How do you recognize Kydex sheaths?

shaft · Oct 25, 2003

what do you mean....have you not seen kydex b4???

bquinlan · Oct 25, 2003

Kydex is basically a plastic material that comes in sheets. It generally has a slightly rough surface texture and is most often seen in black, although other colors are available.

Here is a picture of a knife in a kydex sheath...

Kydex is popular for sheaths and holsters because it is light, tough, chemically inert, somewhat flexible, and has a "memory". When heated to a certain temperature it can be shaped. Once it cools down it will retain that shape and will return to it if deformed.

Note the outline of the knife that is visible on the sheath above. Kydex is generally formed directly around the knife to be sheathed. This tends to "lock" the knife into place wtithin the sheath, eliminating the need for thumb breaks or straps. Some give is built in around the opening so that the kydex sheets can separate enough to release the knife when enough sharp pressure is applied.

Most people feel that leather is prettier, but kydex is better in almost every other way.

--Bob Q

fudo · Oct 25, 2003

A simple hello will do.
But serously, it is a hard, molded plastic that is heat-formed around a knife, gun, or other object. It comes in a variety of colors, most commonly black or green.

MrZ · Oct 25, 2003

blastjv · Oct 25, 2003

I believe that there is also kydex that can be injection molded. The sheath for my Spyderco Perrin for example is obviously not made from a formed sheet of kydex, but it is listed on the Spyderco Website as being kydex (and I don't think Sal would lie). I think other manufacturers may do this also, but there are also manufacturers that make knives with other kinds of plastic (SPACE-AGE-POLYMERS!!!???) sheaths that may not be as good.

ALso, I may just be comepletely wrong...but I think I'm right...

-John

fishbulb · Oct 25, 2003

Many cheaper fixed blades (CRKT for example) come with an injection-molded fiber reinforced nylon sheath rather than genuine kydex.

Generally these are a good deal bulkier than the kydex sheaths and have a bit more play, but in my experience they work well enough as long as you aren't concerned about hiding the knife.

Practical Use · Oct 25, 2003

I generally only recognize them if I have seen their picture in the postoffice.

(long day - could not resist)