Does anyone else prefer Kydex? Why leather, nylon, or...?

[Comeuppance]

I feel as if Kydex is the far superior sheath material for many reasons:

- Inexpensive: Super cheap to put together, and much less time-consuming than almost any other option.
- Retention: No need for retention straps when the knife "clicks" into place!
- Attachment options: G-Clip, Tek-Lok, MOLLE, webbing, paracord... All easily accommodated with just a few drilled or punched holes or slots.
- Weatherproof: Kydex doesn't absorb most liquids or oils, being a plastic.
- Durability: You'll never cut into the stitching of a Kydex sheath.


The downsides are there, but I feel the tradeoff is fair:
- Inflexibility: Kydex is inherently rigid and as are most of the common attachment methods.
- Blade wear: Some, if not most, kydex sheaths leave marks on the blade and/or dull the edge.

This isn't to say that leather or other sheath options are inherently inferior for everyone, but, from my perspective, it seems to be almost undeniably preferable. Most leather sheaths require looping your belt through it, which is a pain if you either take the blade off your belt more than once per day or if you don't need/wear a belt. Nylon sheaths often just look cheap to me and can get moldy (just as leather can, depending on how it has been treated.) Additionally, the standard rivet design allows one to orient a kydex sheath in any number of ways. If I want, I can set one up vertically, horizontally, diagonally, strap it around my ankle, strap it flush against my back, carry it like a neck knife... You don't get that kind of versatility otherwise.

Really, though, the *click* is what I like the best. No fumbling with straps or flaps and no question as to whether it has been secured. The click does it all.

 

[Ankerson]

Given the choice I prefer leather.

Kydex is fine for most things however.

A lot depends on the knife and use IMO.

 

[gazz98]

I agree. Kydex is my preferred option too. Two of my fixed have leather sheaths, my Condor Bushlore and GL Drew. Most of my fixed blades are in kydex with Tek-Loks.

I must admit that I love some of the custom leather work sheaths (HedgeHog Leatherworks come to mind) but I'm just too cheap to ever spring for one of those. I like the cost of Kydex.

 

[craytab]

I am a 100% kydex or molded plastic guy for all of the reasons you stated. I will add that it is not weather proof though. In summer dont leave that kydex sheath sitting in the sun in your car. Molded plastic is more impervious to heat but cannot be as easily modded and if design poorly is more likely to dull your knife quicker.

 

[A.L.]

- Retention: No need for retention straps when the knife "clicks" into place!

For custom kydex yes, but most of the kydex factory sheaths don't have satisfyin retention for me. But that being said, neither do most leather sheaths. If you make leather sheath by hand, tailored for the knife, the retention will be fantastic. And leather sheaths can be made frictions so that the knife wont fall out if you pull it out little bit (but so can kydex)

- Weatherproof: Kydex doesn't absorb most liquids or oils, being a plastic.

Good leather doesn't get scared of water. And it can be treated and dried when soaked through. But how many sheaths get soaked? Not many. It's mostly just fantasy scenario.

- Durability: You'll never cut into the stitching of a Kydex sheath.

Neither you do with well made / thought out leather sheath. And leather sheaths can be repaired too.

 

[Faron]

After paying approx 150 pounds on a knife recently that came with a glass reinforced sheath and blunted after putting in sheath once , l have moved over to leather . I know kydex , plastic does not blunt the blade but feel happier using leather, with stainless steel fixed blade knife . Once bitten twice shy. Roll on the summer, Faron .For the record i also recently brought a leather jacket , and leather boots, reliving my youth it's a forty something Thing I think, loving it, motorcycle and MG sports car next along with the compulsory dolly bird Out.

 

[Riley12]

Kydex all the way. I've got several reasons, I don't eat meat so leather goes hand in hand with that, I prefer retention, plus I can make a kydex sheath in about 30 minutes. And the color options are nice!

 

[RX-79G]

One tradition you don't see much in the US is hot waxing a leather sheath. This impregnates the leather with wax that makes it stiff and durable, as well as completely waterproof (you can make canteens this way, too). The result is very kydex-like, but smaller, more attractive and completely non-abrasive to the knife.


The main downside I see to kydex is that you can't casually sheath and redraw your knife as you're working. An open sheath of leather or nylon makes this much, much easier.


A correctly constructed kydex sheath shouldn't touch the blade or damage the edge. I make leather and kydex sheaths as well as holsters, so that's where I'm coming from on this.

 

[redsquid2]

I like the "click" myself, and I agree with all the other advantages you have listed. I have managed to make a few leather sheaths with a cam built it, which had practically the same "click" effect, even though the click was less audible. Joe Calton seems to have mastered this "click cam" with his leather sheaths. I always found it very tricky to install.

