Photos: Highly Functional minimalist sheaths by Grindermcgee

[GrinderMcgee]

No frills, no gimmicks, just comfortable and functional blade carry.

Hello my name is Drew and I have some valuable information to share with you about how easy and comfortable the carry and access of your favorite factory and/or custom fixed knives can be.

In the modern day fixed knives are too often under-appreciated and un-carried. Stuffed in BOB's, totes, and gloveboxes. Inaccessible in the moments that matter most and uncomfortable and cumbersome when the occasion arises to carry.

This trend of non-carry has led to factory-made marketing and mass-production injection molded rigs to cater to gear-compatible sheaths on many fine conventionally styled fixed knives. Often times accessories are focused on too heavily, ignoring the most important elements of fit and function. Consumers are trained to think big, looking for carry options and extras that can often be gimmicky and non-functional. And still far more are just low quality crap.

If this describes your knife sheath keep reading. Here's my short list of requirements for a fixed sheath carry system, compare to see if these features satisfy what you need.

-Carry Comfort and easy on/off
-Accessibility
-Secure, "No rattle" retention
-Smooth draw with minimal scratching
-Versatile waistline attachment

I achieve these requirements as follows: by folding a thickness of .093" thermoplastic as minimally as possible to the blade, setting .25" eyelets (2-5 eyelets for blades 3" to 10") to bind the seam, then trimming, rounding, and smoothing the edges. It takes longer than you might think. The requirements must be met within specification or the system is not complete.

Function restated: A moderate shake upside down should not drop the knife, but once the retention is overcome the knife draws free and smooth. There is no audible rattle and the draw marks are not worth mention. A short strike on the pommel should seat the retention properly, listen for the "click".

The design influence is inspired by the RCS Drawpoint Rig by Mike Sastre. I credit any positive results of my attempts to the Kitchen Kydex DVD and his personal instruction. These minimalist sheaths have a level of fit and finish that is above the norm for aftermarket. Knife must be individually fit to knife for satisfactory result.













































Please comment and ask questions and check back for picture updates.

[Bigfattyt]

Great looking sheaths. Thanks for sharing.

[Ironwood666]

I really like the sheaths, what type of belt clip are you using?

[GrinderMcgee]

Spyderco G-clip. Allows for carry in and out of the waistband. Vert, 45 degree or horizontal carry with 1.5" belt or with NO belt at allthe clip can stay on most waistbands.

Also will use Bladetech IWB pull-the-dot loop on some patterns or on request.

Stud style sheaths like the Cold Steel Magnum Tanto IX pictured last will use a stud which is the method most versatile for blades 8" and up IMO. Very easy on and off.

[schoolbus]

Wow that's exactly what I was looking for. I actually made a thread about this in the WTB section. Nice sheaths!

[GRIM 62]

You've got your sheath making down,awesome work!

[Mike Sastre]

Good looking sheaths, Drew!!! You have an outstanding appreciation for form and function, coupled with great attention to detail, and an uncompromising desire to output a quality sheath. Well done!! I'd rank you as my best protege! See you again at the Indy 1500 if not sooner.

I designed the Spyderco G-clip Grinder uses and always have a bunch available for sheath makers at a great price.

[GrinderMcgee]

Thanks Mike! Did a couple more sheaths recently that you got to handle at the show. Here they are for the rest of you's to see.

Cold Steel Recon Tanto SMIII





Black Rock Hunter Folding knife.

[GrinderMcgee]

Been awhile since I posted anything here but I still make sheaths. Here is some of my recent work. I spend as much time as necessary to get it just how I like 'em.

SOG Seal Pup





Cold Steel Rajah II belt carry.





ESEE 5





Cold Steel SRK

[Mike Sastre]

Great original post, Drew. To many of the makers and manufacturers of knives, the focus is on the knife and the sheath is an afterthought, so you wind up getting a knife-holder instead of a sheath, so aftermarket sheaths are necessary if you want to maximize their performance. Add a well made custom sheath to any of those knives, and you will have a system with superb functionality that is a joy to carry and use. Not all kydex sheaths are the same, by a long shot. There are some good kydex benders out there, but frankly, most don't take the time and trouble, or have the knowledge, to make one that will have the performance of Grinder's sheaths. The guys here in this forum care enough to want to grow, share, learn, and produce a good product, so are not necessarily included in the above statement. Most people haven't experienced using a well crafted custom kydex/Concealex sheath, so myths abound about the product, such as: too big, too noisy, blade rattles, scratches the blade, too hard to draw, knife not secure, dulls the blade, etc., etc., etc.. None of this needs to apply. I'm a "less is more" type of guy, and these fit right in with that concept, so would be more rightly called scabbards instead of sheaths. Highly recommend Drew's work - definitely worth the money!!