I served as an Air Force paramedic, Independent Duty Medical Technician (IDMT), for 23 years and carried a Camillus titanium all black with a 3 1/2 inch blade in my right boot just posterior to the lateral malleolus (right ankle protrusion). It was part of a two knife set and both were skeletonized. The smaller knife 1.5" blade was secured in the left boot just under the boot laces easily accessed just by lifting a strand of the lace. It was something I learned from my dad who fought in the Pacific under General MacArthur while assigned to an outfit on the island of Luzon. Carrying hidden knives saved a lot of GI lives. I do mostly overland camping nowadays and wear Merrell hiking shoes like the Moabs. I still use the small blade and hide it under the laces but under a "Dirty Girl" gaiter as well; to access it I unhook the front of the gaiter and with my index finger I can pull the knife out. Just in case you're not familiar with Dirty Girl gaiters they were invented by female backpackers for the purpose of keeping debris and insects such as ticks from entering your shoes as you hike. Mine are made of a camouflage cloth but they are available in different colors and patterns.
This. As long as people understand a boot knife isn't the immediate go-to it's perfectly viable. Just carry on the inside of your non-dominant side. I.e. right handed carries inside of left leg.
Love blade hq but hearing Ya’ll say the boot knife is impractical, especially in le/military situations, let alone civilian self defense is a huge RED FLAG. I’m 8 years le and every fight I’ve had, sadly a lot, have all wound up on the ground to some extent. If your on your back, and the bad guy is in your guard or has you mounted and your “ohh shit moment” is full swing and you can’t get to your gun or other tools on your belt, you can usually spider a foot up to your hand and grab your boot knife. It’s a great tool to have and is often over looked. You Should always have some sort of force multiplier top, mid, and lower portion of your body in case you are pinned or unable to access the others. I carry three knifes always, left front pant pocket, right rear pant pocket, right boot. Lots of training videos out there on the web as well if anyone is wondering...
Love the video. But to throw my two cents in on "carrying anything in your boot for self defense is impractical", I have to refer to Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. He makes some fantastic points about ankle guns, and I think it applies to knives. Chances are, if you end up in a true physical fight, you will most likely, at some point end up on the ground. Especially if you're physically impaired or elderly. Having an ankle gun or a boot knife gives you access to a weapon more easily if your on the ground, trying to end a physical altercation and preserve your life. Its also much easier to access when sitting, especially if there's a seat belt or something of the sorts in the way of your belt or pockets.
@@ezraveno558 Yes, the lower You put the weight, the more of your energy it takes to move around, if You consider carrying a gun on your ankle, have the same wright attached to the leg when you are running or walking, and consider to have both legs carrying the same weight, due to ergonomics.
@John Tetrick yeah, again, its about looking at things realistically. Chances of ending up on the ground are very likely, and having something on your leg/ankle is the most accessible place to have it while on the ground. Its a last resort, but its best to know that you have it there when you need it if it comes to that.
Not sure if you guys at blade HQ know this about the sog Instinct but I started carrying that as a boot knife like 5 years ago. It can be worn as a boot knife but if you get an Allen wrench, there’s a hole in the clip, If loosen the bolt a lil and turn the clip on its side you can then tighten it and the knife can be worn on your belt kinda as a tactical fighting slide out knife. Either on your lower back or your front.
In terms of self defense, sometimes a boot knife/ankle holster is less for immediate defense and more for having a slightly hidden knife/gun that someone could miss in your pocket or belt or pocket rather easily. Edit: also, Lugermonger carried the benchmade fact in his boot and that is one of the ones on my list to try, but folders were not referenced at all!?! I understand that generally boot knives are fixed blade knives with a very specific purpose but I carried a leek in my caterpillar work boots for a while and loved it and I think that folders could be an option too, give it a bit of thought.
Right?! When I don't wear boots because I'm out skating or something I can clip a little folding s&w special ops tanto into my high top vans and not feel it
It might sound crazy but clip a spyderco resilience to the top of your cowboy boot. it's light enough you won't notice it and big enough to be serious when needed.
I have been looking at boot knives on Amazon and looked at the ones you reviewed. I liked the look and specs of the cold steel. I used to carry one for years but I stopped and lost track of it. I am 79 years old and carried different types of knives every day since I was 13. I have never threatened or hurt any one with my knife, but people are frightened by the sight of one now. So I have been carrying different folding knives in my pocket lately. I used boot knives for 30 years while I worked as a police officer.
As a child I delivered newspapers with a Gerber Paraframe clipped to my rollerblades. Actually a great carry method, since I would only need it once or twice per trip to open newspaper bundles.
When it comes to concealment, retention is everything. I had a friend rip his Carhartt belt off in the middle of getting jumped. Under duress you just want to be able to yank that blade out. Pushing and pulling falls under covert op situation.
I've carried 6-7.5" bladed fixed knives in my cowboy boots for years. A thick leather sleeve sewed or riveted together and Chicago screwed to the inside of the boot will fit a broad spectrum of knives and prevent flopping and rubbing. A Hanwei V-42 was in my boot almost every day for a year, and that's more than a foot long.
I rarely carry a boot knife, but my favorite was the old Kershaw 4351 Military. Made in Germany, drop-forged 1.4116 steel, micarta handle and a leather sheath. I do have to say the retention strap being leather has loosened up over the (many) years, but it still does the job.
To fix the rattle on the cold steel just put a little cotton in the bottom of the sheath & it is also good to soak the cotton with oil to help prevent any possible rust from forming.
Thank you UA-cams for tossing this gem of a video in my recommendation. Saw “Big Trouble In Little China” last year (not my first time seeing it) and wanted a boot knife ever since. Imma boot guy cause of work thinking of Ariat boots cause of the leather and square toe look. Thanks for all the time you put in this video
@BladeHQ: This was an interesting episode because it was a little out of the norm. But I would be super interested in an episode dedicated to "Best EDC Scout Carry Knives". It's been where my mind has gone lately for my next/newest knife.
Scout carry is great until you get in the car, or try it with a knife over 10". I scout carry a survival knife when I am camping, it works great until I sit in a chair. I would think something much slimmer for EDC would be better.
Wouldn’t recommend scout carry for edc unless you are in the woods all the time. Scout carry will print/show at some point even if you are careful and someone with a watchful eye will pick up in it. That’s a good way to get stabbed in the back
@@johnnyringo2185 if you scout carry you open carry. So, yeah, if someone wants to stab you in the kidneys with your knife they could. If you are in that kind of atmosphere, like, Chicago or Portland, you should have your knife stuck to your plate carrier on the Molle loops. Scout carry is for the woods, backyard or most normal neighborhoods where ANTIFA isn't setting fire to the police station and court houses.
