Finally took the plunge...

[jms2021]

I finally took the plunge tonight and ordered some Kydex and supplies to make sheaths for my knives/multitools/flashlights! I have never worked with Kydex before, but from what I can make out, it is not a terribly difficult material to work with. (cue ominous dun dun dunnnnnn) I'm sure with sheath making, as in most things, it looks sooo easy until you actually try it yourself and see the skill involved in doing it. Any pitfalls that a newbie such as myself could/should be able to avoid? My rig ( as of now) Will consist of a press made up with some foam from knifekits, glued to some plywood I got from the "cull lumber" section at Home Depot (Can't beat $.51 for an approx. 3'x4'x1/2" piece of plywood ) And I have a HF 2 setting heat gun. Ordered a hand setting kit for the rivets I will be using (3/16" rivets in .08 Kydex) Thanks in advance for any advice, and I will post my results (good or bad)! I can't wait!
-Jason

 

[kdstrick]

the only thing you are missing is the obligatory 12 pack of beer. Remember that creative juices flow from the 12 oz can.

Kydex is really pretty simple to work with, and cheap so that mistakes don't cost too much money. A belt sander saves a ton of time, but you don't need one.

Do you have a vice? The more pressure you put on the kydex in the press, the more detailed your sheath will be. A vice works great. Finish up the edges with some sandpaper and acetone to give it a nice finished look.

Now go get some beer and get to work! Good luck. :thumbup:

 

[jms2021]

Thanks for the advice! I have a belt sander, but no vice. ( I reeeallly need to make a workbench) I also have a Busse Comba SAR5 that it begging for a sheath. Time permitting, I may work on it tonight!