How loose/tight should the sheath be?

R

RUDY

Joined
Jan 24, 1999
Messages
251
There has been a lot of talk lately here it seems of how tight the sheaths are and what to do to loosen or tighten them. I was wondering if there was a standard on how tight one should be? What do you guys think?

My sheat for the 20in AK was very tight when I got it and I liked it that way. Its now loosened up quite a bit which is okay. I mean it still holds the balde well. I can turn it upside down and the blade won't fall out but if I shake it will. I wish this wouldn't happen but overall the sheath works well.

thanks and take care
collin
 
I like mine loose because its easier to draw and its much safer when I loan them out. If the scabbard is tight then people tend to by instinct wrap their hand right around it when drawing.

By loose I mean that mine will fall out if I turn them upside down. The fact that the sheath is well oiled probably has something to do with this I would assume. But none of mine were ever that tight to begin with.


-Cliff
 
From experience I can tell you that it is largely a matter of personal preference. Most martial artists, for example, want a loose fit so they can do a quick draw. For people jumping around a lot, climbing, mountain biking, this loose fit won't work.

Uncle Bill
 
Makes since Uncle Bill. I guess I myself jsut like it tight so I know the knife is always going to be there when i reach for it.

I haven't oiled mine yet Mr. Stamp which I need to do and it will probably make the sheat even looser but oh well, I would rather have the sheath last. Goodthinking too about the loose sheath being safer for less experienced people.

thanks for your comments guys

thanks and take care
collin
 
I like my sheath's tight as I fall under the catagory of running, jumping, biking. I'm not usually in a hurry to get my khukhuri out and I often carry it in my hands. It is great for clearing spider webs and a web material that some catapillers make.

I have a few friends who like khukhuri sheaths loose for quick draws.

I waxed my sheaths but oil the blade heavily with Rust Check. A lot of this stuff is inside the sheath and soaked into the leather where the blade contacts the sheath.

Will
 
Thanks for the input Mr. Kwan.

Also, I knew at least something good would come of this Uncle Bill.

thanks and take care
collin
 
I like mine snug enough to stay when inverted,and with a slight shake,to bind at the curve,but not enough to impede a smooth draw.The only to get this is if they are somewhat tight to begin with.

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Thats how my AK is right now ghostsix and that does suit me pretty well.

thanks and take care
collin

and finally I am a senior memberguys after 6 months
 
Uncle Bill is right about preferences,but I submit to you that if you invert it, and you need to move your feet,it is too loose.

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My own personal preferences are these:

I want the khukuri to pass the "jump test."

I am an old tin can sailor so may need correction but my infantry buddies tell me that when one jumps nothing should rattle lest the enemy be alerted to your presence by sound. If the khukuri makes any noise when one jumps it is too loose.

I want to be able to draw the khukuri quickly and fairly easily. Not the quick draw of the martial artist but quick enough to serve me in a second's notice. If I must struggle for 3 or 4 seconds to remove the khukuri from the scabbard it is too tight.

Some like'em loose, some like'em tight. But only the owner knows which is right.

Uncle Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Martino (edited 02 July 1999).]
 
Uncle Bill, your last description is just how my sheath is exactly. Thanks to you guys the sheath tightness of mine is sounding better and better all the time.

thanks and take care
collin
 
You know, I used to find the cork inserts for the thumbholes in bowling balls very useful for snugging things up.

Also, this is perfect weather for applying sno-seal to scabbards. Put out in sun, let absorb, wipe off, let sit out of sun and absorb more. If doesn't absorb rest, back into sun.
 
Remember, Rusty, not all forumites live in sun soaked Nevada. I have several customers in Alaska, one in the Brooks range.

Uncle Bill
 
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