Even though I glue a welt into my leather sheaths, and snug up the stitching, there is still the occasional thought that the blade could cut through, under certain conditions.

Here is a trick I use, to avoid kydex scratching: before sheathing the knife, I hold the sheath upside-down, and tap it pretty hard on a hard surface, to dislodge any dust particles inside, and I lightly wipe the blade to remove any dust. It works really well, but it is also extra stuff to do.

Two other advantages I can think of, for leather, is that it will not melt in a fire, and it can look really nice and have its own aesthetic.

 

[craytab]

more attractive.

.

You mean you think leather is more attractive since attractiveness is not an intrinsic quality and completely subjective.

The main downside I see to kydex is that you can't casually sheath and redraw your knife as you're working. An open sheath of leather or nylon makes this much, much easier.

I have no problem accessing and returning my knives to their kydex sheaths will working. I have experienced no difference in this respect. Seems that has more to do with other factors such as the technique, experience, or how the sheath itself is made/set up. Again, completely subjective and has nothing to do with the nature of kydex itself. :thumbup:

A correctly constructed kydex sheath shouldn't touch the blade or damage the edge.

100% true.

 

[EChoil]

Leather all the way. Only exception is for a couple stealth carried smaller fixed blades where Kydex allows a more minimal sheath.

Leather has too many advantages, both natural and practical. Ky and the other 'dexes are OK, but I'd rather have leather on my steel.

 

[afishhunter]

I prefer leather sheaths. They age better, IMHO.

 

[EChoil]

Perhaps a Kydex sheath can be constructed to be clear of the knife when locked in and at rest, but I'm not so sure one can be made that will account for the vagaries and inconsistencies of everyday withdrawal and insertion of the knife in the sheath under different circumstances. This is where most Kydex >> blade/edge scratching occurs.

 

[RX-79G]

The "problem" with kydex is that it is a slick, stiff material that can assume limited shapes because it is deformed from flat sheet. That mean that its retention comes entirely from mechanical tension, rather than friction or snaps. Which is great for most uses, but I haven't found a kydex sheath that works properly AND you can "drop" the knife into.

It isn't a big deal, just a difference in dealing with kydex.


As to attractiveness, if you like rivets and the extra space they require , that's cool. You can do the same with other materials (kydex eyelets come from leather crafts), or you can do radically different. Being able to do different is why I think kydex has limited attractiveness.

What I really prefer are injected molded sheaths that act like kydex, but are less brittle, less abrasive and can have more features molded in.

 

[Wolverine666]

I've never use a Kydex sheath so I have no real world experience there. The fact that the OP mentioned that Kydex can mark up and dull a knife blade is enough to turn me off right there. IMO , the traditional look of a quality leather sheath is a must for any fixed blade that I would own. I vote leather.

 

[strategy9]

Depends for me.

Perfect example, I would never even consider kydex for an Arno Bernard, but I would never consider leather for my bk11... Most fixed knives I can really see with either or, but for me, the sheath has to match the "soul" of the knife, if that makes sense...

 

[strategy9]

I am not a huge fan of nylon or cordura though, and at some point hope to replace all of the ones I have in service with either leather or kydex, appropriately per knife...

 

[bodog]

Kydex when working, leather pouch sheaths when walking around off duty, leather sheath with snaps when hiking around.

It's simply what I find to be the most functional for me and my way of living.

Kydex: protects the knife a little more and peace of mind with not stabbing through the side. Easily moved from position to position depending on what I'm doing while maintaining a decently secure hold where you put it based on the clip you use. Or you don't even need a clip. Less to worry about breaking. Easily and cheaply replaced if broken.

Leather pouch: looks far less intimidating, easily extract and replace the knife, a lot classier than kydex which helps appease the scared general public. Not terribly expensive.

Leather with clasp or snap: quiet, doesn't click when keys or jacket zippers hit it, holds the knife in place securely, doesn't scratch the blade as I do whatever I do. Doesn't jab into my leg or hip as I walk.

 

[craytab]

I've never use a Kydex sheath so I have no real world experience there. The fact that the OP mentioned that Kydex can mark up and dull a knife blade is enough to turn me off right there. IMO , the traditional look of a quality leather sheath is a must for any fixed blade that I would own. I vote leather.

Kydex done properly doesn't mark up the knife or dull the blade.

 

[stabman]

Depends on the knife, really.

On some kydex is good.
On others leather is better.

Overall design of the sheath is more important, really.