I've tried so many carry options, including scout carry. For a long time now I've switched to a pocket sheath in my back pocket. Once you get use to it, it's just like a wallet. Also cross draw i find really comfortable... ⚔🤙
I’m not a boot knife guy, but I enjoyed this episode 👍 I like a break from the usual EDC folders and general use fixed blades with some different, niche stuff.
I know this video is old, but if anyone is scrolling through comments I carried a Sting in North Vietnam in the early 2000s as a concealed self defense backup blade and it was fantastic! Never shifted, but I never wore socks, cause most days I'd wear track pants with sandals (sliders/bathroom sandals) whatever you wanna call them. And the retention in the sheath was so good that I generally wore the knife handle down for quick easy access. For several years while I was working over there it w my favorite self defense fixed blade. Hope this helps anyone looking at this video.
I think you guys should try some of these as belt knives, and carry them scout style at the appendix position. It’s real comfy and super useful and quick when I need a knife. Definitely faster deployment than a normal pocket knife. I used the CRKT Minimalist for this and it’s sweet.
A boot knife has the benefit of being a good backup knife. And if you get tackled or jumped in a fight, and end up on the ground, you may be able to access a boot knife easier than one in your waist or poket. Especially if you have an attacker on top of you.
I wear "cowboy" boots on almost a daily basis. I don't actively carry in my boot, but I have considered it a lot. Some of these definitely look like they would fit the bill.
@@cunnelatio they all have hand fit and finish. All the finishing at microtech is by hand. The point I'm making is both the microtech ultratech and combat trodon used in the wick series where custom marifone, not production knives
i carry the smith and wesson one right now with construction boot. In the past ive also put folders in the top of my cowboy boots just to have another one on me. Btw i love your editor, he/she is hilarious and uses some amazing classic movie clips.
Some teams have boots custom made with boot knives built in (sole etc) There are some that the handle breaks down and protects the blade so you have have something like the schrade needle and have it not overtake your leg. Look for something that has a serrated edge part to it to for utility. Have the sheath added to your boot and look to see what type of boot will hold the knife you are looking at or vise versa.
As a LEO I carry a CRKT minimalist on my boot so if I go the ground and have access to it. Also have a Kabar TDI behind the mag pouch. Loved this video guys! Super fun and relaxed.
A buddy of mine started making railroad spike knives in his free time, and one year for Christmas I got one as a gift. Well with a bit of time and effort I made a leather sheath for it and it goes everywhere with me. You’re absolutely right, it’s an under appreciated way of carrying an extra blade but it sure is cool knowing you have a hunk of steel with you if ever you should need it
Cannot even remember whether it is the "Gerber Mark 1 or 2?. Just looked @ it, that's right, still have it. It does not say. All steel dagger, double edged. Phenomenal leather sheath & clip... still today! This knife is 50+ years old. I carried it daily for over 20+ years as a boot knife in my Frye Boots. Carried it several other ways as well. Even shaved with it. It had been my "go to" knife when I wanted to compare sharpness of a blade! Cannot say enough about it, Saved My Arse Many Times! Now it resides in a drawer next to the head of the bed. J
@Jesse Robinson Danner is where it's at. I've had two pairs of Danner Boots, and I love them. I used to live 10 minutes from their Portland Factory, now I live 90 miles away. I plan to get an 8" pair of Acadia, and probably a 10" pair of Fort Lewis.
@@Vladpryde totally agree love my Danners. As long as you get the right sizing the "break in" is about non existent. On my second pair of steel toes after three years of welding life on the first, and still have a pair of vicious at home for anything other than work. Great boots!
I wear cowboy boots at work. I install, maintain and repair water mains all day. Muddy trench heavy construction. I wear the cold steel peace maker III. works perfect, easy one hand pull, sheath is made for a boot, lightweight, clip retention is seriously strong, no conplaints or suggestion on improvements. Flat out, straight up and down YOU'RE WELCOME!
Thy are a back up. In a self defense situation, you would have to break contact to draw your blade, if you lost you primary or a firearm. However, if searched most people are very poor at searching your ankles,
& you would have to bend down, which is just about the worst position you can do. Not only can he kick your face/head, he can easily pin you down, beat you up & stab your back. So you would be getting your ass kicked AND killed. That's why I don't put my boot knife in my boot (my fingers are too short to open regular folding knives all the way so I can't use those).
5 days a week I wear a pair of Doc Martens for work. I started my boot knife journey with the Pete’s pirate knife V2 with titanium scales rocking a ulticlip. I have kept it on the outside of my right boot and it’s incredibly comfortable. Most days I forget that it’s there. I’m trying a new knife now, the Tops street spike, carried the same way. I have found that the “not a boot knife” is the best way to go at least for me and my uses.
I've got an original Gerber Guardian Camo from the 80's and I've never even thought of replacing it. The sheath still gives excellent service, no shaking with a good clip retention. It is also able to be worn on my belt or around my neck using the fitted D ring. Also have the original AG Russell Sting in full carbon fibre. Obtained in the 80s as well when they were referred to as a CIA letter opener.
For me, boots everyday since I was a Paratrooper in the 82nd. While in the Paras I carried a M1 full length bayonet on the outside of my boot. I made my own carry for it and jumped with it. We lost knives on jumps and airmobiles all day long but I NEVER lost this bayonet and I still have it. I changed out to a different boot knife after retirement. I settled on the S&W in green. Who in their right mind would carry a full length bayonet in civilian life? I wear a combination of tall Wellingtons, (cowboy boots with a full round top), and still wear full size jungle style boots daily. My favourite boots are my Salomons GTX. They are the most difficult for boot knife carry. 2 is 1 and 1 is none. Reality for a Grunt.
I have a "boot" knife never know when you need to cut something and youre at the back of the car bingo look in your trunk and theres a stanley 199 right there to cut whatever you need
@Miles Maillet no you can but you have to have a clear reason. Having a screw driver in the side of the car when no reason can be seen as having it there for 'other' purposes. You can carry a knife , fixed or not as long as it has a reason ie you keep it in case of an accident to cut your seat belt off or you are into bushcraft and it is with your other bushcraft stuff etc
@Miles Maillet that's the thing if you have other tools it is fine! One flat has svrew driver can be a make shift Stabbing implement. I am just saying the way the police see it, I think it is on the crazy 🤪 side
I was the PoPo for 25 years and I always carried a boot knife. I even started a trend by carrying a folder in my Motor Boots. ( knee high motorcycle boots) Loved this video...
