My Experience with the Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs: Here’s the Truth
For anyone who relies on carrying a knife, sheath versatility is paramount, and that’s exactly where the Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs comes into play. As a seasoned gear enthusiast with over a decade of testing in diverse environments, I’ve encountered my fair share of attachment solutions, and these C-clips from Cold Steel, invented by Mike Sastre, offer a surprisingly effective and adaptable answer to carrying a knife in more ways than one. My existing Cold Steel SRK sheath, while robust, was limited in its belt-only carry options, prompting me to seek out a more adaptable system. I briefly considered generic MOLLE clips, but their often flimsy construction and lack of specific design for sheaths steered me away. This pack’s immediate impression is one of functional simplicity, offering a promise of enhanced utility that I was eager to explore.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds for these C-clips were my workshop and my everyday carry setup. I attached one to the Secure-Ex sheath for my Cold Steel SRK knife, configuring it for a vertical belt carry. The process was straightforward, utilizing the included hardware and taking only a few minutes. The clips felt secure, even when I was moving around the workshop, retrieving tools, or handling materials. One significant test involved attaching it to the strap of my tactical vest during a local outdoor skills class, which felt like a natural and very practical application.
In terms of performance, these clips held the knife firmly in place across various orientations. I specifically tested vertical, horizontal, and even slightly canted positions, and the knife remained secure without shifting or loosening. They also performed admirably when subjected to the minor bumps and jostles of everyday movement. The Secure-Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs proved to be surprisingly intuitive; there was no significant learning curve, and the mounting slots provided ample guidance. My only minor surprise was how much more versatile my existing sheath became with just these simple attachments.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, both on my belt and attached to my gear, the C-clips have held up remarkably well. They’ve endured being scraped against door frames, brushed against rough surfaces, and even a brief exposure to light rain without any discernible degradation. The Secure-Ex material, while polymer, feels durable and resistant to cracking or significant scratching. I haven’t noticed any loosening of the bolts or any signs of stress on the clips themselves, even when drawing the knife under moderate pressure.
Maintenance has been virtually non-existent. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep them clean, and their simple design means there are no complex parts to worry about. Compared to some pricier proprietary mounting systems I’ve used in the past, these Cold Steel clips offer a comparable level of reliability for a fraction of the cost. They are a testament to smart design that prioritizes function without unnecessary complexity.
Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs
Specifications
The Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs comes as a pack of two, offering excellent value for those looking to outfit multiple sheaths or have a spare. Each clip is constructed from a durable, black-colored Secure-Ex material, which is both rigid and impact-resistant. The “Large” designation refers to its intended use with larger sheaths, but the product details note they can fit belts, straps, or MOLLE systems up to 1 3/4 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick. This generous sizing makes them incredibly versatile.
The kit includes all the necessary hardware for mounting: four T-Nuts, twelve Spacers, Bolts, and four washers per pack. These specifications mean the clips are designed for robust attachment, allowing for a secure fit on a variety of carrying platforms. The inclusion of numerous spacers is a thoughtful touch, enabling users to customize the standoff distance between the sheath and the mounting surface, which is crucial for comfort and preventing the sheath from sitting too flush.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs performs exceptionally well. Its core job is to provide a secure and adaptable mounting solution for knife sheaths, and it accomplishes this with flying colors. The clips allow for a remarkable degree of mounting flexibility, supporting vertical, inverted, and angled carry positions with ease. This versatility is a significant advantage over standard belt loop designs.
The main strength lies in its universality; the product description rightly points out that these clips fit many other manufacturers’ and custom knife sheaths, provided they have the necessary mounting holes. This broad compatibility is a huge plus. The only minor drawback could be that for exceptionally thick or oddly shaped sheaths without pre-drilled mounting points, adaptation might be necessary. However, for most common sheaths, these clips integrate seamlessly.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of these C-clips is ingeniously simple yet highly effective. The Secure-Ex material provides a good balance of rigidity and a slight degree of flex, preventing it from becoming brittle. The shape of the clip is what makes it so adaptable, allowing it to grip belts or straps securely while also providing multiple mounting points for screws. This design is clearly the result of thoughtful engineering by Mike Sastre, focusing on practical application.
