Magnetic Neck Knives

[J. Neilson]

I'm new to this forum but, I thought I'd post a few things to get warmed up. We've had alot of comments and conversation on these neck knives on other threads so, I thought I'd start here (also seen in Knives 2004) . I enjoy making my own damascus but, hate covering it up in a sheath. Especially a neck knife where it's suppose to be seen, most times. So Tess started making these magnetic neck sheaths. It was an idea she had seen somewhere and modified to fit our style. I'll post one and add the page link if you'd like to see and read more.
Thanks, J.

Damascus-Blackwood Stubby
http://www.mountainhollow.net/images/damscus-blackwood%20stubby.JPG
This Stubby has a blade 2 1/4" that is 500 layer damascus. The handle is African Blackwood with a nickle-silver guard and two-tone mosaic pin. The butt cap is Paua Select mosaic Abalone. This knife comes with an "open faced" magnetic sheath by Tess.
Price, with leather sheath: $200.00

Visa, MasterCard & Paypal accepted and satisfaction is always guaranteed.
http://www.mountainhollow.net/magneticneckknife.htm

[Danzo]

WOW! Thats so cool! The whole piece works really well and the magnetic sheath is great!

Time to take the cat to the pawnshop again........

:approve:

Danzo

[ugug]

cat to the pawnshop again

hmm after that last late night chat you sure it ain't pornshop Mr Danzo :yikes:

and btw.. thats a beautiful knife

cheers

ugug

[ZDP-189]

How do you prevent the knife from slipping and rotating from the sheath? Does the sheath leap off the chest and stick to passing metal objects? Is it easy to replace the knife in the sheath, or is it a two-handed job?

I ask this because I am collaborating on a magnetic belt sheath with a custom maker and know it's not as easy as it first seems...

[J. Neilson]

ZDP-189, the knife doen't move at all on the sheath. Tess uses 7-10 lb. rare earth magnets inlayed in the sheath between layers of leather. I wasn't too sure about the first one she made so, I put it on and ran around the back hay field for about a half hour with the dog and it didn't move. I was impressed. Along with that (I'm not sure if it shows on the picture) there is a leather "frame" around the blade to prevent movement and protect the wearer from the edge. As far as pass ing metal objects...I haven't had or heard of any problem there. I guess if your really hanging onto the light post enough to attract the sheath off your chest, the wearer is probably very drunk and should't be wearing a knife right then anyhow.
:1244:
Replacing the knife is a one handed job, also. I'd be interested in seeing the sheath your having made. I haven't see this type of sheath on a belt before. Sounds cool.



How do you prevent the knife from slipping and rotating from the sheath? Does the sheath leap off the chest and stick to passing metal objects? Is it easy to replace the knife in the sheath, or is it a two-handed job?

I ask this because I am collaborating on a magnetic belt sheath with a custom maker and know it's not as easy as it first seems...

[megalift]

That is a beautiful knife, I want one! I guess it's time to get the 'fishnets' back on - It gets cold on those street corners......

[J. Neilson]

That's just too funny...:theyareon


That is a beautiful knife, I want one! I guess it's time to get the 'fishnets' back on - It gets cold on those street corners......

[Martyn]

Beautiful knife. If I remember, I think Don Fogg uses rare earth magnets in his pocket sheaths rather than wet forming - he swears by it. ;)

[Kevin]

J.

Excellant web site and knives :)

[ZDP-189]

ZDP-189, the knife doen't move at all on the sheath. Tess uses 7-10 lb. rare earth magnets inlayed in the sheath between layers of leather. I wasn't too sure about the first one she made so, I put it on and ran around the back hay field for about a half hour with the dog and it didn't move. I was impressed. Along with that (I'm not sure if it shows on the picture) there is a leather "frame" around the blade to prevent movement and protect the wearer from the edge. As far as pass ing metal objects...I haven't had or heard of any problem there. I guess if your really hanging onto the light post enough to attract the sheath off your chest, the wearer is probably very drunk and should't be wearing a knife right then anyhow.
:1244:
Replacing the knife is a one handed job, also. I'd be interested in seeing the sheath your having made. I haven't see this type of sheath on a belt before. Sounds cool.

I figured that you'd use a frame to eliminate rotation. I hope the frame provides adequate protection for the user from the blade and that there's no chance that a fall will result in a nasty accident.

My system involves using a single, neodymium magnet to guide the tip into the mouth of the sheath. Actually, the magnet is not really strong enough to 'guide' the blade, it provides just enough force-feedback to the user to let him know the blade has found its mark.

The reason it's used is my knife is carried inverted behind the tip. It's a double edged blade with a very keen tip and I feel less than comfortable replacing it quickly when it could easily perforate my right kidney before I realise my mistake.

The knife is currently mounted in a standard kydex sheath. I will drill through the back and glue in the magnet on the 'ramp' where the sheathed knife abutts the guard. This is both the optimal position for safety and provides a hard surface to prevent the tip digging into the kydex.

Just for the record, I reserve all rights to this design. I am planning to transfer these to the maker.

