Cork Sheaths

[TempusExMachina]

I'm curious as to the viability of cork as sheaths. I tried a Google search and it came up empty. With benefits such as being mildew resistant, water proof (think wine corks), ecologically sound, light weight, and with its soft texture, wouldn't a cork sheath (perhaps stabilized) be a wonderful idea?

I'm not sure how the knife edge would affect cork, but I'm curious if cork sheaths are practical. I've seen cork scales and handles, but not sheaths.

All thoughts are appreciated!

 

[TempusExMachina]

Anyone? Cork is pliable enough to be made into clothing and gear, let alone a hardened sheath!

 

[SaguaroKid]

I could be the best dressed fishing out on the lake with a life jacket like that.

 

[TempusExMachina]

I could be the best dressed fishing out on the lake with a life jacket like that.

I forget to mention that it's buoyant, too!

And, a cork sheath would be a handsome pair with a knife.

 

[TempusExMachina]

Is cork just not a good material to use? Am I missing something?

 

[Tinbasher]

Never seen it done and no idea if it will work, it won't be as strong as leather though.

Richard

 

[leatherman]

I've seen cork handles on fishing knives, and I want to think I've seen cork embellished sheaths on some of those.

Cork is inherently brittle in structure, damages easily, and you really want some rigidity in your sheath if anything to keep the knife from cutting it to pieces.

Now, you could embellish a leather or kydex sheath with cork, either by carving out a cavity for the sheath to sit in or slabbing it on the sides. Actually, I'm storing this thought away for future thinking.

 

[Mahoney]

As Leatherman notes, thin cork is not too hard to break, and cork cuts easily. A cork sheath would have to be fairly thick and bulky to be rigid enough to provide adequate protection from a sharp blade and I suspect the bulk is why you don't see cork sheaths. You could make a better performing, less bulky, sheath from leather or solid wood or kydex.

Cork is non-absorbent, which makes it great for keeping wine in bottles, but also makes it a poor candidate for stabilization.

 

[Chris Pierce]

I think that a cork welt on a leather sheath is as far as I would go. The stuff is pretty brittle.

I'm amazed to see clothing and luggage made of cork. WHat am I missing?

 

[leatherman]

The stuff I have seen so far has been bonded in some way to traditional fabric, it wont stand alone in such applications.