Blade Grit Finish and Kydex

DanF

DanF

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Apr 17, 2017
Messages
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Does anyone have experience with kydex and at what sanding grit finish on a blade it does not show scratching?
Thanks
 
DanF said:
Does anyone have experience with kydex and at what sanding grit finish on a blade it does not show scratching?
Thanks
Click to expand...
A little bit... What do you need to know?

I found that 600 grit is about the limit for hiding scratches... But that's just an opinion. The lower the grit, the less scratches show up.
 
^ yes, that was pretty much it. Considering making some K sheaths but have zero experience with it, just don’t want to mess up the finish by taking it too high.
Thanks!
 
It is in the details when using kydex.

Here is what I do.

1 layer of blue tape, 1 layer of black gorilla duct tape on blade.

Press your kydex.
When you go to rivet the kydex be sure the tape is on the blade. If you rivet the kydex without the tape you will get scratches.

If blade wobbles in sheath tighten up the throat of the sheath.
 
Like Adam said details matter.

Really the only part of the knife that should be touching the kydex is the handle, or whatever you are going to be using as the "pinch" point.

Maybe the very tip too. Kinda like a Japanese sword saya.
 
Keep the work area CLEAN....kydex is soft enough to pick up Debris. After taping the blade I use a Rack to hold the blade upright, I never lay the blade down where the tape could pick up swarf. I've become OCD about handling kydex, but it's eliminated the scratches.
 
And maybe it is obvious but wash out the kydex well before inserting the tape free knife.

I also use 2 layers of tape when forming kydex sheaths to keep a little space for gunk and moisture between steel and kydex.
 
Keeping Kydex clean is a must to prevent or minimize scratches. I clean the kydex with glass cleaner before heating and folding, then blow any shavings and dust out throughout the process with compressed air.
 
A lot of good info, thanks all!
Do you have a preferred supply house for all your Kydex needs?
 
Yes scratches don't need to happen, just build up space with enough tape.
One source of scratches, and also poorer function, is that a lot of makers don't leave space on the handle side of the choil or guard. They let the kydex form completely around that part. The blade is then squeezed through that area/passage, and you get scratches plus a harder time inserting the blade.
 
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