Got My Pikuni and Have Sheath Question

E

Ed45

Joined
Jul 16, 2001
Messages
52
Just received this fine little knife with carbon fiber scales. I like it but have a question. The "snap fit" in the sheath is very tight, so much so that it is hard to pull it from the sheath. Can anyone tell me an easy way to lighten the pressure of how hard the Kydex holds it? Thanks, Ed
 
This is a tough area to get into because of the nature of Kydex, it can be uforgiving when you try to spot treat it.

I would start by examining the area's where it appears to be the tightest.

Take the knife out of the sheath and use a mini torch or lighter to heat the area. Don't hold the flame too close or let it touch the material or you could ruin it.

A heat gun works god but if you're not very careful you'll loosen the whole sheath beyond useability. If you do try a heat gun I'd reccomend a reducer which cuts the diameter of the gun down to about 1/4".

Heat the spot for about 20 seconds and touch it to see if it is pliable, if it is then resheath the knife, if not apply the heat for another 5-10 seconds and repeat until the fit is right.

Don't try to do an area bigger that about 1" in diameter or you'll make it too loose. Also keep in mind your intended use, if you want this to be a neck sheath it should fit snug.

One thing you may also notice is that the more you remove the knife it will shave off little pieces of Kydex and develop a looser fit in the real tight areas. You may want to cycle it through the sheath 30-40 times before trying the steps above.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

FWIW, I got a Simonich Pikuni and the sheath was great for belt carry but would not hold the knife for inverted neck carry, it was too loose. SO I had to make a separate neck sheath. Fine with me though because I like my sheath to be single purpose so I don't have to mess with switching them around so much. :)
 
Thanks for the advice. Last night I put a small piece of masking tape around the hilt area to exaggerate the size slightly, re-sheathed the knife and placed it on the ledge by the furnace. This is very warm but not hot. This morning the tension hold seems good. Still some tightness but your comments on being too loose scares me. Think I'll leave it alone for a break in period. Ed
 
Perhaps risking to say the obvious. But try a bit of lube in that "tight" area where it contacts the knife. Most likely at the guard area. This will help the "break in" period. With the belt clip and screws removed, the tension on my G10 handled Pikuni is lessened. Just right for neck carry.

Nakano
 
The lube crossed my mind but I was affraid of it getting on the grips and pants, etc. Maybe just the tiniest smear of vaseline, I'll try it. Thanks again, Ed
 
Ed45,

If yours is a REKAT Pikuni, I made the sheaths for them, and if you are having any problems with it, you can send both knife and sheath to me and I will adjust it to your liking or replace it. Both REKAT and I stand firmly behind our products.
 
If I may.....I sent my Pikuni to Mike Sastre after I got my custom since I wasn't happy with the sheath. I'm glad I did, I was thrilled with the carbon fiber sheath with belt loop snap Mike made me. He is an outstanding kydex sheath maker and I highly recommend him.
 
I'm looking for a sheath maker and have heard all good things about him. Thanks, Ed
 
I just put a small amount of Tetra gun lube on the blade and worked it in a bit. Since then I have had no problems. I love this little knife and use it all the time.
Great job on the sheaths Mike.
 
When I can get expert assistance free of charge, I take it. Sent the sheath to Mike for adjusting along with an order for an IWB sheath for my other small fixed blade favorite, my Outbounder. Ed
 
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