Clip. I am sporting a ZT 0200 which weighs nearly 8 ounces. If I pocket carry, it feels like a brick and clip-on allows faster access. This is purely a defense knife (boy, I never want to have to use it) so my utility knife is in my Victorinox Swisstool, which is sheath-only in my book.
It's the standard old fashined pocket knife for me. It usually sits in a dedicated small pocket, though I'm thinking about getting some small pouches for when I don't have the dedicated pocket option.
Pocket. Queen's 041L in amber bone stag w/ D2 steel in the front right pocket.
I don't have a good quality knife w/ a clip. Just don't. I do have some inexpensive poorly designed ones. And .. after putting a couple kits together .. I have definate ideas of what I'd like in one ..
.. a clip which allows the knife to sit almost entirely within the pocket
.. one which conforms closely to the scale/handle .. almost disappears when the knife is in use
.. detachable/replaceable
.. secure
"There can be only one"-Highlander---My Spyderco Military Clip it would be a prime choice. I feel confident in it's overall abilities and size factor.It is also super light for a 9" overall knife. The other choice I have would be my CRKT Auto conversion Pharouh if I were choosing a folder.This is a hefty folder at around 8 oz,but the design of the blade has multiple uses for my daily life.I also can use the knife like a fixed blade if chopping or batoning wood.
Definitely in my pocket!!! Last clip on ended up scratching my car down to bare metal when I had to squeeze into it due to some idiot who left himself plenty of room to get out of his but none on my side. I've been carrying since I was 6 (I'm now 68) so I guess old habits are hard to break!
I just started using tacticals with pocket clips on the farm and I have to say...I resisted but am sooo happy to have them now. I am now using a Ka-Bar with a Tanto blade, a pocket clip and a thumb stud you can actually use! This is my current EDC and it stays clipped in my front pocket until I need it... which is everyday, multiple times a day!
For most folders, they are clipped to the pocket. Reasons include, quick access and safety in that many of my folders would open if sitting in a pocket. Being clipped to the far rear of a pocket prevents premature openings. I have some backup folders in pockets that will not open as mentioned above. I am 53, been carrying knifes since an early age and never lost a knife clipped to me. Of course in days prior to clips I mainly carried in a pouch.