How to choose the knife storage option that protects your collection best.

We’ve all been there … You spread out all of your knives to take a look at them and realize, “This has gotten out of hand.” Just having them lie around on your desk, workbench, or toolbox isn’t going to cut it anymore. Maybe you’ve moved up into some more expensive folders and want them stored in a safer way. Perhaps you’re worried about theft. Or, very possibly, you don’t want your spouse to see them. Here are some options to keep your folding knife collection more protected, more secure, and out of the sight of prying eyes.

Spyderco Spyderpac

You can find several knife roll/ soft cases on the market, but my personal favorite is the Spyderpac.

The small size Spyderpac holds 18 knives and the large holds 32. The pockets are spacious enough for most folders (even my Cold Steel 4 Max fits easily), and they have a solidly sewn nylon edge with thick transparent plastic pockets so that you can easily see which knife you’re looking for.

The Spyderpac opens to a surprisingly large size.

The small size Spyderpac closes into an easy-to-carry package.

The outer construction is made of very durable Cordura and has a metal bar sewn in to keep it semi-rigid when closed. There’s also a shoulder strap mounted on two D-rings for carrying. It’s not the most comfortable strap in the world but, outside of an Expendables movie, going on a hike with 18 of your favorite knives isn’t exactly a common occurrence.

“[THE VAULT CASE] FITS 11 LARGE FOLDERS VERY WELL WITH MORE ROOM LEFT OVER FOR SOME PENS AND SOME SMALLER FLASHLIGHTS.”

The transparent pockets on the Spyderpac allow you to easily identify and admire your knives.

Spyderpacs close tri-fold style and seal up with a very strong Velcro enclosure. The small size goes for about $39 and the large costs $46.

The Vault case’s modular interior allows you configure it in a number of ways.

I wouldn’t mind seeing a Velcro section on the outside of the case for patches and whatnot, for organizational purposes if nothing else.

CONTACT INFO

Spyderco
Address: 820 Spyderco Way Golden, CO
Phone: 800-525-7770
Website: www.Spyderco.com

Vault Case

Vault is a fairly new player on the scene, but the company’s modular semi hardshell cases are quickly gaining a big following in the EDC community.

They are currently available in one size (large) and come in either matte black or a faux carbon fiber finish. The shell itself is made of rigid plastic and is closed with a very secure zipper with a wide border to give some room for expansion.

The Vault case looks great “naked” or adorned with your favorite knife stickers.

Inside, you’ll find the “modular” part of the modular design. It has numerous slots with elastic straps in a few different sizes. Internal panels can be moved and configured to carry all sorts of EDC gear, from watches to flashlights to pens. But because we’re focusing on knives here, I’ve found that it fits 11 large folders very well with more room left over for some pens and some smaller flashlights.

“A SMALL AND CHILDISH BUT UNDENIABLE UPSIDE TO  THE VAULT CASE IS THAT IT MAKES A GREAT PLACE TO  PUT YOUR KNIFE STICKERS.”

The Vault Case is also easy to store away in a locker, drawer, or cupboard if you don’t want it sitting out. Although, it does look very nice, especially in the faux carbon.

A small and childish but undeniable upside to the Vault Case is that it makes a great place to put your knife stickers. The Vault Case retails for $37.99.

CONTACT INFO

Vault Case Company
Website:  www.VaultCase.co

Pelican Case

If you’re looking for the ultimate protection for your collection this side of a steel safe, the Pelican Protector line of cases has been a longtime go-to for knife enthusiasts.

The durable hard-shell plastic cases are crushproof, waterproof, and dustproof. They also include provisions for installing a padlock—or even two if you want to be extra sure.

The Pelican Protector can be configured to fit just about anything you need.

The Protector comes in several sizes and just about any color you can think of. Prices start at about $32 for the smallest size up to over $200 for one that will most likely  handle your entire collection. The Protector series comes with “peel and pick” foam inserts to customize the case to nestle whatever you want to store in it.

The Pelican Protector 1300.

And the upside to the Protector is that, despite the cost, you have a product that you can reconfigure to another item at a later date. If you lose your passion for knives, you can order new foam and reconfigure it for cameras or firearms or whatever other precious cargo you want to protect.

If you want even more protection, Pelican has options with even sturdier cases and integrated locks.

CONTACT INFO

Pelican Products, Inc.
Address: 23215 Early Avenue, Torrance, CA
Phone: 800-473-5422
Website: www.Pelican.com

Protected, Secured, and Safe

These are not the only three options out there by any stretch of the imagination, but they offer three levels of protection dependent on your needs and wants.