Describe your ultimate survival sheath.

tknife

tknife

Joined
Mar 18, 1999
Messages
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Lots of threads about ultimate survival knives, but a good sheath is almost as important. (In this case I'm reffering to a large bladed knife) For me, I'd like to see a Cordura covered, Kydex lined sheath that keeps the blade locked in by way of friction, or the Kydex forming around the choil. I hate most keeper straps.
A large, removeable pocket on the front of the sheath, with elastic bands to keep the contents tight and rattle free.
A way of wrapping and securing a large amount of 550 cord.
A slim pocket on the back that could hold a thin wood and metal saw blade.
Some type of buckle or snaps on the beltloop so it can be removed easily or attached to a pack. Another type of fastener by the tip would be handy for this too.
The old Gerber BMF sheath was a very close example.
With a small folder, sharpener, Doan firestarter and a few other small essentials tucked in the pocket, I'd be set.
 
think you got it coivered. also ambidexterous, and i would say multiple carry options. what about low priced- that would make it perfect
 
Living in freezin cold country in Alaska I gotta go with leather. Kydex just doesn't cut it for me when it gets cold. Noisy,inflexible and prone to cracking. akraven
 
I think the best sheath I have has got to be the plastic thing that came with my Mora 2000. It's ambi, provides a very secure hold on the knife, is easy to draw from, is very slim in both axes (width and thickness) compared to most sheaths. The drainage holes on the bottom make the sheath an amazing firestarting tool by allowing you to direct a high pressure stream of air into the base of a fire. Try this, it's like a blast furnace! I have a couple of strips of bicycle innertube around the sheath to give it some traction for pocket carry and to allow the attachment of whatever items I want to attach (usually none). The best part about this sheath is that it allows for discreet pocket carry of a good medium sized fixed blade, making the knife a 'real' survival knife: that is, the knife that will be on me if I encounter a survival situation. I know that if I set up a 'survival knife' with a whole kit on the sheath, I'd never carry it except when I'm specifically out for an excursion. I prefer to incorporate critical gear into my EDC gear, which is ALWAYS with me, and thus can be truly relied upon.
 
I'm been mulling over this same issue. I like the looks of Airkat's sheath/system, and was wondering if anybody has seen a kydex-lined leather sheath? Having the primary blade with a small folder or fixed utility knife along with sharpener, firesteel, 550 cord...and I like the idea of having a piece of hacksaw or wood saw blade on the backside...a great grab and go system.

ROCK6
 
I'm a big fan of carrying survival items on the knife sheath. All of my "survival knives" are set up this way in one configuration or another. I would love to find a sheath like the one described above in the first post.

I have usually slipped a section of bike innertube over the sheath but have started using 1.5 inch black rubber bands that do the same thing and are easier to work with. I try to keep the basics on my knife sheath, fire, water, signal, navigation, and shelter resources only. Typical items on various knives include mini-bic lighters, BSA Hot-sparks, treated cotton in straws, button compass, signal mirror, whistle, wire, #4 waxed thread and needle, paracord, fish hooks, etc. The only problem I have encountered with using rubber like this is that it will abraid if rubbed against rock. After several trips in Brazil I had to replace the rubber on my Air Force Survival Knife. For some reason here in PA the rubber lasts forever. I guess Brazil rubs me the wrong way sometimes. I have found it very satifactory, enough so to consider a $50 sheath for my Ka-bar if I could find the right one. Mac
 
http://www.airkatknives.com/gallery.php?img=40650023_023.jpg

http://store4.yimg.com/I/tagsupplyco-store_1795_471213

http://truenorthknives.com/Knives/custom/DC5321.jpg

http://www.airkatknives.com/sheaths.php

good old airkat sheaths... when you thought a knife like that couldnt get any crazier, then you see the sheath. seriously though, ive been wanting to handle one of those sheaths/knives since i first saw them. there isnt much info on them on the net, and they seem to be highly inventive and out of the ordinary as far as knife and sheath design currently

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306443

mrostov did a pretty nice sheath modification on his himalayan imports pen knife. you could mod it again pretty easily to accept various items, but as it is its very nice, simply, easy to work with.
 
for me it would be one of buybrowns bm-e piggyback sheaths with the assault shaker on it. can't find an as to buy anywhere though so i just keep on using the cordura production model with swiss pliers in pocket, mag. firestarter and about 30 ft. of paracord wrapped around the bottom of it.
 
Interestingly enough my goal with the new Survival Sheath from Spec Ops brand was exactly that, the ultimate in sheaths with the best of both worlds: Nylon and Kydex. For those who are interested, the design was mine, and the manufacture is by the outstanding Spec Ops brand. Jeff Wemmer worked with me, and the result is selling now. I wear one myself with a Gryphon M-35. If you'd like, I can make custom liners for it, since the liner is removeable, which will give you a snap fit in a nylon shell with a stretchable pocket. I'm very happy with it, and consider it to be a great unit for general survival.

http://www.specopsbrand.com/main.html

I do have some in stock if people are interested. They turned out fantastic, as almost everything from Spec Ops does.
 
