Basics for kydex sheaths

S

skillgannon

Joined
Apr 27, 2009
Messages
991
Work is picking so I'm ready to get myself set up for kydex. Last fall I bought this press https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/craftool-hand-press
It was on sale and they said I can return It so long as it's new in the box. Is that going to be what I want or should I invest in something bigger?
What else am I going to need to get started? I thought about just using Chicago screws but wasnt sure about sizes. I'm looking to do large knives mostly. I'm going to buy a press rather than make one. Is there even more than one option?
 
I have a cheep arbor press from harbor freight and dies from I think knife kits or one of the suppliers and use a small harbor freight drill press for drilling the holes. The dies are well worth the money. I think they're around $60. Bought some foam and made my own press from scrap bed frames and a 1 ton jack.
 
That thing will work fine if you can get dies to fit it. I have one that works in a similar way but is portable, looks like a big C clamp vise grip kinda. I made dies for it since none were available that would fit it. Works great. It was free otherwise I probably would have used one of my extra reloading presses and made dies for that.
 
I have been using same cheap arbor press for 10++ years same set of dies. As far as a sheath press goes. Google the COFFEEBUM KYDEX PRESS. You can make one. Spend some time on kydexpro forums. Tons of information.v
 
You'll want 1/4" eyelets if you're going to use chicago or other post style screws. 3/16 eyelets are fine if just using something like a small ball chain, or 550 paracord.
The press you linked in your first post looks nice, but you can get a 1/2 ton arbor press for much cheaper. If I'm not mistaken, the one linked above at knifekits.com comes already set up for their dies, which work great as well. You do have to buy the dies separately though.

Most of my sheaths get 3 or 4 1/4 eyelets for mounting a small to large tek-lok, an the rest of the sheath is normally finished with 3/16 eyelets. Some guys use 1/4" almost exclusively. It's really up to you.
 
I agree with Imarc4 go to knifekits.com they have everything. Also index fasteners has good stuff.
If you are using .08 kydex use 8-8 rivets. I like knifekits rivet setter I have been using one for 5 years and it is finally wearing down. I have made over 500 sheath withit.
 
Stromberg Knives said:
This is how I do it nowadays, it was mentioned on this forum and I tried it out. Works very well, I have also made a simple jig to align the die set.
Click to expand...

I have recommended it several times, it is one of those things you face palm and say "Oh man of course !" LOL
 
Stromberg Knives said:
This is how I do it nowadays, it was mentioned on this forum and I tried it out. Works very well, I have also made a simple jig to align the die set.
Click to expand...
Do you just use it as a press or do you run the drill? If that's a stupid question I have been working some long hours for what's feeling like to long. I was thinking that I would want to press in my basement instead of the shop but then I'm drilling anyway.....:oops:
 
Don't turn the spindle. Unless you want to melt them in.
 
Stromberg Knives said:
This is how I do it nowadays, it was mentioned on this forum and I tried it out. Works very well, I have also made a simple jig to align the die set.
Click to expand...
I used to use my press, but got tired of switching out my drill bit for the dies. I picked up an arbor press and it's less hassle. The drill press works though.
 
Kevin McGovern said:
I used to use my press, but got tired of switching out my drill bit for the dies. I picked up an arbor press and it's less hassle. The drill press works though.
Click to expand...

I see your point, but I went the other direction. I had an dedicated arbor press for rivets, but figured it wasted valuable space in my rather limited workshop for something I don't do every day.

Also, my mill feel more rigid and secure when pressing, and switching drill bits, end mills, chamfer tools - or dies is a standard operating procedure here. And if I may say so myself, I'm getting pretty expeditious with the keyless chuck. :D
 
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