Sgian Dubh sheath slippage

[unixken]

The word "massive" has been used in this thread to describe the handle, and it sounds like the design may be an overall "top heavy" one, for use as a sgian dubh. (If not top-heavy by weight, then at least dimensionally/proportionally.)

If the handle, inserted into the top of the hose, is stretching the circumference of the hose and garter enough that they don't adequately compress the sheath against the leg (and the sheath subsequently slips down to the ankle), perhaps it's time to consider a different sgian dubh, of a more practical size or proportion, and find a different way to wear/carry the larger-handled knife. Likewise, if the current sheath is so paper thin that the hose doesn't even realize it's there, that too can cause a problem.

The hose and garter/flashes should always secure the sheath against movement, with or without the blade inserted. Withdrawing the blade should never bring the sheath out with it, and reinserting the blade should never cause the sheath to slip down in the hose.

Likewise, the sheath alone should support the knife, without relying on applied tension from the hose and/or garter. If the sheathed blade is dependent upon the hose and/or garter to secure the blade, you have problems of fit such as you're now facing when the blade is inserted (the knife isn't secure in the sheath, and the sheath isn't secure against the leg). The sheath will fall down in the hose because it's not secured to the leg.

If you hold the sheath by the tip end, upside down, does the knife slip out under gravity alone? If so, your sheath isn't supporting the knife. And if your sheath is slipping down low in your hose, with or without the blade, then the hose and garter aren't supporting the sheath. Each issue must be addressed.

In the end, you should be able to trot a fair distance without the knife and/or sheath falling out or slipping down your leg.

Given the defensive weapon origins of the sgian dubh:
You wouldn't find it helpful for the knife to fall out every time you ran...
It wouldn't be very useful if upon drawing to defend your life, the knife was still in it's sheath...
When the defensive event had concluded, eyes (and adrenaline) would be elevated, scanning for additional threats. Not down, looking for your sheath at the bottom of your hose.