[J. Neilson]

Just for the record, I reserve all rights to this design. I am planning to transfer these to the maker.[/QUOTE]

No trouble here. I'm not a kydex kinda guy. So the magnet is more of a guide than an actual holding system. Cool.

[Kevin Wilkins]

ISNIP

Just for the record, I reserve all rights to this design. I am planning to transfer these to the maker.

You do know that Bud Nealy has been using magnets in Kydex sheaths for years?

If you really want to protect any rights to a product design - rights which might be transferable - you have to legally protect the design with a patent. Saying you "reserve rights" is meaningless. I'm not trying to give you a hard time, so if aou already know all of this, well that's fine. If not, you should get legal advice regarding patent law and stop posting information about the product on a public forum, which would probobly weaken any chance you might have.

Again, this is free advice, so as T.E. Lawrence wrote, many wars ago "... Well-as you please"

[ZDP-189]

Yes I know. I don't expect to get anything out of it, but don't want to appear to give up any such rights in case Steve can make some money out of it.

With respect to Bud Nealy, I'm more than familiar with his work. I'm a big fan. After all, he poineered the use of rare earth magnets in his prototype MCS system in the 80s. I believe Bud uses two such magnets near the tip to secure the blade in the sheath.

My idea is completely different. The sheath uses a standard kydex clip to secure the knife... the magnet is located at the sheath mouth and both guides the tip and provides some force feedback to the user so he can slide the blade home without stabbing himself in the back.

My existing knife is frightening to replace. I have nearly stabbed myself more than once. I have a new custom version being made and when it arrives I'll reqork the sheath with the magnet. I went out to buy the Neodymium magnets today, in fact.

[PS_Bond]

Just for the record, I reserve all rights to this design. I am planning to transfer these to the maker.

Prior art :D

Did one last year that had that for a Gerber Command. Worked nicely for small-of-back carry, but I found that I wasn't using it so stripped it down again. Used 2 small square neo magnets (off the fridge!) to help guide the tip in. Recessed slightly into the throat of the sheath, then glued in. Not strong enough for retention, so I still used the spring of the Kydex to hold the knife. Not really enough of a difference to make it worthwhile, and they are a comparative pig to make. You still have a length of steel that have to get relatively close to let the magnets do their stuff, and I found that I was better off using both hands to sheath it.

Luckily, I *don't* reserve all rights :D Partly cos it is a derivation of Bud's design, rather than an original.

[ZDP-189]

Do you have photos? How did you find was working?

Kerrrrist, I'm getting a lot of ribbing for that comment. :banghead:

[PS_Bond]

:D

Sorry...

I could have tried it with larger magnets, I suppose.

[ZDP-189]

:D

Sorry...

I could have tried it with larger magnets, I suppose.

Thanks for the detail.

I am using two m :censored: :censored: ing big magnets - together 20mm dia. and 10mm thick. I can't tell you how much force they generate, but they are a pain to pry off a steel cubicle wall.

Also, unlike your Gerber, the magnets will be mounted flush with the kydex to stop the sharp tip from digging in. I'll post some piccies when it's done.

It's going to be awesome... denim fibremascus handle, reversed inverted carry, fast as the devil on speed.

Z

[PS_Bond]

Thanks for the detail.

I am using two m :censored: :censored: ing big magnets - together 20mm dia. and 10mm thick. I can't tell you how much force they generate, but they are a pain to pry off a steel cubicle wall.


Don't get the web of your hand trapped between those.
Also, don't drop the magnets into your lap with your wallet (and all your credit cards) in your pocket.
Finally, don't ask how I know :)

I considered using hard drive magnets, but given how much fun I have detaching things from those, I decided it was a bad idea.


Also, unlike your Gerber, the magnets will be mounted flush with the kydex to stop the sharp tip from digging in. I'll post some piccies when it's done.


These were flush with the level of the sheath - so no tip problems. With larger magnets, you could easily have the Kydex between the blade & the magnets (which would make the magnet installation easier).

Look forwards to the pics.



It's going to be awesome... denim fibremascus handle, reversed inverted carry, fast as the devil on speed.


Cool...

[Kevin]

Just for the record, I reserve all rights to this design. I am planning to transfer these to the maker.
.


I have to be honest ZDP.....I cannot see anything in your design which is new, just maybe you had not given it any thought before, where else some others had.

I was playing with magnets and kydex about 18 months ago for inverted carry after I read about it somewhere else........

[MattW]

I use hard drive magnets for all sorts in the workshop (chuck key holder on the pillar drill, swarf attractor when machining cast iron etc) - really useful things and my day job means I have access to loads of them :)

Never thought of using them in a sheath though. Cool idea.....

Matt

[Adi007]

Anyone know a source of strong, cheap magnets (if such a combo exists!!!!)

[ZDP-189]

I have a huge supply of Neodymium magnets here. Shame I'm not allowed to post them - I've a couple of dozen spare in my desk drawer in assorted sizes. I get them from my local electronics market (yes they have those too here).

For overseas orders and for really specialised stuff, WonderMagnet.com is your supplier.

Tip: don't overdo it - I can just about suspend my grinder from a magnet the size of two pound coins.

Tip: it's easier to slide them apart than pry

Tip: don't let them snap together - there's enough force to shatter the magnet