How form a kydex insert

C

clone7

Joined
Feb 14, 2005
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The suggestions I have read for the most part have came to this. Remove the insert, stick it in the oven at 300F, wrap the blade in masking tape, and with leather gloves on, form it to the blade.


Does anyone know if this is a good way to mold a kydex insert.
I am trying to make the insert a bit bigger.

Also what is the point in using the masking tape?


Thank
 
clone7 said:
The suggestions I have read for the most part have came to this. Remove the insert, stick it in the oven at 300F, wrap the blade in masking tape, and with leather gloves on, form it to the blade.


Does anyone know if this is a good way to mold a kydex insert.
I am trying to make the insert a bit bigger.

Also what is the point in using the masking tape?


Thank
Click to expand...
The masking tape is so you don't scuff up your mirror blade finish. If your blade is satin and you wash the piece of kydex really good to remove any dirt or grit from the kydex you can omit the tape step. I have never had a problem. I imagine you could also use the tape to make the kydex larger though. You could put several layers of tape on the blade and then mold the kydex to the blade. When you remove the tape the blade won't fit as tight.


I find that hand molding kydex is usually a bust. I would place it between two folded bath towels and put a board on it and stand on it for a few minutes.
 
The standing on a board trick works okay. I made a lot of nice sheaths that way! Forget towels, though. Go to any store with camping equipment and buy a blue or green camping pad for a few bucks. Use 1-2 layers on each side , spray the layer that will contact the Concealex with wd-40 so it doesn't stick, and then step on the board to compress it. I built a crappy little press that works even better. The pros probably use hydraulic presses or something to that effect, but the more pressure you use the crisper the lines will be and the sheath just looks better, although it's possible to get a nice fit with the camping pads and standing on a board to compress it. The nice thing about making your own press is that you can get your stuff into it, press the sheath and if you're smart lock the pressure down somehow (I use a chain), then go and do something else while the press does its thing.
 
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