Do Kydex sheaths scratch blades?

[AFAustin]

A basic question for anyone who has an opinion based on experience or expertise: As the title says, do Kydex sheaths scratch blades?

I mostly own traditional (especially vintage Japanese) folders, but lately I've acquired a few nice fixed blades. I've been especially impressed with some offered by the talented makers in the Knifemaker's Market subforum. But many of those, especially the smaller ones which I favor, come with Kydex sheaths.

Years ago I had a fixed blade or two which came with a Kydex sheath and I recall that, in normal use, the Kydex would leave noticeable scratches on the blade.

What's your opinion on the tendency of modern Kydex to scratch blades?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Crag the Brewer]

YES!!!!

There are some tricks that I've recently discovered, but it's still not guaranteed.

You can always get aftermarket leather shesths made later from other favored makers, here....

 

[AFAustin]

YES!!!!

There are some tricks that I've recently discovered, but it's still not guaranteed.

You can always get aftermarket leather shesths made later from other favored makers, here....

Thanks. Sometimes my memory actually works! And... can you share those tricks?

Andrew

 

[jfk1110]

Absolutely.. Its usually foreign matter trapped in there...A lined kydex sheath is the answer..Also one that can be opened and cleaned.....If you don't want scratches that is......I use all mine so no worries here.

 

[Mick Boardman]

Some leave scratches, most of mine don’t. Got one new recently that laid down a small scratch very fine on first pull,I quickly sent it off for a sheath fitting. It’s due back soon. Never seen a scratch using Mashed Cat kydex in all my Carothers. Just got a knife last week and it has started a nice pull rub on the side. This one I won’t worry about it.

 

[killgar]

1. Some blade finishes are soft or superficial enough that the kydex itself can scratch or scuff it.

2. As jfk1110 mentioned, foreign material (dirt, dust, grit) can get inside the sheath and scratch the blade finish, or the steel itself.

3. Kydex isn't produced in a "clean room", so it's entirely possible for bits of dirt/grit/etc to get mixed in or embedded in the outer surface of the material during the manufacturing process, and that can cause scratches. Also, knife sheaths aren't made in "clean rooms", so it's possible that when a sheath is made some dirt/grit might get attached and embedded in the surface during heat forming.

And on a related note- Some blade finishes are rough and will scrape off small amounts of kydex leaving kydex streaks on the blade that look like scratches.

.

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

Also, some kydex doesn't directly touch the steel (like when using a mold or when the blade is wrapped before shaping)... whereas some definitely does.

 

[ferider]

Kydex by itself usually not. But dirt that either you accumulated or the maker left in there will scratch the blade. So I suggest to buy from a good maker and put your blade away clean.

 

[Steven65]

I have also found it greatly depends who made the Kydex. Something designed properly with correct retention on a part of the knife other than the flats of the blade is generally fine. But if its been formed to tightly around the flats of the blade its going to scratch the s**t out of the blade, and worse with the egress of dirt.

I do have to say though for a fixed blade that I either carry IWB or in my pocket I just don't trust leather. I want Kydex.

 

[ferider]

I do have to say though for a fixed blade that I either carry IWB or in my pocket I just don't trust leather. I want Kydex.

That’s a good point. Some makers reenforce the leather - makes me feel safer
Like Bill / duramax here:

 

[Alberta Ed]

Some linings, like felt, will trap grit and moisture. Leather is better IMHO.

 

[Steven65]

That’s a good point. Some makers reenforce the leather - makes me feel safer
Like Bill / duramax here:

Awesome set up! Super practical.

I'm always frightened of a car accident with a IWB blade. If it's a bad one you will be thrown around at high G and if you hit something, or something hits you on the flat of the blade it could push the blade through the side of a leather sheath.