Interestingly enough my goal with the new Survival Sheath from Spec Ops brand was exactly that, the ultimate in sheaths with the best of both worlds: Nylon and Kydex. For those who are interested, the design was mine, and the manufacture is by the outstanding Spec Ops brand. Jeff Wemmer worked with me, and the result is selling now. I wear one myself with a Gryphon M-35. If you'd like, I can make custom liners for it, since the liner is removeable, which will give you a snap fit in a nylon shell with a stretchable pocket. I'm very happy with it, and consider it to be a great unit for general survival.
Click to expand...

I would love one for my Fallkniven A1 and one for my A2. Do you have access to sheaths that would fit them?

Thanks
 
Here is my sheath from Spec-Ops and Survival Sheath. It is well thought out and executed. Thank you RobertH! It was just what I was looking for. Here is mine with some add-ons. Sorry for the crappy pictures:

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It's packed pretty tight and I too lazy to empty it to take picture of the contents, so I'll just list them. I packed the contents to withstand submersion in water for 20 minutes.

Shelter: Large contractor plastic bag, Cocoon Space Blanket, 20' 550 Paracord, 2 eye hooks

Fire: Fresnel Lens, 1 Sparklite and 15 tinders, 3' Aluminum foil, Mini-Metal match and 8 tinders, 10 Lifeboat matches and striker, Mini-Bic lighter, Trick Birthday Candle

First Aid: Mini-kit (band aids, wipes, ointment), 3 tampons, prescription pain relief, Antihistamine, Ibuprofen, Potassium Permanganate

Navigation & Signaling: Button compass, Fox 40 whistle, signal mirror

Water: Condom, aqua pure tabs

Tools: Fehrman First Strike, DMT knife sharpener, Arc AAA Flashlight, 2 hex wrenches (to open knife handle for hidden metal match and tinder), wire saw, small roll duct tape, Single edge razor, brass snare wire, needle and thread.

Misc.: Survival cards, Spare AAA sealed battery, Blue Glow Ring

I don't often carry this rig. I can't get away with such a large blade where I hike without attracting attention. I am working on building a sheath now for a smaller fixed blade that I will carry often. I'll try to post pics when I get it done.

S.
 
Thank you, Sidewinder, I'm glad you like it.

I do have an A-1 that I could mold a custom insert for so you get another lock, riddle. I also have an A-2.
 
Thanks for the additional feedback and pictures. I think Robert H's work on Sidewinder's sheath is getting pretty close to perfect (for me :D ). I ordered one of the Spec Ops sheaths, so we'll see how it works out...I just thought the mating of kydex (as a liner), and nylon or leather as an outer shell would be the best of both worlds...looks like a great team effort between Spec Ops and Survivalsheath! The other aspect is being somewhat modular. It would be a nice option to 'dress' the sheath down when applicable, or add your base items when needed.

ROCK6
 
That sheath looks awesome! That's the most functional sheath I've seen, and the price is great. Any chance that one for even larger blades will be available? (9-10" range)
Robert H said:
Interestingly enough my goal with the new Survival Sheath from Spec Ops brand was exactly that, the ultimate in sheaths with the best of both worlds: Nylon and Kydex. For those who are interested, the design was mine, and the manufacture is by the outstanding Spec Ops brand. Jeff Wemmer worked with me, and the result is selling now. I wear one myself with a Gryphon M-35. If you'd like, I can make custom liners for it, since the liner is removeable, which will give you a snap fit in a nylon shell with a stretchable pocket. I'm very happy with it, and consider it to be a great unit for general survival.

http://www.specopsbrand.com/main.html

I do have some in stock if people are interested. They turned out fantastic, as almost everything from Spec Ops does.
Click to expand...
 
Robert, I love the sheath design. Is it possible to wear this more on the thigh(low ride)? I think I need one.
 
Fantastic service, I called Survival Sheaths and Robert had a Fallkniven A1 on the wall and is molding a custom Kydex liner for me. Needless to say I ordered a Spec-Ops survival sheath today.

I can not wait to put my most basic survival gear together in one package. I plan to put the sheath and A1 on a Wilderness web belt with a small belt pack (for a space blanket and a ultralight shelter tarp and some light rations) and a pistol.
The object is a grab and go survival belt that I can use for outdoor activities plus carry in my vehicle for emergencies.
 
I got my Spec-Ops Survival sheath today. I stopped by the Army surplus and picked up a;

1. mylar space blanket
2. water purification tabs
3. matchsafe tube and some life boat matches.

Then I laced a CRKT Stiff Kiss to the back in its kydex sheath. This should be a super thin utility blade for light cutting plus it makes a great spear point. So far my pouch is about 1/2 full. I will add;

4. 2 condoms for water containers
5. fishing kit
6. snare wire
7. wire saw
8. fire kit with mag glass, fire tool, tinder ect

I also have a small JansSport back pack that I use to carry

1. LED flashlight
2. Bright Streamlight
3. insect repellent
4. water
5. rations
6. signal mirror
7. knife sharpening kit
8. combo poncho/shelter
9. compact sleeping bag (in winter or high altitude)
10. small mess kit

With my Spec-Ops Survival Sheath kit and a handgun on a web belt, my pack and my hiking staff I am ready to do some testing in the NC mountain this summer.

Pics to follow.
 
I had a question about the Spec Ops Brand sheaths. I have a knife that is
1 3/4" wide with a 7" blade, 1/4" thick. Will it fit in the Spec Ops Sheath? Thanks,
Jared
 
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