Fallkniven Sheaths: Leather or Zytel?

T

tka1

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Mar 7, 2007
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Just wondering if anybody had an opinion on the advantages/disadvantages of each type of sheath that Fallkniven offers for much of their line. Any thoughts about what would last longer during hard/outdoor use over time?
 
Um, did you mean Kydex instead of Zytel?

In a moist environment I believe the Kydex would last longer. Just gut feeling, no hard experience. Don't even have a feeling for hard use in a dry envrionment. Betcha our friends do, though.
 
no sir, zytel. :)

from www.fallkniven.com for S1, F1 models, etc.:

"Zytel sheath
The new injection molded zytel sheath offers a neat safe and strong combination of qualities which should be very attractive to any user."

here are some clickable pics for reference:



(please note i'm not worried about looks, just function/durability)
 
Mercy! I've got even less experiece with that as a sheath material.

But Zytel is Nylon, which does not have good resistance to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight). I'd be kind of iffy about it.
 
knarfeng said:
But Zytel is Nylon, which does not have good resistance to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight). I'd be kind of iffy about it.
Click to expand...

exactly the kind of info i'm looking for! thanks knarfeng. by this do you mean it will fade and/or become prone to cracking?

some other assumptions. let me know if i'm wrong. (1) zytel would be better for moist environments. (2) zytel will be lighter.

i ask since i know some leather sheaths hold up quite well to moisture, such as Chris Reeve leather sheaths.
 
I'll make a stab at it (pun intended :) ).

Leather sheaths can conceivably rot with extended moisture and be gnawed upon by hungry furry critters. They look better as they age (maybe) and the full cover sheaths might offer some protection from the elements and a more conventional woodsy appearance.

Kydex is more abrasion and weather resistant, it probably does not change tightness or shape as much as leather, but can scratch your blade if grit, sand or other particulates are trapped between the sheath and blade if holstered. I do not know if this material deteriorates under sunlight like more common plastics. Probably not.

A quick google search reveals:

Kydex
A thin thermoplastic commonly used for firearm holsters and knife sheaths. It is flexible, resistant to sweat, chemicals, oils and solvents. It is shaped by heat and retains its' set form.

KYDEX ® - a thermo-formed plastic developed through a mixture of PVC and Acrylic. Resistant to temperatures in extreme, it is also a durable and long-lasting material well suited for use in providing cases for equipment protection.

Kydex® - A thermo-formed plastic, it is a mixture of PVC and Acrylic. It is used in the manufacture of vehicle interiors, as well as the interior of jet fighter cockpits. It is resistant to all but the most extreme temperatures and has a very long life expectancy, even when exposed to oils and solvents. Kydex comes in various mixtures and thickness. Easily formed and molded at around 315 degrees, this material has found its way into numerous applications for forming protective cases for a variety of equipment.

I'm leaning toward Kydex :)

EDIT: Did they replace Kydex for Zytel in their offerings? If so, sorry for the somewhat extended post :)
 
hi Ultraman, thanks for the info. about leather. Fallkniven does still offer kydex for some models, but i'm curious about a sheath for the models that offer leather or zytel as the only options (as you now know). sorry you typed so much about kydex! i really appreciate it.

may the discussion continue! :)
 
I have carried my F1 in the full coverage leather sheath for 2 years now rain and shine and I've never had a problem with it.My S1 has the black hard sheath.Mine reminds me a lot of kydex and doesn't look anything like the one pictured above.It's really nice,secure and tough.I modded it though.I took one of the belt hooks form my Tracker sheath and attached it where the nylon belt loop was.it fits better and is easier to draw the knife from multiple angles.
 
Hey Guys...


tka1 said:
no sir, zytel. :)
"Zytel sheath
The new injection molded zytel sheath offers a neat safe and strong combination of qualities which should be very attractive to any user."
Click to expand...

That's a real shame to see...


ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
thanks savage. great mod idea

well, Normark, if you say switching to Zytel is a shame, then that means a lot to me coming from you!
 
savagesicslayer said:
I have carried my F1 in the full coverage leather sheath for 2 years now rain and shine and I've never had a problem with it.My S1 has the black hard sheath.Mine reminds me a lot of kydex and doesn't look anything like the one pictured above.It's really nice,secure and tough.I modded it though.I took one of the belt hooks form my Tracker sheath and attached it where the nylon belt loop was.it fits better and is easier to draw the knife from multiple angles.
Click to expand...
The first scheats were made of kydex but was then replased by zytel...
 
Hey Guys...

TKA..

Thanks.. :)

DOW...

Yaa for sure it will, however I just think the Zytel cheapens the knife...
Fallkniven deserves a much better sheath as far as I'm concerned. They are such nice knives, that injection moulded stuff doesn't do them justice..

I understand Peter had some problems with sheaths, and I understand the decision to go with it, I have alot of respect for Peter, he's a hell of a nice guy and has always treated me Very well...

It's too bad he had to go that route...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
tka1 said:
by this do you mean it will fade and/or become prone to cracking?

some other assumptions. let me know if i'm wrong. (1) zytel would be better for moist environments. (2) zytel will be lighter.

i ask since i know some leather sheaths hold up quite well to moisture, such as Chris Reeve leather sheaths.
Click to expand...


UV causes the chemical bonds in the Nylon to break. I would expect to see cracking over time as the material breaks down. Any fading would be a result of surface porosity developing as the surface eroded away unevenly.

How long before you see signs of degradation would depend on the amount of sunlight it got. It would take a fair amount before you saw it. Say 6-months of total daily exposure (seat of my pants guess. accurate to ±50%). In real life it would probably last a number of years because you aren't giving it daily exposure and even when it is in use it won't get 100% direct sunlight. But I have leather sheaths that have lasted 30 years and are still good. I don't think the Zytel would last that long.

A good leather sheath can withstand a lot of moisture. The Zytel would be completely impervious to any amount of moisture or mud or gunk. Depending on how thick they made the sheath, I would expect the Zytel to be lighter.

Hope that helps.
 
that helps a ton, knarfeng! thanks. you guys all gave me a lot of good info.

some background info: i have a micarta-handled Fallkniven F1, satin blade, leather sheath. i like the F1 so much that i was thinking about getting another one that's kind of "opposite" to the one i have now; therefore, thermorun handle, black/coated blade, zytel sheath. i think i'll give it a try for something different. :)

thanks again everybody.
 
Personally I prefer Cordura, Kydex, and other synthetics. Some leather products from 'some' foreign countries aren't always made from cows if you catch what I'm sayin... :thumbdn:
 
get the knife with a standard leather sheath then send it to Normark for proper pants.
 
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