A horizontal knife sheath is any sheath that mounts sideways on the belt, and with the right hardware, almost any kydex sheath can be one. The trick is the mount: a Tek-Lok turned ninety degrees, or a sheath molded with horizontal belt slots. This guide covers the two ways to get there, the sheaths and knives we stock that work, and how to set retention for sideways carry.
Option 1: Tek-Lok, rotated
The Tek-Lok bolts to a sheath's eyelets through a slotted plate, and the slots let you mount it at any angle. Bolt it on sideways and a vertical sheath becomes a horizontal one. It fits belts up to 2.25 inches and locks closed. This works on any Clip & Carry sheath and on most kydex sheaths with standard eyelet spacing.
Option 2: molded horizontal loops
Some sheaths come with belt loops or slots molded for horizontal carry. Slimmer, and fixed to one orientation. The RFK-PRO's sheath and clip can be set up either way.
The knives
The ROGAN RFK-PRO fixed blade with its kydex sheath and belt clip, and a Buck 110 or 112 in our molded kydex sheath, which takes the Tek-Lok on the same holes as the standard belt clip.
Setting retention
Sideways, gravity is not holding the knife in; retention is. Tighten the sheath's retention screws until the knife holds upside down and shaken, and no tighter. A molded sheath with a click is the reason this works.
Where on the belt
Small of the back for concealment, front for speed, 9 o'clock for a cross-draw with the strong hand. Handle toward the hand that draws.
Frequently asked questions
How do I mount a knife sheath horizontally?
With a Tek-Lok bolted on sideways, or a sheath with horizontal belt loops.
Does the Tek-Lok fit any sheath?
Any sheath with standard eyelet spacing; all Clip & Carry sheaths.
Will the knife fall out horizontally?
Not if retention is set so it holds upside down.
Can I carry a folding knife horizontally?
Yes, in a molded belt sheath on a Tek-Lok.
What belt width does the Tek-Lok take?
Up to 2.25 inches.
The bottom line
A Tek-Lok turned sideways makes any kydex sheath a horizontal one. Set retention, pick the position, done.
Related reading
Scout carry explained
Best EDC fixed blade knives
Best sheath for the Buck 110 and 112
