Easiest way to reshape kydex?

ThinkOfTheChildren

ThinkOfTheChildren

Joined
Jul 7, 2000
Messages
1,556
Ok, I want to rework a kydex sheath because it's loose and the knife rattles in it. I just want to heat it up and better fit it to the knife. What's the easiest way to do this?

I don't have a heatgun...

Microwave can't be used because the rivets are metal...

Can it be dipped in hot water like when you form a mouthguard to your mouth?

I'm assuming an oven is the way to go but what setting and for what amount of time?

I know that setting it in the oven aint hard but I'm wondering if there's any easier way...

I'm sure there's a thread out there with my name on it but I'm only a basic member and cannot search. If you want to point me to a link then feel free.

Thanks!
 
Hairdryer works just fine.
Go slow and heat small areas at a time.
Wear cotton gloves, you will understand why the first time you don't:D
 
I tightened up the kydex liners of a BK7 and a BK9 by using an iron on low heat and an old damp towel. All I did was heat up the kydex with the towel over (to keep from over heating) it with the iron. Next I pressed the kydex into shape by hand using the damp towel to cool it. Only the bottom rear of the kydex needs to be fitted to the tip of the blade, so if you only work on the back side, the sheath will look the same form the front.

This worked well on the two Beckers and on two other kydex sheaths that I had that needed some tightening. If you can’t get the tightness that you want with the knife in the sheath, try reheating and pressing it a little tighter with the knife out. If the fit is too tight, you can heat the kydex up and let it relax for a looser fit.

Hope this helps some - I am sure that there are alot of people with more experience with this than me, who could offer some more tips.



-Frank
 
I've done it with an oven. 200-250 degrees. Only takes maybe 5 minutes or less in the oven. Too long and the thing will go back to it's natural shape. I put it on a towel in there.

Once it's a little soft I use the towel as sort of a potholder and work on it.

Also, I already have a sink filled with cold water. Once I get what I want I dunk the whole thing in the sink and it hardens instantly.

If you're still not happy, pop it back into the oven for another go.
Take the belt loop off first if you can. They always seem to get a little deformed in the process.
 
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