@@Surago I have been known to make compromises in regards to willing women and odd requests. Try everything once... twice if you didn't like it the first time 😈
I've never tried carrying a boot knife before but I have carried the sog instinct (iwb) for 4-5 years. It's been my edc knife for a long time. I live in NYC where the knife laws are ridiculous and stopped carrying pocket knives because I kept getting stopped by the police. Here it's a very gray area as to what's considered legal. At any rate I've switched to small fixed blades and have purchased several different types but always find myself going back to the instinct. Considering open carry is illegal here finding a decent concealed carry that is comfortable and doesn't print is priority.
I am glad you guys did this one. I feel like ladies wear boots a LOT, especially during the fall/winter months. Depending on the clothing, it may not be a bad option for a second carry... taller boots and avg length skirt, would not be a far or hard reach, for self defense..... I may have to get one and test this out myself!!! 🪓🪓🪓🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡
for the esee knife, if you look in the sheath there is a knob that keeps the knife in there tight, if you take it and shave off just a tiny tiny bit it’ll slip out so much easier
Boots all the time. Hikers daily, Cowboy for dress. My old combat boots for hard work when I could still do that. (Medical issues + cane= don't move the heavy stuff.) Back as a teen I carried a Mora as a boot knife in my high top sneakers. Crew socks folded over the top of the plastic and ran my shoelace around to hold the sheath in place. Seems like that was forever ago, but it hasn't been a full 3 decades. In the service I carried various boot knives with the CS Culloden (about a 5" blade) and Gerber Guardian as faves. (Carried Gerber handle down on outside of boot. Easier to get to.) Now will occasionally run a push dagger in my hiking boots, but it is rare. Enjoying you videos from Deep in the heart of Texas.
I’ve got one of these too, and I agree, decent knife. I don’t wear boots though so it’s usually in my cargo pocket on some 5.11 pants. I clip the sheath to the inner pocket, then leave a short lanyard I put on it just protruding from the pocket a bit. I can get to it very quickly and it doesn’t bug me when I sit and it doesn’t print.
I‘m a fan of the ulti-clip. It probably wouldn’t work on boots with any padding but it could clamp to the redwings and cowboy boots. That sheath would never come lose.
I recently picked up the TOPS Bootlegger and it's superb. It's a bit large to clip into a boot unless you're running full-height cowboy boots, but you can also use an elastic or velcro strap around the calf. Either way, it's a stellar blade. A little heavy, but super robust. Def worth checking out for a round 2 option!
If you’re looking for a book knife I’d highly recommend choosing one with a kydex sheath and purchasing an ulticlip to attach to it. I run a cold steel countertac in my cowboy boots and the ulticlip prevents flopping and the sheath coming out of your boot on the draw.
I will carry a stiletto switchblade tucked into my boot on occasion. Bent the pocket clip so that it’ll go over my boot and still retain. That kershaw would be a spear blade. Bayonet blades will have a section of the back edge that is sharpened (typically 1/4-1/2)
@@casecutlerykid2095 The Schrade company that made good knives in the US is COMPLETELY gone. They closed in 2004 and the NAME was bought by a larger company. They didn't buy any of the factories or hire any of the people that actually cared, they only got a brand to stamp onto their knives that they exclusive make in China. Whatever good feelings or nostalgia you have for Schrade (or Old Timer, Imperial, or Uncle Henry) are utterly irrelevant to the current company because everything that made Schrade good died over a decade ago.
I wear western, work, and motorcycle riding boots. Do have a couple boot knives but always carried a Schrade lock back on my belt. I do have a few neck knives that are also very handy. Boot knife is a Western, dagger with leather sheath and a strong clip. Never carried it much but have had it for around 40 years.
I’ve been wearing cowboy boots since I was 4 years old and I’m 61 now. I’ve been looking for a good boot knife and thanks to this video I’m leaning towards the Buck or SOG knives that you showed. If I can’t decide which one to get,I’ll just get both and be done with it.
I only wear boots can’t stand China made shoes that are overpriced and junk ... Hoffman boots or JK boots is where ya wanna spend your money or whites boots , and nicks of course ... as long as they are USA made boots
i made my own boot knife and i never go anywhere without it, better than all the knives on that table imo, 5inch blade 8inch total length clip point "bowie" with leather wrap handle, i'm almost 6ft4 and wear "sentry style" work boots half way up my calf. and for pants they are always tucked into my boots
Honestly as a woman who likes edc knives, boot knives seem like they'd be a really good option considering most of my pants don't have knife friendly pockets. Currently I carry a cheap kershaw folder just because it's flat enough for my back pocket aka my only pocket. Not to mention some women's boots even go over the knee so knife length wouldn't be too much of an issue for me
The most knives I've carried at once is 5. A folding knife in my left & right pocket, a neck knife, a butterfly knife also in right pocket, and a big hunting knife tucked in my waste band hooked too my belt. The entire day i didnt need a single one. But the point is they're there if i did need them. Plus i felt cool
Personally I only carry a max of two knives. I mostly use my pocket knife for simple things like opening boxes or pieces of string off clothes. But it's always nice to know I can use them as a weapon if needed
Here's a tip if u wear a logger style boots u use the long laces so u can put them upside down n wrap ur laces around the sheath n it's alot easier to access n still hidden
One of your best vids, and a great topic! I carried a boot knife every day on patrol with my local Sheriff's Dept. It was a last ditch defensive weapon, and also worked great for tagging deer ears. I had to dig it out to refresh my memory of what it was. It is a 5" double-sided saber ground blade with some type of a coarse coated steel handle. The only markings are on one side of the ricasso and it says Taylor Cutlery Taiwan.
Carried a boot knife for years in cowboy boots.could get to it easy on a motorcycle or on horseback. Carried it usually as a backup. I also carried my money in a thin long wallet in my boot. Couldn’t get pick pocketed and keeping a wallet in your back pocket on a horse was always a bad idea.
