horizontal carry fixed blade knife grows in popularity, more knives are purposely designed for it. I mostly looked at knives with a slim profile and Kydex sheaths. The ideal length is usually somewhere in the 5- to 7-inch range. Concealed self-defense is widespread in this style of knife, but it wasn’t the primary consideration when making my decisions.
- Sheaths: Each knife needed to have a slim sheath, preferably with retention that can be adjusted via a screw. The sheath must have a low profile. This is so they don’t print under clothing. Sheaths that allow easy adjustment of the angle were preferred.
- Steel Quality: Many horizontal carry knives are built of high-end steel. I tried to find various options at differing prices, not just the latest premium-quality options.
- Handles: Each knife needed a quality handle that was easy to grip and wouldn’t slip. I specifically looked for knives with aggressive handles and jimping for even more control.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Esee Izula
- Best Budget: CRKT Minimalist Bowie
- Best High-end: Montana Knife Company Blackfoot 2.0
- Most Versatile: Gerber Principle
- Best for Defense: Montana Knife Company War Goat
Best Overall: Esee Izula
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The Izula is one of the most versatile fixed-blade knives made by Esee today. It is a true joy to carry horizontally or Scout-style. I like the thin sheath included with this knife. It didn’t print during my carry tests, even under a T-shirt. The retention was a little tight when I first got the knife. However, it’s becoming better the more I use it. The size of this knife is perfect for most EDC tasks. Because it is built from a single piece of steel, it has a ton of strength. This is also incredibly easy to sharpen.
This knife has a skeletonized handle. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it does open the knife to possibilities for a paracord wrap or aftermarket handle. I also found the edge retention to be solid during my testing. The Izula delivers a ton of value for the bargain $60 price tag.
Best Budget: CRKT Minimalist Bowie
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A clip-point Bowie knife is an excellent choice for horizontal carry. It’s a highly versatile blade that I’ve used on a variety of projects around the house. The sheath for this knife had perfect retention from the moment I took it out of the box. The thin profile conceals well under lighter shirts. It is also incredibly lightweight at under 2 ounces. I barely noticed this one when it was on my belt. I like this one for campers and hunters who want something versatile for everyday carry.
This knife is much smaller than it appears in photos. I can put only three fingers on the grip, so users with larger hands might not like the size. However, I do like the texture on this one’s Micarta handle. It’s a solid grip and my favorite of CRKT’s Minimalist line. For only $30, it’s hard to go wrong with this knife.
Best High End: Montana Knife Company Blackfoot 2.0
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The Blackfoot 2.0 is an interesting knife. It utilizes 52100 steel, which is more commonly used in ball bearings. That makes it exceptionally tough while also being bulky. When I took it from the box, I was surprised at how thin the blade was. The hardness gives it some excellent edge retention qualities while not making it overly difficult to sharpen. Montana Knife Company gave this knife a superb sheath that easily slipped on as a horizontal belt knife. I had to adjust the retention a bit by loosening the screws. It still needs some breaking in, but I’m not worried about it long-term.
Like other MKC offerings, this knife is expensive. However, it is versatile enough to replace several other types of knives. I’m looking forward to using it not just for EDC but also for hunting and fishing. It’s robust enough to be used for bushcraft applications, too.
Most Versatile: Gerber Principle
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The Gerber Principle is a solid, no-frills knife that can do a little of everything. Thanks to a Scandi grind and a 90-degree spine for fire-starting, it's an excellent option for bushcraft or survival. The sheath is purpose-built to switch between different positions, including horizontal and vertical. There aren’t many sheaths at this price point that offer this kind of versatility. The size of the blade is solid for other activities, such as hunting.
One thing to note is that this is not a very fast knife. That’s mainly because of the design of the sheath. Subsequently, it’s not a great choice for self-defense. It’s primarily a bushcraft and EDC option. However, for $60, it’s a solid knife, especially for one made here in the States. It’s a good budget option for anyone looking to buy American.
