Custom Izula Sheath

Decklin

Decklin

Joined
Oct 19, 2010
Messages
436
I am looking to try my hand at making a Kydex sheath, and have been doing some research on this. One thing I am not real clear about. Can anyone give a detailed explanation on how to press the eyelets into the kydex without dropping $80 on a press. Any other recommendations on stuff that people generally foul up their first time out with this would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
There's a punch style available on knifekits.com I think its under$ 20 just need a hammer to set them. Seems to work ok for me, I even use my drill press with dies I bought there. No need for a arbor press if you have a drill press and don't mind using it in that manner!
 
There are, as mentioned some that work with a couple of dies and a hammer. I've heard of some people buying the fancy ones and just rigging them up on their drill press. Obviously, don't turn the thing on, unless you're a nut. Just line it up and press it down.

God bless,
Adam

PS: We want pics when this is done!
 
Thanks for the info. I'll give the tools from knife kits a try. I have some great ideas for sheaths / holsters, just hope my skill and patience will match up to my ideas. Don't worry Adam I'll be sure to get some pictures posted...as soon as I get one to turn out well. I plan on ordering several sheets Kydex to start with.
 
I spend the majority of my time in Manhattan - I can only get to my workshop upstate a few times a month - but this doesnt stop me from making kydes and making it on the CHEAP!

My supplies:

kitchen oven
die set from knifekits
2 pieces of molding foam from knifekits
rivets from knifekits (1/4")
hammer
heatgun (I used a candle with great results before I bought the gun)
standard power drill w 1/4" bit (bought bit from knifekits)
tin snips
knife

that is all you need!

I heat up a sheet of kydex in the oven (335* until floppy), take it out, put my blade between the kydex, then put it in between foam, put in on the tile floor put a coffee-table book on top and sit on it for 5 minute - this is my press :D

When it is still a bit warm, I trim the edges and get a nice shape with tin snips.

I wait for sheath to cool and harden.

I then space the holes with a teklok, drill holes and then set the rivets using the my hand die setter setup - I use a small block of wood to hold one die, then just hammer it by hand - simple and effective and cheap.

I use the heat gun to get a good fit after all is said and done and adjust tension. I used to use a candle and this worked fine on smaller sheaths, but once you start making 4"+ the heatgun really speeds up the process.

I trim any sharp edges with my knife - no saw or sandpaper.

Again, I do all of this in an apartment in manhattan with no heavy equipment - it is easily doable.

I just made a sheath last night for my new swamp rat M9 in about 35 minutes start to finish (see pics) - no the edges are not totally clean (if I was a perfectionist, some sanding would make it perfect), but it is a f'ing awesome sheath, fits like a glove, and literally cost me a few bucks...

I simply could not justfy paying $50+ a pop for kydex anymore so I do all my own and, except for the edges, it is just as good. I've literally saved over a grand by making my own. I can even do drop-leg belt loops :thumbup:

PM me with any questions.

Here are some pics for you:

all the tools I use (minus the coffe-table book and oven):
photo-61.jpg



My homemade die press :D
photo-62.jpg



Literally just finished this last night - I think it turned out AWESOME:
photo-63.jpg



Since this is the ESEE forum :)
photo-64.jpg


Have fun!
 
Thanks for the tutorial.:thumbup:I would like to give it
a try as well.I have so many nice fixed blades with
poor sheath designs.If I make some, I would carry
them more often......thx again.
 
If I get started on this I immagine I will end up making Kydex sheaths / holsters for just about everything one can attach to a belt or backpack.
 
Decklin said:
If I get started on this I immagine I will end up making Kydex sheaths / holsters for just about everything one can attach to a belt or backpack.
Click to expand...

Its pretty addictive - I made holsters for my folders, lights and spare batteries as well :D

Good luck & have fun!
 
TrailWolf, thanks for a clear and concise tutorial. I have a Livesay necker, whose sheath will no longer hold it snugly in place. This is just what I've been looking for. :thumbup:
 
1066vik said:
someone's been looking at the crossbreed website! :)
and I notice a little light reading in the background, too.
Click to expand...

I had one of the original crossbreeds that I sold after the XD I had went away. I had leather and I had kydex so I figured I'd go for it.

I use a similar style sheath for one of my EDC fixed blade knives in the pocket.
 
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