You guys mentioned that a knife in the boot is not easily accessible. From my military and law enforcement training and experience, I have found 2.5 scenarios where a knife in the boot is a practical location. 1) Ground fitting. Grappling on the ground can put you in a position where a boot knife is easily within reach can be quickly deployed. For this scenario, one advantage to wearing the knife on the inside of the boot is it can be reached with either hand. 2) When sitting. Think vehicle seat, restaurant table, bus, subway train, etc. A boot knife could be easily accessed when sitting in a more confined space. 2.5) Scuba diving. Ok, not practical for most people and definitely not for these types of knives, but when I was a rescue diver with a LEO agency, we carried 2 knives, one on our chest rig and one on our ankle (one high, one low) for cutting free from entanglements. LEO divers don't always go down in clear blue water like the Bahamas. Its usually darker, murky water with all sorts of crap that you can get tangled or stuck in so having a knife high and low meant you always had one where you could reach it and you always had a spare if you dropped one and couldn't reach it or see it.
a boot knife with a lanyard is made to be tied into the laces on lace up boots. i like my buck 476 it has a nylon strap with a loop for tying into a laceup boot. perfect size for fighting. 3" blade and all synthetic.
Boots everyday. Tactical Work & Cowboy. Carried the Ferber river shorty as a boot knife years ago. Haven’t had a boot knife idea in a long time. If I had to right now pick from my collection I would boot carry my Spyderco Tenacious either I’m the boot or my Bug Bite Ankle holster. That holster is the best ankle option I have ever found for an ankle gun or knife.
Biker boots are the perfect home for the bigger blades you have demonstrated. Pity I live in nanny state Scotland where everything sharp n pointy is illegal. Luckily I'm too stupid to understand the law.
The cold steel knife is by far the best boot knife in there. Have all of these and I carry the cold steel knife every day on my back. The Kershaw is close second but they only make single edge now. Which is good, because it's always gonna be legal. Both are crazy sharp.
I wear boots every day because my daily driver is a Ninja 1000. After trying a lot that I wore out in a year (the motorcycle gear ones usually have very soft soles and I'm more of an all-day wear person) I found a pair of RedWing Engineer boots 6 years ago; had them re-soled last August. I grew-up in various work boots all summer due to being a dairy farm kid so I was out running diesel tractors to mow or bale hay.
I served as an Air Force paramedic, Independent Duty Medical Technician (IDMT), for 23 years and carried a Camillus titanium all black with a 3 1/2 inch blade in my right boot just posterior to the lateral malleolus (right ankle protrusion). It was part of a two knife set and both were skeletonized. The smaller knife 1.5" blade was secured in the left boot just under the boot laces easily accessed just by lifting a strand of the lace. It was something I learned from my dad who fought in the Pacific under General MacArthur while assigned to an outfit on the island of Luzon. Carrying hidden knives saved a lot of GI lives. I do mostly overland camping nowadays and wear Merrell hiking shoes like the Moabs. I still use the small blade and hide it under the laces but under a "Dirty Girl" gaiter as well; to access it I unhook the front of the gaiter and with my index finger I can pull the knife out. Just in case you're not familiar with Dirty Girl gaiters they were invented by female backpackers for the purpose of keeping debris and insects such as ticks from entering your shoes as you hike. Mine are made of a camouflage cloth but they are available in different colors and patterns.
This has gotta be fake hahah
Lost me at lateral malalala
Gotta link
You know you’re utterly mad, don’t you?
The boot knife becomes very accessible when you're in a grapple, which is where you're probably going to be using it.
Your telling me that the most likely use for these knives for the people watching this video is for stabbing someone while in a grapple?
@@gbfan75 no I wear one when I'm working in cramped spaces for work.
OP is pretty correct, I used to be in a rough neighborhood and I’ve seen kids use it as last resort in street fights.
@@gbfan75 YES
This. As long as people understand a boot knife isn't the immediate go-to it's perfectly viable. Just carry on the inside of your non-dominant side. I.e. right handed carries inside of left leg.
"Leather boots are still in style for manly footwear"...Merle Haggard.
Every man needs a good pair of boots.
Beads & Roman Sandals won't be seen. Football still the roughest thing on campus. And the Kids here still respect, their college Dean.
6+ months and my danners are starting to break in. looking forward to the next 15 years.
Okie from Muskogee.
But those guys are all blind from drinking bathtub White Lightning.
Well if Merlesaid said so I'll have to go buy some new boots
Love blade hq but hearing Ya’ll say the boot knife is impractical, especially in le/military situations, let alone civilian self defense is a huge RED FLAG. I’m 8 years le and every fight I’ve had, sadly a lot, have all wound up on the ground to some extent. If your on your back, and the bad guy is in your guard or has you mounted and your “ohh shit moment” is full swing and you can’t get to your gun or other tools on your belt, you can usually spider a foot up to your hand and grab your boot knife. It’s a great tool to have and is often over looked. You Should always have some sort of force multiplier top, mid, and lower portion of your body in case you are pinned or unable to access the others. I carry three knifes always, left front pant pocket, right rear pant pocket, right boot. Lots of training videos out there on the web as well if anyone is wondering...
They're desk jockeys
Bro first rule of carrying multiple knives don’t tell everyone where they all are, I hope you actually carry 5
@@sparks6177 good thing I have about a 100% chance of not running into someone reading this comment and needing to resort to my knifes on them... 🙄
@@19RORABOUGH90 that was a joke
@@sparks6177 well then my bad. Hard to pick up sarcasm online with no context.
Sweet, these will look svelte tucked into my flip flops, right there between my 1st and 2nd toe👌
Should we do a flip flop knives buyers guide next?
Blade HQ I’m getting my credit card out as we speak!
Blade HQ yes yes y’all should
Blade HQ I think this is a joke... but I would very much appreciate this
Personally for flip flop carry I have gravitated towards the esee junglas
I'm betting he was wearing some daisy dukes with those cowboy boots.
Hot
Noice!
No doubt
Love the video. But to throw my two cents in on "carrying anything in your boot for self defense is impractical", I have to refer to Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. He makes some fantastic points about ankle guns, and I think it applies to knives. Chances are, if you end up in a true physical fight, you will most likely, at some point end up on the ground. Especially if you're physically impaired or elderly. Having an ankle gun or a boot knife gives you access to a weapon more easily if your on the ground, trying to end a physical altercation and preserve your life. Its also much easier to access when sitting, especially if there's a seat belt or something of the sorts in the way of your belt or pockets.
Under rated comment!
Good point, but as a backup, not primary gun/knife, and they should be on the inside of the leg, accessible to both hands.
@@dmg4415 I'd agree, but its all based on what each person is comfortable with.
@@ezraveno558 Yes, the lower You put the weight, the more of your energy it takes to move around, if You consider carrying a gun on your ankle, have the same wright attached to the leg when you are running or walking, and consider to have both legs carrying the same weight, due to ergonomics.
