BK2 factory sheaths - which is better?

[Charlie_K]

So there are two available sheaths for the BK2 supplied by KA-BAR, the traditional glass filled nylon sheath and the newer polyester front pocket sheath like those seen on the BK7 and BK9.

The hard nylon has the advantage of various mounting points and the secure hold so it can be carried in a variety of ways, but the belt strap lacks rigidity and requires use of the thumb strut for proper unsheathing. The polyester version has no mounting points like the hard nylon version, no secure hold and requires use of the handle straps for secure retention but at the same time unsheathing can be done simply by undoing the snaps and at the same time allows for the carrying of various small tools in the front pocket.

Which does everyone else prefer for their BK2 if they're going with factory sheaths and not custom aftermarket versions?

 

[DerekH]

The default hard nylon sheath. The modification possibilities are pretty awesome considering it behaves like a kydex sheath, only a different material. There are downsides to it, but they can be easily rectified with a minimum of work.

 

[granitestateofmind]

Definitely the hard sheath - better retention and, as Derek said, lots of easy opportunities for improvement. Damn, I need to become a paying member so I can add some pictures! There always needs to be pictures! The hard sheath does have a LOT of possibilities, tho.

 

[CamH_16]

Definitely the hard sheath - better retention and, as Derek said, lots of easy opportunities for improvement. Damn, I need to become a paying member so I can add some pictures! There always needs to be pictures! The hard sheath does have a LOT of possibilities, tho.

You don't need to pay to post pictures...See


011 by CamH_16, on Flickr


Back to the original question, nylon sheath. The GFN sheath has to much retention and dulls the blade. Yeah, that's fixable but eh...

 

[bigghoss]

I prefer the hard GRN sheath. With some modifications of course.

 

[Tdhurl1103]

I would have preferred the polyester sheath, however, got the hard nylon. If you like to tinker and mod things go for the nylon, its going to need mods to be worth a darn, but like they all said, if the mods are good the nylon is really worth it. If you want ready made, ready to go, no worries, but limited/no mods, then get the polyester.

I opted for a Spec Ops Combat Master and never looked back.

 

[granitestateofmind]

You don't need to pay to post pictures...See

I am mistaken - I still want to buy as membership to support the forums, tho.

Back to the original question, nylon sheath. The GFN sheath has to much retention and dulls the blade. Yeah, that's fixable but eh...

I have a Camillus BK2, and the sheath is a little different from the new ones; the knife goes into it in either direction (more clearance) and I have not noticed any blade dulling (from the sheath, at any rate) and it only grips the knife from the front...not the same as the new ones, but I like that it's easily modded, which it appears to share in common with the new one.

 

[marthinus]

I have one of the traditional glass filled nylon sheath and have been happy, I think my BK-2 is a year old by now and no issues with the knife or sheath.

 

[ignatius]

I REALLY like the factory hard nylon sheath, in fact it was a big selling point for me because it was pretty functional/useful right out of the box. The various slots and holes make it really easy to mount accessories without any permanent modifications to the sheath itself. I added a firesteel sleeve and ESEE accessory pouch to my BK2 sheath and have been quite pleased with the results. Here is a pic-

 

[The Warrior]

I too, like the factory sheath. Modded it a bit, but like it a lot: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/845352-BK2-Sheath-Mod.-Extremely-Photo-Heavy

 

[Charlie_K]

I too, like the factory sheath. Modded it a bit, but like it a lot: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/845352-BK2-Sheath-Mod.-Extremely-Photo-Heavy

Right now you and your excellent work are the only reasons I didn't settle on the BK9 styled sheath. You're also the reason I put a D ring through the loop on my BK9's strap.

 

[iwouldhurtafly]

I like the hard GFN sheath... the only downside was the silly nylon dangly banger thanger that came with it. First I did a mod to fold over that piece with Paracord to make it ride higher, then I just took it off and threw on some cordage so you can belt carry it anyway you want.. the sheath has plenty retention and any dulling issues went away super fast. I find myself just sticking the whole thing in a front pocket or IWB no need to lash it to a belt. Without a loop it makes the whole package a lot thinner/portable. Or you could do an UBER MOD like Warrior... and I think DerekH has a good one too...