Azwelke made hybrid :) kydex and leather for the RMD

[azwelke]

I made a hybrid kydex leather combo sheath for my RatManDu variant. It was fun, but a lot of work. This is my second attempt at leather and hand stitching.
The kydex insert is removeable, and can be changed out to fit other RMD's.
Please tear it up, and let me know where I can do better.

Much respect to the leather Gods around here. You guys make it look easy.
Al

 

[rayban]

Al...it looks good....but just curious, why did you think you had to use so many layers of welt? Why not just wrap around the Kydex, and stitch the two layers where they meet?
Not being critical, just wondering if there's something going on I don't see or know about.
Nice work on the edge to get them all so even
Rick

 

[azwelke]

Thanks Rick.
I used the thick welt to give the kydex room to spread while drawing the knife. Because the leather is so sturdy, it makes the kydex feel tighter when it is in the sheath. It does have a nice "pop" on the way in and out.

Also I thought it would help the sheath stay flat.



I was thinking I could have went 1 less high, while I was stitching it

What is the best way to clean up the back while freehand stitch grooving? I have a hard time with the little chads that stick out after drilling the holes.
Al

 

[azwelke]

I also meant to leave the top fold of belt loop wider at the welt area, so I could stitch it in the welt as well. You can see the gap there with the glue
That's what happens from trying to go too fast. I almost threw it away right there. lol

 

[Xray007]

Looks good Al. Always nice to see a sheath guy working with leather. Master of all trades.

 

[JDieseljoe69]

Al,
Looks like a great concept of leather and kydex!! The fit and finish look great!!
Just curious, what gave you the idea of doing this project?

 

[azwelke]

Looks good Al. Always nice to see a sheath guy working with leather. Master of all trades.

I'm no master, but Thank You

Al,
Looks like a great concept of leather and kydex!! The fit and finish look great!!
Just curious, what gave you the idea of doing this project?

Thanks Joe, My first was a Boss Jack hybrid sheath....I wanted a sheath that I could make different inserts to fit all the models of the Boss Jack in one sheath, with the tight fit and feel of kydex, and no snaps.

I also wanted a little less tactical looking kydex sheath.

So far it is pretty comfortable to wear and draw the knife.
Al

 

[JDieseljoe69]

Al,
Are you going to be making these for your customers???

 

[azwelke]

Not as of yet.... I would like to get a little better at it first. I don't even have the proper tools yet lol This thing was flopping around like a fish out of water when I was stitching it.

Al,
Are you going to be making these for your customers???