New devices, methods and systems for stowing and carrying knives, and, in particular, to adapting knife sheaths to fit in different ways when worn and carried by a user, are provided. In some aspects, specialized knife sheaths and knife sheath adapters are provided, allowing a user to change the angle and orientation of a knife when stored on or about a user’s body. In some embodiments, such knife sheath adapters include both belt-mounting and sheath-mounting hardware, configured to mount onto a belt and a sheath simultaneously. In some embodiments, such a knife sheath adapter is configured to allow a user to carry a knife and sheath in a wide variety of configurations and orientations, according to a user’s preference.

A retention device includes a body having a channel disposed in the body, the channel including a substantially linear axis and having at least one arcuate-shaped cross section beginning at a first distal end of the channel. A receiving socket is disposed in the body at a second distal end of the channel, the receiving socket including at least one recessed spherical-shaped section. A continuous slot extends through the body to the channel and defining a substantially linear section from the first distal end of the channel along the substantially linear axis of the channel to the second distal end of the channel. The continuous slot extends through the body to the receiving socket and defines a substantially 90-degree arcuate section from a first point orthogonal to the substantially linear axis at the second distal end of the channel to a second point on the substantially linear axis of the channel.

A retention device includes a body having a channel disposed in the body, the channel including a substantially linear axis and having at least one arcuate-shaped cross section beginning at a first distal end of the channel. A receiving socket is disposed in the body at a second distal end of the channel, the receiving socket including at least one recessed spherical-shaped section. A continuous slot extends through the body to the channel and defining a substantially linear section from the first distal end of the channel along the substantially linear axis of the channel to the second distal end of the channel. The continuous slot extends through the body to the receiving socket and defines a substantially 90-degree arcuate section from a first point orthogonal to the substantially linear axis at the second distal end of the channel to a second point on the substantially linear axis of the channel.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a tool holder having a tool support member rotationally coupled to a outwardly deflecting member, the tool holder configured to transition between a first mode and a second mode, where in the first mode, the tool support member protrudes away from the rest of the tool holder and the outwardly deflecting member extends longitudinally downward, and where in the second mode, the weight of a stowed tool causes the tool support member to rotate in a downward direction while simultaneously rotating/deflecting the outwardly deflecting member away from a downwardly extending back member. In an illustrative example, the tool holder may push a bottom end of a tool away from a user in response to storage of the tool in the tool holder, thus advantageously mitigating or preventing injury or discomfort from the tool banging or brushing up against the user's leg.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a tool holder having a tool support member rotationally coupled to a outwardly deflecting member, the tool holder configured to transition between a first mode and a second mode, where in the first mode, the tool support member protrudes away from the rest of the tool holder and the outwardly deflecting member extends longitudinally downward, and where in the second mode, the weight of a stowed tool causes the tool support member to rotate in a downward direction while simultaneously rotating/deflecting the outwardly deflecting member away from a downwardly extending back member. In an illustrative example, the tool holder may push a bottom end of a tool away from a user in response to storage of the tool in the tool holder, thus advantageously mitigating or preventing injury or discomfort from the tool banging or brushing up against the user's leg.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a tool holder having a tool support member rotationally coupled to a outwardly deflecting member, the tool holder configured to transition between a first mode and a second mode, where in the first mode, the tool support member protrudes away from the rest of the tool holder and the outwardly deflecting member extends longitudinally downward, and where in the second mode, the weight of a stowed tool causes the tool support member to rotate in a downward direction while simultaneously rotating/deflecting the outwardly deflecting member away from a downwardly extending back member. In an illustrative example, the tool holder may push a bottom end of a tool away from a user in response to storage of the tool in the tool holder, thus advantageously mitigating or preventing injury or discomfort from the tool banging or brushing up against the user's leg.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a tool holder having a tool support member rotationally coupled to a outwardly deflecting member, the tool holder configured to transition between a first mode and a second mode, where in the first mode, the tool support member protrudes away from the rest of the tool holder and the outwardly deflecting member extends longitudinally downward, and where in the second mode, the weight of a stowed tool causes the tool support member to rotate in a downward direction while simultaneously rotating/deflecting the outwardly deflecting member away from a downwardly extending back member. In an illustrative example, the tool holder may push a bottom end of a tool away from a user in response to storage of the tool in the tool holder, thus advantageously mitigating or preventing injury or discomfort from the tool banging or brushing up against the user's leg.

An equipment carrier configured to secure at least one piece of equipment to a user, and corresponding method. The equipment carrier includes at least one equipment holder configured to be secured to the user. The equipment holder includes an engaging portion configured to receive the equipment. At least one tether includes a first portion attached to the equipment and a second portion attached to the user at a second location offset from the engaging portion. The at least one tether applies a tension force on the equipment to retain the equipment with the engaging portion of the equipment holder. The tension force is negligible when the equipment is disengaged from the equipment holder and positioned near the second location.

An equipment carrier configured to secure at least one piece of equipment to a user, and corresponding method. The equipment carrier includes at least one equipment holder configured to be secured to the user. The equipment holder includes an engaging portion configured to receive the equipment. At least one tether includes a first portion attached to the equipment and a second portion attached to the user at a second location offset from the engaging portion. The at least one tether applies a tension force on the equipment to retain the equipment with the engaging portion of the equipment holder. The tension force is negligible when the equipment is disengaged from the equipment holder and positioned near the second location.

The present disclosure is directed to a slip-on device for creating a safety strap anchor point on a hand tool or other object. The invention comprises a pliable core that is captured by a wheel made of a rigid material. The core has a star-shaped, or other shaped opening, configured to accept an object. The inserted object is compressed against the features of the opening, and the pliable core is thus compressed against the rigid wheel, allowing a firm anchor point to be established. A loop member is rotationally attached to the rigid wheel to provide a location to attach a safety strap by carabineer or other method.