@John Tetrick yeah, again, its about looking at things realistically. Chances of ending up on the ground are very likely, and having something on your leg/ankle is the most accessible place to have it while on the ground. Its a last resort, but its best to know that you have it there when you need it if it comes to that.
Not sure if you guys at blade HQ know this about the sog Instinct but I started carrying that as a boot knife like 5 years ago. It can be worn as a boot knife but if you get an Allen wrench, there’s a hole in the clip, If loosen the bolt a lil and turn the clip on its side you can then tighten it and the knife can be worn on your belt kinda as a tactical fighting slide out knife. Either on your lower back or your front.
In terms of self defense, sometimes a boot knife/ankle holster is less for immediate defense and more for having a slightly hidden knife/gun that someone could miss in your pocket or belt or pocket rather easily. Edit: also, Lugermonger carried the benchmade fact in his boot and that is one of the ones on my list to try, but folders were not referenced at all!?! I understand that generally boot knives are fixed blade knives with a very specific purpose but I carried a leek in my caterpillar work boots for a while and loved it and I think that folders could be an option too, give it a bit of thought.
Right?! When I don't wear boots because I'm out skating or something I can clip a little folding s&w special ops tanto into my high top vans and not feel it
It might sound crazy but clip a spyderco resilience to the top of your cowboy boot. it's light enough you won't notice it and big enough to be serious when needed.
I wear boots and I use knives, this is the best of both worlds.
I have been looking at boot knives on Amazon and looked at the ones you reviewed. I liked the look and specs of the cold steel. I used to carry one for years but I stopped and lost track of it. I am 79 years old and carried different types of knives every day since I was 13. I have never threatened or hurt any one with my knife, but people are frightened by the sight of one now. So I have been carrying different folding knives in my pocket lately. I used boot knives for 30 years while I worked as a police officer.
As a child I delivered newspapers with a Gerber Paraframe clipped to my rollerblades. Actually a great carry method, since I would only need it once or twice per trip to open newspaper bundles.
Why stop with one boot knife? You have two boots, you have two hands, you need two boot knives.
Where would you place them? The inside of the boot or outside?
Ow shit how about both.?
“I’m seeing double he”, “four crusties”
Me with 10” Italian stiletto in sleeve pocket...
If they didn’t want a knife in there they wouldn’t have made the pocket.
If anything just for symmetry, I’ve tried carrying boot knives and all I can think about is how I only have a knife in one of my boots
2 is one, one is none.
When it comes to concealment, retention is everything. I had a friend rip his Carhartt belt off in the middle of getting jumped. Under duress you just want to be able to yank that blade out. Pushing and pulling falls under covert op situation.
I've carried 6-7.5" bladed fixed knives in my cowboy boots for years.
A thick leather sleeve sewed or riveted together and Chicago screwed to the inside of the boot will fit a broad spectrum of knives and prevent flopping and rubbing. A Hanwei V-42 was in my boot almost every day for a year, and that's more than a foot long.
Overseas in Iraq I carried the benchmade push dagger everyday as a boot knife. Could deploy it super fast.
That's brutal bro.
I’m an electrician and wear boots 5-7 days a week. So glad y’all did this video!
I rarely carry a boot knife, but my favorite was the old Kershaw 4351 Military. Made in Germany, drop-forged 1.4116 steel, micarta handle and a leather sheath. I do have to say the retention strap being leather has loosened up over the (many) years, but it still does the job.
Kurt - TIP - best socks on the market: Darn Tough. Look at the tall socks. Lifetime warranty.
I gotta state that us ladies always wear boots. Cuz they're cute.
Now I want a boot knife...
Ladies in boots are cute!
Bootz N Pantz
Bootz N Pantz
Nothing says GIT OFF ME like sharp pointy blade against a Fella's throat ;)
Knives are awesome regardless of gender!
Yess they are!
To fix the rattle on the cold steel just put a little cotton in the bottom of the sheath & it is also good to soak the cotton with oil to help prevent any possible rust from forming.
Any knife is a boot knife with the right boots. 5.11 tac recon boots have a pocket for knives its perfect.
I carry the crkt obake in my boot and can't tell it's even there.
Even the Cold Steel Chinese War Sword? I think I might be able to squeeze it in there.
Worth a try.
images.app.goo.gl/HwhDmxvigZyutQm47
@@BladeHQ you guys should definitely do best scout carry
Thank you UA-cams for tossing this gem of a video in my recommendation. Saw “Big Trouble In Little China” last year (not my first time seeing it) and wanted a boot knife ever since. Imma boot guy cause of work thinking of Ariat boots cause of the leather and square toe look. Thanks for all the time you put in this video
Who wants to work at blade hq?
I do.
The real question is who doesnt
I want to work at the HQ and live in Utah. I'm on my way!
@@BladeHQ your boss wants you to as well.
I do, I do
I think the more practical use for a boot knife is for when you end up on the ground because at that point you can bring you legs up to you
Id call it a contingency plan
@BladeHQ: This was an interesting episode because it was a little out of the norm. But I would be super interested in an episode dedicated to "Best EDC Scout Carry Knives". It's been where my mind has gone lately for my next/newest knife.
Scout carry is great until you get in the car, or try it with a knife over 10". I scout carry a survival knife when I am camping, it works great until I sit in a chair. I would think something much slimmer for EDC would be better.
nunnink av maybe scout carry one of these boot knives...🤔
Wouldn’t recommend scout carry for edc unless you are in the woods all the time. Scout carry will print/show at some point even if you are careful and someone with a watchful eye will pick up in it. That’s a good way to get stabbed in the back
@@johnnyringo2185 if you scout carry you open carry. So, yeah, if someone wants to stab you in the kidneys with your knife they could. If you are in that kind of atmosphere, like, Chicago or Portland, you should have your knife stuck to your plate carrier on the Molle loops. Scout carry is for the woods, backyard or most normal neighborhoods where ANTIFA isn't setting fire to the police station and court houses.
I've tried so many carry options, including scout carry. For a long time now I've switched to a pocket sheath in my back pocket. Once you get use to it, it's just like a wallet. Also cross draw i find really comfortable... ⚔🤙
I wear boots everyday for work I've been contemplating getting a boot knife. I open carry my 15" Bowie knife on my belt
I’m not a boot knife guy, but I enjoyed this episode 👍 I like a break from the usual EDC folders and general use fixed blades with some different, niche stuff.
