spartian knives cqb tool vs benchmade socp

[Mick-Boy]

That's an interesting piece. I imagine there is quite a bit of training and technique involved to use it effectively.

Yes and no. The techniques for the CQB tool/SOCP dagger are very complimentary to a lot of the empty hand techniques that are trained in the SOCP program. Of course training to deploy the knife and deploy other tools with the knife in your hand takes practice, but the actual use of the knife is very similar to any other knife techniques using an ice-pick grip. So I guess it depends on your training background. Here's a short video where Greg demonstrates a few techniques.

I recently bought the Spartan. I didn't even know there was a Benchmade equivalent. The Spartan is nicely done, but I still need to order a belt clip for the sheath (didn't come with one). The Benchmade sheath already has a clip, and looks a little more sleek and comfortable for IWB carry, but that's just speculation... Mick-Boy could probably give better insight.

I've been carrying the CQB tool for several years in a couple of places. It's behind the magazine pouches on the chest rig in this picture from '09 or so. You can just see the ring in the top photo (red circle). I like the Spartan sheath better for this method because it tends to be a little flatter. I've also worn it horizontally on the belt for low-profile stuff (opposite the TQ). I'm not a big fan of tucking the Benchmade sheath IWB at the 12 o'clock. Keeping it in place and being able to move around comfortably are both problem areas when it's worn near vertically IWB.