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Author: Logan M. Fraser
Occupation: Custom Knife Modder & Spyderco Parts Specialist
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Relocating a Spyderco pocket clip is one of the simplest yet most impactful mods you can make to tailor your knife to your carry style. Whether you’re adjusting for tip-up or tip-down carry, left-hand use, or just experimenting for comfort, a clip relocation can completely change how your Spyderco feels in daily use. In this blog, I’ll share practical insights from years of modding Spydercos, outline the key considerations before making changes, and point you to the right parts and tools for a flawless job.

Why Pocket Clip Placement Matters

Comfort and Accessibility – Placement determines how quickly and comfortably you can deploy your knife.
Carry Security – A repositioned clip can improve retention and reduce printing.
Left or Right-Hand Adaptation – Many Spydercos are ambidextrous, but relocation fine-tunes ergonomics.
Aesthetic Preference – Sometimes a different position just looks better with custom scales or finishes.

Common Reasons to Relocate Your Clip

Switching Carry Orientation: Moving from tip-down to tip-up (or vice versa) for faster deployment.
Pocket Depth Control: Adjusting how deep the knife sits for discretion or quick grab.
Accommodating Hand Size: A different clip position can prevent hotspots or awkward pressure points.
Lanyard Compatibility: Relocation might be necessary when adding a lanyard or bead.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Torx drivers (T6, T8) – Standard for Spyderco screws.
Quality replacement clips or screws (available here).
Thread locker (like Loctite Blue) to secure screws without over-tightening.
A small tray or magnetic mat to keep track of tiny hardware.

Using precision-made parts from SpydercoParts.com ensures your clip fits perfectly—cheap aftermarket screws often strip or misalign.

Step-by-Step: Relocating Your Pocket Clip

Disassemble the clip screws using the correct Torx driver.
Align the clip with your preferred mounting holes (Spyderco often includes multiple positions).
Insert screws carefully, applying medium thread locker.
Tighten evenly—don’t overtighten, which can strip threads or warp scales.
Test draw and pocket fit to ensure the knife sits comfortably and securely.

Pro Tip: Always work on a soft surface to avoid scratching your blade or scales during the process.

Functional vs. Cosmetic Relocation

While some modders reposition clips purely for looks, function should come first. A poor placement can snag in your pocket or create pressure points on your hand during use. Take time to simulate different grips and draws before committing.

Product Tie-In: Best Clips and Hardware for Spyderco

Spyderco Replacement Clips: Durable, factory-fit options in polished or black finishes.
Custom Screws & Hardware: Ideal if your originals are stripped or lost.
Lanyard Tubes: For users pairing clip changes with lanyard mods.

Why these links matter: These are tested parts designed specifically for Spyderco models, ensuring smooth installation and reliable performance.

Real-World Experience

Over the years, I’ve relocated clips on everything from Delicas to PM2s. One customer with small hands found tip-down carry awkward—switching to tip-up transformed the knife’s ergonomics for her. Another wanted his Paramilitary 2 to sit deeper in the pocket for urban carry—a repositioned clip plus a low-profile screw set did the trick. These small changes can dramatically improve your experience.

Sources & Further Reading

Spyderco Forums discussion on carry styles: https://forum.spyderco.com
Knife carry and retention tips: https://everydaycarry.com

These resources provide community-tested tips and carry philosophies that complement the guidance here.

Wrapping It Up

Relocating your Spyderco pocket clip is a simple, reversible mod that can make your knife fit your lifestyle perfectly. Take your time, use quality parts, and test your setup before heading out. This is part of my ongoing Spyderco blog series—check out the full collection here: https://spymodz.com/blogs

Have a question about pocket clip mods? Drop it in the comments below, and tell me what you’d like to see covered in next week’s blog—blade finishes, lock bar tuning, or something else?

Relocating Your Spyderco Pocket Clip: What You Should Know First