Best For Defense: Montana Knife Company War Goat
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The Wargoat is a fast, nifty knife for anyone wanting something for self-defense. This knife has MKC’s unique, multi-position sheath that easily rides in the horizontal position. I love the texture of the G-10 handle. It’s got an aggressive texture that I found very easy to grip. Add in a ring on the end, and this is a knife that’s not easily dropped. I was able to deploy it quickly and with confidence when needed. Hopefully, I’ll never need to use it. This knife is a solid EDC carry, especially for wet environments. The MagnaCut steel holds an extraordinary edge and has excellent corrosion resistance. MKC sweetened things by giving the knife a Cerakote coating for even more protection.
The sheath clip does take a little time to set up and get into the perfect position. This one requires a little patience to get it set up perfectly. That’s a minor gripe because once I got it set up, it was like it wasn’t even on my belt. It’s one of the most comfortable carry knives or best belt knife, I’ve ever used.
How To Choose The Best Horizontal Carry Knife
Many users get a horizontal carry knife for self-defense purposes, and they then seek out a tactical solution when choosing a knife. However, some people overlook horizontal carry as a convenient way to carry a short, fixed blade for EDC purposes. After all, fixed-blade knives are usually better than pocket knives in strength and ergonomics. Horizontal carry is one of the most comfortable ways to keep the best belt knife on all day.
Length
Most horizontal carry knives are in the 2- to 4-inch range. It is possible to carry longer knives in this manner. However, if carried concealed, longer knives have a better chance of printing (showing through clothing). When that happens, it defeats the entire point of a concealed knife. If open carrying, this isn’t a concern, but check local regulations to ensure that it’s legal to carry a knife in this manner.
Weight
Carefully consider weight when choosing a horizontal carry blade. A knife's weight can directly impact the comfort of carrying it all day. If the blade is too heavy, it can cause belt sag, which can result in a lost knife if not careful. It also makes it harder to keep a knife concealed. Consider getting a heavy gun belt, which is stiffer to accommodate a firearm hanging on it all day.
Sheath
The sheath is vital for any horizontal carry knife. If the retention is too tight, then it will be hard to remove the blade, which is not good in a self-defense scenario. Newer knives must sometimes be “broken in” by removing and replacing the blade. Conversely, be wary of sheaths for which the retention is too loose because someone could rip the knife off your belt. Getting a sheath to the sweet spot can take a little trial and error. Ideally, only the person wearing the knife should be able to remove it quickly. Sometimes, aftermarket sheaths top the ones that come with the knife.
Handles
Horizontal carry knives must have a good handle, primarily if carried in the Scout position behind the back. Good handles are more accessible for gripping and pulling from a tight sheath in that position. It’s also a safety issue. Knives that have a good texture on the handle are less likely to slip and be dropped when withdrawn quickly. A sharp knife with poor handles can result in accidental cuts if the blade slips.
Why Trust Us
I’ve covered knives professionally for the last decade and have tested hundreds of styles and brands. Most of the knives here were recommended only after extensive testing. I subjected these knives to edge retention tests on various materials to see how quickly the blade would wear down. Additionally, I carried them in the horizontal carry position to evaluate the sheaths. I evaluated each one based on their comfort and retention to find the best.
Final Thoughts
Horizontal carry will only get more popular as more people seek comfortable ways to carry a knife. The Esee Izula is a tremendous knife that’s comfortable to carry and won’t break the bank. It made it an easy choice for my favorite horizontal carry knife. My runner-up is the Blackfoot 2.0 from Montana Knife Company. And that’s only because it’s a little trickier to come by than the Izula. It’s hard to go wrong with any of these knives as your next EDC horizontal carry solution.
FAQs
Q: What is a Scout carry knife?
A: This can be any fixed-blade knife that is designed to be carried in a horizontal position. The sheath is specifically designed to hold the knife at a 90-degree angle. Scout carry knives are meant to be concealed behind the back.
Q: Why get a horizontal carry knife?
A: Horizontal carry is an incredibly comfortable way to carry a fixed blade knife. It’s much easier to manage on a belt loop than vertical carry. Knives carried in this manner are also easier to conceal for self-defense purposes. It’s also a great way to carry a fixed blade for EDC purposes. These knives usually also double as perfect survival knives.
Q: What is an EDC knife?
A: EDC stands for “every day carry,” referring to any knife that a user carries continuously. Most people use pocket knives for this purpose. However, short fixed-blade knives are becoming more popular in the neck carry or horizontal carry positions.
