Do kydex sheaths dull knife edges?

T

tsuki2000

Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
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I've been getting conflicting information on this issue. Some people have told me that all kydex sheaths will eventually dull a blade, whereas others scoff at the idea and say that it shouldn't happen.

Can anyone comment here?
 
Kydex isn't very abrasive material, but beware of sheaths made of zytel and other glass fiber-reinforced plastics, they will eat the razor edge of your knife very quickly!
 
Short answer: No.

Long answer: If the sheath is pressed crooked, the sheath is pressed only on one side on a center ground blade, or the edge of the knife isn't centered for whatever reason and drags anywhere besides the seam, the yes. Otherwise, no.
 
A properly made Kydex sheath shouldn't contact the blade edge in such a way as to dull it.
 
I can't say I've had any problems with any of my custom made kydex sheaths, but I will say that whatever kydex looking plastic some manufacturers use, like the one that came with my Becker BK-11, and CS bowie spike, DEFINATELY dull the crap out of the edges. ...But I'm not sure if those sheaths are made from kydex or some other type of plastic?
 
None of my "good" kydex contact the edge. Bark River's Kydex will a bit, due to the depth the knife fits in. Those sheaths get lots of cut marks on the inside, they should stick to leather on most knives.
 
Not when made correctly. As stated above, a well-made kydex sheath will have zero contact with the edge.
 
I had this issue with my scandi Entrek Forester (kydex) and my Spiyderco Buscraft (plastic insert). Both are original sheaths, 'designed' for this specific knives.
If you want a good kydex sheath, go with a maker that knows his craft, as not all kydex sheaths are done right.
 
Old thread.
My experience. The sheath itself doesn’t dull the knife, but working in dusty, gritty environment more than once it’s gotten sand, and grit in it that has dulled/chipped the edge.
Run a big mower, weedeat, climbing under houses etc, and if knife is exposed pull it out to use it, stuff falls down just waiting for the knife to be re-sheathed, and once it’s wedged washing won’t get it out, it takes either wire to dislodge it, or back blowing with compressed air. Some of it is how Sheath is designed also.
 
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