Fixed-blade knives are more challenging to carry than folders. Although they are simpler, stronger, and generally quicker to get into action, they do not offer the space-saving advantage of folding knives. As such, their sheath design and carry position are every bit as important as the design of the knives themselves. Although typical sheaths are limited in their carry options, companies like UltiClip have changed the way we carry our knives.
The UltiClip Family
When I first started carrying personal-defense knives 50 years ago, sheath mounting hardware was very limited. Aside from traditional belt loops, the only other option was the spring-steel clip found on most old-school boot knives.
While things have certainly gotten better since then, they haven’t improved as much as you might think. One shining exception to that rule, however, is the UltiClip family of products.
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The Man Behind the Brand
The man behind UltiClip is Randall Darby, a Christian missionary who has lived and worked in Guatemala for more than 30 years. While he is extremely devoted to his faith and the followers he serves, Darby also believes deeply in our individual right to self-defense. As a legal resident of Guatemala, he can lawfully carry a handgun. However, in his role as a minister, he prefers to keep that tool very discreetly concealed.
More than a decade ago, Darby was searching for a holster solution that offered comfort, quick access, and deep concealment. He was also looking for a business idea that would help support the humanitarian efforts of his church.
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With the inspiration of prayer, he conceived the idea for the original UltiClip. He then researched the patent process and, through his own bootstrap efforts, successfully earned a U.S. utility patent for his design. Introduced in 2015, and revealed at the first U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) trade show, the UltiClip quickly earned a devoted following and has since inspired an ever-growing family of related products.
The Original UltiClip
In its original form, the UltiClip consists of an extended body with a raised mounting channel, a single mounting hole, and a stout cam-style clamping head. The clip’s spring-powered clamp is not unlike that found on old-school suspenders, but infinitely more robust. That strength gives it the ability to attach directly to your waistband for beltless inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry.
With a belt, the clip and waistband still provide the support, but the belt reinforces the waistband’s structure and, very importantly, conceals the clip itself.
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The original UltiClip—now referred to as the “Classic”—was designed to replace traditional spring clips like those used on old-school leather holsters. Its raised mounting channel allows screwless installation in a slotted leather panel, while the hole at the tip provides a single-point screw-mount option.
The Classic established a strong standard that subsequent UltiClip products faithfully followed. Made in the USA and assembled by hand, it is crafted from heavy-gauge high-carbon steel to achieve the stout spring tension required to support a holstered handgun.
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The clip is protected by an industrial-grade black oxide coating that eliminates its reflective signature and helps protect it against corrosion. Nevertheless, as a carbon-steel product, it must be properly maintained to avoid rust.
For centered, single-point attachment—especially on traditional leather holsters and knife sheaths—the UltiClip Classic is still an excellent choice.
UltiClip 3+
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As Kydex® holsters became increasingly popular, Darby wanted to create a version of the UltiClip that was better suited to their design characteristics. The UltiClip 3+ is the same size as the Classic but has three mounting holes and no raised channel. This makes it more compatible with the screw-style mounting Kydex holsters require.
Two of its holes are also elongated to accommodate existing mounting hole spacing and allow the fine adjustment of carry height.
UltiClip XL
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While the UltiClip excels at discreet beltless carry, Darby also wanted to make the advantages of the clip’s design available to those who prefer belt carry. The UltiClip XL does just that, providing a channel for the belt instead of clamping pressure. Its unique design supports both IWB and outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster carry on belts up to 1.5 inches wide.
It offers four mounting points, and the outer component of the clip can be removed to serve as a multi-tool. For dedicated belt carry—especially of heavier guns and knives—the lockable UltiClip XL is an excellent choice.
Slim Clips
Although Darby originally designed the UltiClip to support handgun holsters, the knife community quickly began applying them to fixed-blade sheaths. Since sheaths have less real estate and require somewhat less support, Darby created the UltiClip Slim.
Its narrower profile fits on knife sheaths, magazine pouches, and other small items. Slim Clips are available in two lengths—the 2.2 with a single elongated mounting hole and the two-holed 3.3.
Ulti-Tuck
The Ulti-Tuck is a replacement for FOMI (Fold-Over Mold-Injected) clips. These C-shaped molded polymer clips offer quick attachment to belts but do not provide enough tension for secure beltless carry.
The Ulti-Tuck’s stout cam-style lock clips securely to the waistband. Its fold-over design also allows your shirt to tuck between the clip and the holster or sheath for covert carry.
AP Clips
Darby’s AP, or “All-Purpose,” clips were inspired by his collaborative work with other manufacturers. Crafted from high-tension spring-steel wire, they allow great flexibility in hole spacing. The standard AP Clip is narrow and supports both belt and beltless carry. The AP Wide offers the same advantages but provides a wider bearing surface for handgun holsters. Both also offer the option of tuckable carry.
The elegantly simple APH, winner of the “Accessory of the Year” award at the 2025 Blade Show, can “straddle” the blade of a sheathed knife for vertical carry on a belt. Reflective of the “H” in its name, it can also be mounted to one side of the sheath to provide horizontal “scout” carry.
Other Products and Services
As if these options weren’t enough, UltiClip offers other accessories, like extra screw hardware kits and the Ultiplate multi-purpose mounting plate. It “bridges” the outer edges of a sheath and allows clips to be center-mounted for vertical, horizontal, or angled carry.
The UltiClip website is also a treasure trove of product information, including downloadable, printable templates for hole placement in holsters and sheaths. That kind of attention to detail reflects the deep commitment Randal Darby and his company have to serving their customers—and their higher purpose. If you’re serious about doing concealed carry right, you owe it to yourself to give UltiClips a try.
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