Azwelke BK11/14 Kydex Sheath

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Dec 28, 2011
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This is a mini-review of a BK11/14 Kydex sheath made by custom maker Azwelke.

I just got this in the mail today, and I am stoked. I ordered the hi-viz orange. I figured with such a small knife, I want it to be easy to find if dropped. The fit and finish is excellent. The retention is much stronger than the stock sheath, and I like that. Absolutely NO blade rattle. The sheath fits the knife very snug down the length of the blade. It has better mounting options than the stock sheath as well. By better, I mean more modular. It is set up to take small or small Tek Loks or the Spyderco G clip. This is my first kydex sheath and so far I feel that I got my moneys worth. The stock sheath also is glass filled nylon (I believe I recall that correctly) and will dull the blade. This is not the case with kydex. BONUS!!! Also a huge factor in my decision to by a custom sheath by my mini beast.

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Here is some close ups to show sheath clearance with factory micarta.

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I might use Godspeed next time, but ONLY to see someone else's work and to support other Bladeforums sheath makers. I am very happy with my purchase, and I got in 8 days from order. Not too bad for ordering a custom product in my book. I am sure that Skystorm and Nix (MyWifeThinksImCrazy) will get my money too when I am ready for some leather.

Botton Line:
Would I buy it again? Yes
Is it a solid product? Yes
Is it worth the money? Yes
Is it better than the stock sheath? YES!!!
Was I happy with all aspects from Azwelke? Heck YEAH!!

NOTE: The BK11 Carbon San Mai is apparently a little thicker and will not fit correctly. Azwelke will need to know that on the front end of the order.
 
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Dude! I got mine in today too! Mine came with a fs loop and tek lok, but it is orange nonetheless! I have to agree, his sheaths are amazing! Mind if I post pics here tomorrow instead of starting a whole new thread?
 
Post away DeadFall27. This is our forum, not mine. And I think is great to have a lot of info in one thread.
 
Post away DeadFall27. This is our forum, not mine. And I think is great to have a lot of info in one thread.

Why thank you sir, I shall try to take some pics that will do justice. I just need to pick up a new firesteel now that I have this guy made!
 
i scored a purple one. need a few more :)
 
Does the knife rattle around in it like it does in the stock sheath?

None whatsoever. Rattle free. I will add that into the original review.

Hey deadfall, did you order from Azwelke? I am asking since you stated that yours had a firesteel attachment, and I haven't saw that as an option he normally provides.

Trailbum - Thanks!

Bladite - Yup! Just don't drop it while frolicking in a field of wild lavender. :>
 
None whatsoever. Rattle free. I will add that into the original review.

Hey deadfall, did you order from Azwelke? I am asking since you stated that yours had a firesteel attachment, and I haven't saw that as an option he normally provides.

Why yes my good friend, I did! When I had inquired about the possibility of him providing me with a piece of his work, I threw out the possibility of a fs loop since I have been wanting one for a while. He happily agreed that he would and asked me what size I wanted :p
I just have to place an order for a 3/8" diameter misch metal rod to finish off this artwork he made :thumbup:
Heck, he was even kind enough to order a large tek lok for me too!

Al is a stand-up guy, I cannot believe it took me this long to contact him.

So I have my 14 with a new orange, kydex sheath, a firesteel loop, a tek lok...I cannot wait to hit the mountains again here soon. All I need is that firesteel and maybe some orange scales so it all matches :D

Ethan Becker

Snarky, snarky, snarky.....

Have I offended yourself or anyone else Mr. Becker? I wholeheartedly apologize if I have done such a thing and been completely oblivious to it!

Bladite - Yup! Just don't drop it while frolicking in a field of wild lavender. :>

So many jokes, so little time, lol.
 
AZWELKE BK14 Orange KYDEX SHEATH REVIEW

Alright then. So my little review is on a Sheath from Azwelke for the BK14. The only real difference is the add-ons and the model relative to the OP's post.

Fit & Finish
It is difficult to truly express how amazingly well-done this kydex sheath is. The lines are perfect and the edges are completely uniform and smooth throughout the entire piece. The rivets are perfectly spaced to accommodate the large Tek-Lok that came with this sheath. The balance point for neck carry is perfectly set up the top rivet at the end of the sheath (will probably get more pics for you guys) so it sits perfectly vertical on a piece of paracord; the only reason it is off balance for me at the moment as I type this is because of the FS loop throwing it off balance slightly. The firesteel loop itself is uniform in shape and even has his signature emblem imprinted on it; just like on the sheath. The drain hole drilled near the tip is very cleanly made and there are no burrs present there either. The Tek-Lok sits perfectly when in the vertical carry position as the FS loop acts as a spacer between the sheath itself and the lock.


Retention
Similar to a stock BK2 sheath, the retention on this sheath is no less than phenomenal. Because of this, my fear of losing a knife from neck carry may be abolished outright; there is no way it is coming out. The blade has a minute amount of play inside, but just enough as to not rattle unless you shake it with all of you might. To get this sucker out, you really have to want to take it out of the sheath. Is that bad? no, because I am still able to unsheathe it using one hand without any issue (the thumb ramp helps exponentially).

***I will update this when I receive a firesteel for the FS loop and comment on its retention as well.


Belt Carry
With the addition of the Tek-Lok, this sheath is able to comfortably ride on my belt and taken off without any trouble. It is quite convenient not having to feed my belt through the paracord strap I improvised to carry my 14 with. I have attempted to rig up the Tek-Lok for horizontal carry, but it does not sit perfectly on the sheath; a small Tek-Lok may give different results though.


Color
Pictures do not give the color of this sheath justice whatsoever. I do not know how to explain it, but the it is matte with a slight fluorescent hue...if that makes ANY sense at all...No matter where I set it down, it is easily spotted for a hasty recovery. Not only that, but this color just screams 'Bad-ass'. I never understood the orange craze until now...and now I am addicted...


Now, a review is nothing w/o pics. I must apologize since I had to use my old digital camera so the pics are not that great.
Hope you enjoy!


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That gap you see is from the knife being in the sheath, not a F&F problem

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Compared to Stock Sheath
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Sexy Knife Pics
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Conclusion:
I would highly recommend Azwelke to anyone who needs a new set of pants for their beloved blade. Al is an incredible man to deal with as he was patient, kind and very quick to respond to my e-mails; what a professional. This exchange was completely worth it and I would not hesitate to do it again.

I am proud to say that I have a custom kydex piece of art from Al Welke. Thank you for everything my friend :thumbup:




If you have any questions, concerns, criticisms, comments or parts that you would like me to add to this review, they are more than welcome; don't be afraid to post!

I hope you guys liked it; take care all,

-Deadfall
 
It fits both? I have a 14 sheath of his that my 11 csm doesn't fit in

What is the problem with fit? To right or too loose?
It's the same blade for the part that goes in the sheath, BUT I have read reviews of the BK11 saying the CSM fit tighter in the stock sheath than the 1095 version.

And great review deadfall!
 
What is the problem with fit? To right or too loose?
It's the same blade for the part that goes in the sheath, BUT I have read reviews of the BK11 saying the CSM fit tighter in the stock sheath than the 1095 version.

And great review deadfall!

Too tight. I wonder if the sandwich steels make it wider then the regular. Although since there ain't rattle.or dulling with the stock sheath I don't plan on upgrading
 
Too tight. I wonder if the sandwich steels make it wider then the regular. Although since there ain't rattle.or dulling with the stock sheath I don't plan on upgrading

Yeah I think it's the CSM that is the difference. Falls in line as to why the stock sheath doesn't rattle too. Good additional info too for the thread.
 
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