I know this video is old, but if anyone is scrolling through comments I carried a Sting in North Vietnam in the early 2000s as a concealed self defense backup blade and it was fantastic! Never shifted, but I never wore socks, cause most days I'd wear track pants with sandals (sliders/bathroom sandals) whatever you wanna call them. And the retention in the sheath was so good that I generally wore the knife handle down for quick easy access. For several years while I was working over there it w my favorite self defense fixed blade. Hope this helps anyone looking at this video.
I think you guys should try some of these as belt knives, and carry them scout style at the appendix position. It’s real comfy and super useful and quick when I need a knife. Definitely faster deployment than a normal pocket knife. I used the CRKT Minimalist for this and it’s sweet.
A boot knife has the benefit of being a good backup knife. And if you get tackled or jumped in a fight, and end up on the ground, you may be able to access a boot knife easier than one in your waist or poket. Especially if you have an attacker on top of you.
I wear "cowboy" boots on almost a daily basis. I don't actively carry in my boot, but I have considered it a lot. Some of these definitely look like they would fit the bill.
I like John Wicks “boot knife”-Ultratech in tube sock
@@cunnelatio he had both, and they where not microtech they were marifone customs.
@@cunnelatio they all have hand fit and finish. All the finishing at microtech is by hand. The point I'm making is both the microtech ultratech and combat trodon used in the wick series where custom marifone, not production knives
Or a Cipher
I wear boots everyday and found this video great, thank you for this one
i carry the smith and wesson one right now with construction boot. In the past ive also put folders in the top of my cowboy boots just to have another one on me. Btw i love your editor, he/she is hilarious and uses some amazing classic movie clips.
Ditto ...
How's it fit, I've been thinking of getting it, but I'm worried it's a little too big for my boots
Some teams have boots custom made with boot knives built in (sole etc) There are some that the handle breaks down and protects the blade so you have have something like the schrade needle and have it not overtake your leg.
Look for something that has a serrated edge part to it to for utility.
Have the sheath added to your boot and look to see what type of boot will hold the knife you are looking at or vise versa.
Let's be honest here. A boot knife ain't made for cutting apples. They are for sticking people.
Not only that.. the cringe factor of that opening segment was off the charts. Total 2nd hand embarrassment!!
@Thelema9331 I wear my crkt minimalist in my boot, just because it is out of the way. Doesn't feel too bad either.
You can say that about every knife so....
Vital Guillin nah, the only reason people have boot knives is for when they’re disarmed and pinned down on the ground.
Good for skinning things
As a LEO I carry a CRKT minimalist on my boot so if I go the ground and have access to it. Also have a Kabar TDI behind the mag pouch. Loved this video guys! Super fun and relaxed.
What's a LEO ??
10:15 "I didn't lose any of these knives out of my boots" & then instantly makes an excuse for why he lost a knife out of his boot. LOL Riiiiiight!
A buddy of mine started making railroad spike knives in his free time, and one year for Christmas I got one as a gift. Well with a bit of time and effort I made a leather sheath for it and it goes everywhere with me. You’re absolutely right, it’s an under appreciated way of carrying an extra blade but it sure is cool knowing you have a hunk of steel with you if ever you should need it
"There was a lot of rubbage."
You will have to wear longer socks then.
Cannot even remember whether it is the "Gerber Mark 1 or 2?. Just looked @ it, that's right, still have it. It does not say. All steel dagger, double edged. Phenomenal leather sheath & clip... still today! This knife is 50+ years old. I carried it daily for over 20+ years as a boot knife in my Frye Boots. Carried it several other ways as well. Even shaved with it. It had been my "go to" knife when I wanted to compare sharpness of a blade!
Cannot say enough about it, Saved My Arse Many Times! Now it resides in a drawer next to the head of the bed. J
Man Red Wing boots are some of the best boots you can get, you can tell that he had those for years and they are holding up.
@Jesse Robinson Danner is where it's at. I've had two pairs of Danner Boots, and I love them. I used to live 10 minutes from their Portland Factory, now I live 90 miles away. I plan to get an 8" pair of Acadia, and probably a 10" pair of Fort Lewis.
@@Vladpryde totally agree love my Danners. As long as you get the right sizing the "break in" is about non existent. On my second pair of steel toes after three years of welding life on the first, and still have a pair of vicious at home for anything other than work. Great boots!
@@duanelockaby9481 bought my first pair of danner steel toe bull run I love em for work rn
Need some leather balm on those puppies so they keep on kickin
@@Vladpryde danner trakwelt 8 inch with paracord laces. Marines wear danners for a reason.
I carry a boot knife almost every day for years now. I wear cowboy style boots and the knife is a fixed blade from Scorpion six knives.
Boots are all I wear, Georgia's at work and Wolverine's everywhere else. Needed this video as I have been looking for a boot knife! Thanks!
I do Concrete work and wear Redwing lace up boots everywhere. And carry the Smith and Wesson SMHRT9B. Check it out,
I wear cowboy boots at work. I install, maintain and repair water mains all day. Muddy trench heavy construction. I wear the cold steel peace maker III. works perfect, easy one hand pull, sheath is made for a boot, lightweight, clip retention is seriously strong, no conplaints or suggestion on improvements. Flat out, straight up and down YOU'RE WELCOME!
Thy are a back up. In a self defense situation, you would have to break contact to draw your blade, if you lost you primary or a firearm. However, if searched most people are very poor at searching your ankles,
& you would have to bend down, which is just about the worst position you can do. Not only can he kick your face/head, he can easily pin you down, beat you up & stab your back. So you would be getting your ass kicked AND killed.
That's why I don't put my boot knife in my boot (my fingers are too short to open regular folding knives all the way so I can't use those).
5 days a week I wear a pair of Doc Martens for work. I started my boot knife journey with the Pete’s pirate knife V2 with titanium scales rocking a ulticlip. I have kept it on the outside of my right boot and it’s incredibly comfortable. Most days I forget that it’s there. I’m trying a new knife now, the Tops street spike, carried the same way. I have found that the “not a boot knife” is the best way to go at least for me and my uses.
My understanding of a boot knife for self defense has always been a backup for if you end up on the ground where it would then become more accessible.
I've got an original Gerber Guardian Camo from the 80's and I've never even thought of replacing it. The sheath still gives excellent service, no shaking with a good clip retention. It is also able to be worn on my belt or around my neck using the fitted D ring. Also have the original AG Russell Sting in full carbon fibre. Obtained in the 80s as well when they were referred to as a CIA letter opener.
