Fold over vs. 2 piece sheath

K

Knapsac1

Joined
Mar 6, 2016
Messages
41
Hello -

Thinking about some kydex work:

Does a kydex 1 piece fold over constructed sheath have any greater merits or disadvantages compared to a 2 piece constructed kydex sheath? and vise versa?

In my imagination, the fold over seems simpler and thus more durable (not sure, speculating) as it's a single piece of material and has less rivets/hardware to install or (hypothetically) come a part. Not always is the fold along the spine of the knife, as I have kydex sheath where the fold is at the tip of the blade and the top and bottom edges of the sheath are bordered w/ grommets.

The pancake style would potentially protect the knife from moisture a little more by preventing some seepage into the sheath, provided the fold was along the top of the knife. Not so much w/ a sheath that is folded over at the tip.....

The 2 piece set ups do have more lashing options, as they have more rivets, all along the outside of the knife.

Anything else that others can comment on or about?

Thanks for your thoughts.
 
The truth is taco sheaths are easier to make, but the kind that are folded from the tip of the knife are really pancakes using the fold for alignment. Taco sheaths also use less material that is another advantage to making them over pancakes. When it comes to use they are about the same besides the points you already made. I prefer the pancake sheaths myself, but that is just personal preference. I highly recommend you do some research and build your own press instead of buying one. They are expensive and heavy so the shipping isn't cheap.
The sticky tutorial here is one of the best I've read and will give you a solid idea of the work it takes to make a quality piece. Of course check out as many videos you can they usually have very helpful information for all skill levels. A few that were really helpful early on for me are these:
A good full processes video
Good information on definition
How to get that perfect glossy edge
Some good info on tools
Obviously there are many other good videos out there and I recommend watching as many as you can. Everyone seems to have their own little tricks and processes, but the basics are really all the same. If you have any more questions I'm hardly the expert, but will be glad to help with what I can. I would also love to see more kydex traffic here I do love looking at the great leather work everyone here has but I don't have that skill set.
 
Thanks evlDan.

I was vague in my opening statement - I am looking to buy sheaths; no making them.

Still, thanks for the time to respond. Reads to me like no real advantage to the consumer either way, but some benefits to the maker.

Thanks again for reading and responding - good evening to you.
 
I think they both have merits. Aesthetics being the biggest factor among consumers by far. The fold overs as you say fit some applications such as in my designs. But truly as a stand alone aren't much to look at. The two piece riveted type have better fit and tensioning capabilities as a stand alone sheath. Kydex does some things well and others, well it pretends to be leather but will never quite be there for most. As with the knife you choose, the sheath is a personal choice. It's truly what you like and what you want that ultimately matters.
 
Kydex is pretty inexpensive I would recommend trying each type and figure out which one you like best. Both styles are going to be good sheaths and Kydex has a couple of advantages besides just price. Just don't leave it in your car on a hot day and it should work out for you just fine.
 
Thank you Charlie Morrison.

I prefer leather and don't mind the maintenance much of the time, but I have currently 2 larger, chopper type blades that need to be re-sheathed and I am unsure if I want to pay for a large amount of leather work for each. Also, leather gets heavy on bigger blades and kydex does way a bit less for knives w/ 10" or greater blades. Also, the lashing needs (to the side of a pack for example) tend to be better for larger kydex sheaths as they come with more points to tie off of.

Your work looks versatile and well thought out as evidenced on your website. I have an Ontario SP 52, with a broad re - curve, as one of the blades needing a new rig. Unfortunately, at it's widest part of the belly, it seems to a be little in excess of 2 1/4 inches, which is the max width of the footlong sheath.

Thanks again for responding.
 
Any time. I did a quick check but couldn't find the max width of your blade. If it's close it might work. The 2 1/4 still gives a bit of wiggle room on some blades. Just a thought.
 
Charlie Morrison -

finally got around to using an actual tape measure and the widest part of the blade hits right at 2.25", 10" total blade length - I think the Footlong model, w/ 1/4" insert would work.

About the retention strap - the handle is broad across the beam/tang looking at the top of the handle - 1" or around that. From a side look, the handle swell is greatest at about 1.25" tall.

Would the retention strap be able to fit this handle? does it adjust?

Thanks Charlie.
 
Just got back from Blade, sorry for the slow response. Based on the dimensions you've presented I believe it will fit also. The retention is non adjustable and not truly necessary, but that being said if it doesn't fit like you want it to just send it back and we will make it right. Thanks for the interest.
 
No sweat about the reply - I saw you were at Blade from your website posting, and I am not in a rush. I will reach out to you via your website for the rest of this conversation. Thanks Charlie Morrison.
 
Many more qualified answers than mine here.

Taco style are usually lower profile and flexible (right left hand) by flipping the belt attachment around. cheaper too if that is a concern
Pancakes allow many varied mounting and add on options making them tacticool and at times more practical.
Pancakes are a little bigger/heavier than tacos.
Leather is timeless but needs some maintenance to make it last.
Kydex or variants do well in wet areas but not so good in extreme hot or cold. We're talking extreme here. desert and arctic not warm and cool.

Go with what works for you.
 
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