Ergonomically, the clips themselves are not something you interact with directly once mounted, but their influence on the overall carry experience is profound. By enabling various carry angles and positions, they significantly improve comfort and accessibility. The included hardware is standard, functional, and sufficient for a solid attachment. The black color is unobtrusive and blends well with most tactical or outdoor gear.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is where these clips truly shine, especially given their modest price point. The Secure-Ex polymer is known for its resilience, and in my testing, it has proven to be tough. I haven’t observed any signs of material fatigue, cracking, or deformation, even after being subjected to stress and minor impacts. The mounting bolts and T-nuts are standard metal components that, while not stainless steel, have shown no signs of rust or corrosion during my use, even with some exposure to ambient workshop moisture.
Maintenance is practically a non-issue. For general cleaning, a simple wipe is sufficient. If the mounting bolts ever loosen over time with extreme use, tightening them is a quick fix. The design is so straightforward that there are no hidden crevices where dirt can accumulate excessively. The long-term durability seems excellent for their intended purpose.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs comes with a comprehensive hardware kit, which is essential for its functionality. This includes T-Nuts, spacers, and bolts, allowing for secure and customizable mounting. The spacers are a particularly valuable inclusion, as they allow users to adjust the gap between the sheath and the mounting surface. This can be critical for comfort, preventing chafing, or ensuring proper clearance for the knife handle.
While the clips themselves aren’t directly customizable in terms of color or material, their true customization lies in how they are used. They enable the user to customize the carry position of their knife sheath on various platforms like belts, vests, backpacks, or even inside the waistband (if the sheath allows). This adaptability is their greatest customization feature, transforming a standard sheath into a more versatile carry solution.
Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs
Pros
- Exceptional Versatility: Allows for multiple carry positions (vertical, inverted, angled) and attachment to various platforms like belts, MOLLE, and straps.
- Universal Compatibility: Fits many different brands and custom knife sheaths with existing mounting holes.
- Excellent Value: Comes in a pack of 2 Pcs at a very affordable price point, offering significant utility for minimal cost.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust Secure-Ex material that resists wear, tear, and impacts.
- Comprehensive Hardware Included: Comes with T-Nuts, spacers, and bolts for a complete mounting solution.
- Easy Installation: Simple to attach and reconfigure with basic tools.
Cons
- Requires Existing Mounting Holes: Not a standalone solution; requires a sheath with pre-drilled holes for attachment.
- “Large” Size Might Be Overkill for Some: While versatile, the “Large” designation might be too substantial for very small knives or minimalist sheaths.
- Standard Hardware: While functional, the included bolts and T-nuts are basic metal and could potentially corrode over extended, harsh exposure without care.
Who Should Buy Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs?
This product is an absolute must-have for anyone looking to maximize the carrying potential of their fixed-blade knives. If you own a knife with a compatible sheath (most common designs with eyelets) and want to attach it to more than just a standard belt, these clips are for you. They are ideal for tactical operators, outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and even workshop users who need their tools accessible in unconventional ways. Consider them if you want to mount a knife on a backpack strap, a tactical vest, or achieve a more comfortable or accessible carry angle on your belt.
However, if you are looking for a sheath system that is fully integrated and designed for a specific knife model, or if your current sheath has no provisions for mounting hardware, these might not be the direct solution you need without modification. For users who need an ultra-compact carry solution for a very small knife, the “Large” size might feel a bit bulky.
For optimal use, ensure your sheath has at least two to four mounting holes spaced appropriately. I’d also recommend having a small set of screwdrivers or a multi-tool on hand for installation and adjustments.
Conclusion on Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs
The Cold Steel Secure Ex C-Clip, Large, Pack of 2 Pcs represents a phenomenal leap in sheath adaptability for a remarkably low price. For less than seven dollars, you gain the ability to reposition your knife almost anywhere you can imagine, provided your sheath has the right mounting points. They are robust, easy to install, and genuinely enhance the utility of a standard knife sheath.
The value proposition here is undeniable; these clips punch far above their weight, offering premium-level customization for a budget-friendly cost. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing your knife could be carried in a different orientation or on a different piece of gear, these C-clips are the straightforward, effective solution you’ve been looking for. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking to unlock the full carrying potential of their favorite fixed blades.