Yall should do a shoulder holster knife carry and also see if they would be strong enough to even throw them in like a self protection situation
For me, boots everyday since I was a Paratrooper in the 82nd. While in the Paras I carried a M1 full length bayonet on the outside of my boot. I made my own carry for it and jumped with it. We lost knives on jumps and airmobiles all day long but I NEVER lost this bayonet and I still have it. I changed out to a different boot knife after retirement. I settled on the S&W in green. Who in their right mind would carry a full length bayonet in civilian life? I wear a combination of tall Wellingtons, (cowboy boots with a full round top), and still wear full size jungle style boots daily. My favourite boots are my Salomons GTX. They are the most difficult for boot knife carry. 2 is 1 and 1 is none. Reality for a Grunt.
I'm from the UK and when they said boot knives I thought they meant the storage place at the back of you car
I have a "boot" knife never know when you need to cut something and youre at the back of the car bingo look in your trunk and theres a stanley 199 right there to cut whatever you need
@Nathan Hale lol the UK is in the western world
@squashy me too!
@Miles Maillet no you can but you have to have a clear reason. Having a screw driver in the side of the car when no reason can be seen as having it there for 'other' purposes. You can carry a knife , fixed or not as long as it has a reason ie you keep it in case of an accident to cut your seat belt off or you are into bushcraft and it is with your other bushcraft stuff etc
@Miles Maillet that's the thing if you have other tools it is fine! One flat has svrew driver can be a make shift Stabbing implement.
I am just saying the way the police see it, I think it is on the crazy 🤪 side
I was the PoPo for 25 years and I always carried a boot knife. I even started a trend by carrying a folder in my Motor Boots. ( knee high motorcycle boots) Loved this video...
Why does my apple taste like foot?!?!
did you meant *EXTRA FLAVOUR*
Mmm sweaty leather flavor lmao!
The real question, why do you know what foot tastes like? 🤔
@@Surago some questions better not be answered my comrade
@@Surago I have been known to make compromises in regards to willing women and odd requests. Try everything once... twice if you didn't like it the first time 😈
Clipped the Schrade Needle on the outside of my combat boot. My trousers were tucked into the boot. Love it!
I've never tried carrying a boot knife before but I have carried the sog instinct (iwb) for 4-5 years. It's been my edc knife for a long time.
I live in NYC where the knife laws are ridiculous and stopped carrying pocket knives because I kept getting stopped by the police. Here it's a very gray area as to what's considered legal. At any rate I've switched to small fixed blades and have purchased several different types but always find myself going back to the instinct. Considering open carry is illegal here finding a decent concealed carry that is comfortable and doesn't print is priority.
Where do you carry
I am glad you guys did this one. I feel like ladies wear boots a LOT, especially during the fall/winter months. Depending on the clothing, it may not be a bad option for a second carry... taller boots and avg length skirt, would not be a far or hard reach, for self defense..... I may have to get one and test this out myself!!! 🪓🪓🪓🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡
The Sting. I guess A.G. knew what he was doing, all those years ago.
for the esee knife, if you look in the sheath there is a knob that keeps the knife in there tight, if you take it and shave off just a tiny tiny bit it’ll slip out so much easier
I'm surprised the cold steel Kobun didn't make the cut. It's a good knife.
Its whatever they’re shilling for at the time
Boots all the time. Hikers daily, Cowboy for dress. My old combat boots for hard work when I could still do that. (Medical issues + cane= don't move the heavy stuff.)
Back as a teen I carried a Mora as a boot knife in my high top sneakers. Crew socks folded over the top of the plastic and ran my shoelace around to hold the sheath in place.
Seems like that was forever ago, but it hasn't been a full 3 decades. In the service I carried various boot knives with the CS Culloden (about a 5" blade) and Gerber Guardian as faves. (Carried Gerber handle down on outside of boot. Easier to get to.) Now will occasionally run a push dagger in my hiking boots, but it is rare.
Enjoying you videos from Deep in the heart of Texas.
I wear boots everyday while I work as an engineer. Gotta have steel toes for the machine shop. I want that cold steel!!!
I carry a Coldsteel Spike on my boot. I use a blousing strap to lash it to the outside of my pull tab, hilt down. Much easier to access.
I carry a Cold Steel Drop Forged Boot knife. Pretty good IMO, was kinda hoping to see it here. Not too long, pretty sharp, decent sheath.
I’ve got one of these too, and I agree, decent knife. I don’t wear boots though so it’s usually in my cargo pocket on some 5.11 pants. I clip the sheath to the inner pocket, then leave a short lanyard I put on it just protruding from the pocket a bit. I can get to it very quickly and it doesn’t bug me when I sit and it doesn’t print.
I'm looking for any excuse to carry my Drop Forged Survivalist lol not in my boots though 😅
I‘m a fan of the ulti-clip. It probably wouldn’t work on boots with any padding but it could clamp to the redwings and cowboy boots. That sheath would never come lose.
I almost exclusively wear boots in the winter.
I almost exclusively wear footwear in seasons of the year.
I also run around in the snow in nuthin but boots! With a knife of coarse!
I recently picked up the TOPS Bootlegger and it's superb. It's a bit large to clip into a boot unless you're running full-height cowboy boots, but you can also use an elastic or velcro strap around the calf. Either way, it's a stellar blade. A little heavy, but super robust. Def worth checking out for a round 2 option!
“Nobody wears boots.” I disagree. ALL men wear boots, pretty much exclusively.
They have zero science of reality
I like how they edited out a portion of the criticism of the Cold Steel Counter Tac 2. The wiggle is a problem - I wonder what else is wrong with it?
to whom it may concern:
I hope you have an amazing day and that you stay safe :)
Counter Tac II ftw.
One of the best Self Defense knives ever made. Bad guy isn't walking out of that.
When we getting another folding knife lock torcher test again? Been some new locks design sence the last test.
Check out Dutch bushcrafts knives test on folding knives.
Torture, bud. Torcher would be a dude with a flame thrower.
@@frenzalrhomb109 thank you 😂
If you’re looking for a book knife I’d highly recommend choosing one with a kydex sheath and purchasing an ulticlip to attach to it. I run a cold steel countertac in my cowboy boots and the ulticlip prevents flopping and the sheath coming out of your boot on the draw.
Can we get a “boot” counter?
They said boot 213 times
Thomas A You’re a legend 🤩
Thomas A friggin legend💪🏻🤣
I was drunk before they were done with the SOG
I will carry a stiletto switchblade tucked into my boot on occasion. Bent the pocket clip so that it’ll go over my boot and still retain.
That kershaw would be a spear blade. Bayonet blades will have a section of the back edge that is sharpened (typically 1/4-1/2)
Should’ve covered the schrade old timer boot knife
Its garbage. Covered.
They had a good knife . The Jess X. They ruined it.
The4cp they had some good knives before they got bought out.
The4cp I’m a traditional knife guy so I like the vintage USA schrade old timers with the carbon blades
@@casecutlerykid2095 The Schrade company that made good knives in the US is COMPLETELY gone. They closed in 2004 and the NAME was bought by a larger company. They didn't buy any of the factories or hire any of the people that actually cared, they only got a brand to stamp onto their knives that they exclusive make in China. Whatever good feelings or nostalgia you have for Schrade (or Old Timer, Imperial, or Uncle Henry) are utterly irrelevant to the current company because everything that made Schrade good died over a decade ago.
Gerber Guardian. Designed R. W. Loveless. Small dagger, good sheath and clip. Have carried it in many locations for almost 40 years.
I boot carry my sog snarl
I wear western, work, and motorcycle riding boots. Do have a couple boot knives but always carried a Schrade lock back on my belt. I do have a few neck knives that are also very handy.
Boot knife is a Western, dagger with leather sheath and a strong clip. Never carried it much but have had it for around 40 years.
We girls wear boots and carry knives. I always have at least 3 on me at all times.
I’ve been wearing cowboy boots since I was 4 years old and I’m 61 now. I’ve been looking for a good boot knife and thanks to this video I’m leaning towards the Buck or SOG knives that you showed. If I can’t decide which one to get,I’ll just get both and be done with it.
I only wear boots can’t stand China made shoes that are overpriced and junk ... Hoffman boots or JK boots is where ya wanna spend your money or whites boots , and nicks of course ... as long as they are USA made boots
Thorogood.boots . Made 100% in usa.
i made my own boot knife and i never go anywhere without it, better than all the knives on that table imo, 5inch blade 8inch total length clip point "bowie" with leather wrap handle, i'm almost 6ft4 and wear "sentry style" work boots half way up my calf. and for pants they are always tucked into my boots
Honestly as a woman who likes edc knives, boot knives seem like they'd be a really good option considering most of my pants don't have knife friendly pockets. Currently I carry a cheap kershaw folder just because it's flat enough for my back pocket aka my only pocket. Not to mention some women's boots even go over the knee so knife length wouldn't be too much of an issue for me
I'm forever trying to convince my female friends to carry knives on them at all times
I wear Merrell Moab tactical boots and carry the Gerber Ghostrike with it's ankle sheath every night on duty. Love the ankle carry option.
I carried a Gerber Dagger boot knife on a pair of zippered jump boots. No problems. Loved it.
The most knives I've carried at once is 5. A folding knife in my left & right pocket, a neck knife, a butterfly knife also in right pocket, and a big hunting knife tucked in my waste band hooked too my belt. The entire day i didnt need a single one. But the point is they're there if i did need them. Plus i felt cool
Personally I only carry a max of two knives. I mostly use my pocket knife for simple things like opening boxes or pieces of string off clothes. But it's always nice to know I can use them as a weapon if needed
Here's a tip if u wear a logger style boots u use the long laces so u can put them upside down n wrap ur laces around the sheath n it's alot easier to access n still hidden
One of your best vids, and a great topic! I carried a boot knife every day on patrol with my local Sheriff's Dept. It was a last ditch defensive weapon, and also worked great for tagging deer ears. I had to dig it out to refresh my memory of what it was. It is a 5" double-sided saber ground blade with some type of a coarse coated steel handle. The only markings are on one side of the ricasso and it says Taylor Cutlery Taiwan.
Carried a boot knife for years in cowboy boots.could get to it easy on a motorcycle or on horseback. Carried it usually as a backup. I also carried my money in a thin long wallet in my boot. Couldn’t get pick pocketed and keeping a wallet in your back pocket on a horse was always a bad idea.
You guys mentioned that a knife in the boot is not easily accessible. From my military and law enforcement training and experience, I have found 2.5 scenarios where a knife in the boot is a practical location. 1) Ground fitting. Grappling on the ground can put you in a position where a boot knife is easily within reach can be quickly deployed. For this scenario, one advantage to wearing the knife on the inside of the boot is it can be reached with either hand. 2) When sitting. Think vehicle seat, restaurant table, bus, subway train, etc. A boot knife could be easily accessed when sitting in a more confined space. 2.5) Scuba diving. Ok, not practical for most people and definitely not for these types of knives, but when I was a rescue diver with a LEO agency, we carried 2 knives, one on our chest rig and one on our ankle (one high, one low) for cutting free from entanglements. LEO divers don't always go down in clear blue water like the Bahamas. Its usually darker, murky water with all sorts of crap that you can get tangled or stuck in so having a knife high and low meant you always had one where you could reach it and you always had a spare if you dropped one and couldn't reach it or see it.
a boot knife with a lanyard is made to be tied into the laces on lace up boots. i like my buck 476 it has a nylon strap with a loop for tying into a laceup boot. perfect size for fighting. 3" blade and all synthetic.
Boots everyday. Tactical Work & Cowboy. Carried the Ferber river shorty as a boot knife years ago. Haven’t had a boot knife idea in a long time. If I had to right now pick from my collection I would boot carry my Spyderco Tenacious either I’m the boot or my Bug Bite Ankle holster. That holster is the best ankle option I have ever found for an ankle gun or knife.
Biker boots are the perfect home for the bigger blades you have demonstrated. Pity I live in nanny state Scotland where everything sharp n pointy is illegal. Luckily I'm too stupid to understand the law.
The cold steel knife is by far the best boot knife in there. Have all of these and I carry the cold steel knife every day on my back. The Kershaw is close second but they only make single edge now. Which is good, because it's always gonna be legal. Both are crazy sharp.
I wear boots every day because my daily driver is a Ninja 1000. After trying a lot that I wore out in a year (the motorcycle gear ones usually have very soft soles and I'm more of an all-day wear person) I found a pair of RedWing Engineer boots 6 years ago; had them re-soled last August. I grew-up in various work boots all summer due to being a dairy farm kid so I was out running diesel tractors to mow or bale hay.
Love that you tested with cowboy boots. Biggest reason I've been against boy knives is because the one I tried just flops around in a cowboy boot.
Sheath rattle can usually be fixed by pushing a small piece of foam rubber down to the tip end of the sheath.