How to correct Kydex sheath that's too tight

[KenHash]

I just received my custom Kydex sheath for my CS SM Trailmaster. It is perfect in every which way, except one.
The first time I put my knife in the sheath slowly, it went in fine. The fit around the guard looked right.
But it took me 5 minutes to be able to pull the knife back out. I am guessing there must be one spot around the
guard that must be too tight.
I have other Kydex sheaths that are somewhat tight/snug , but nothing like this.

What have others done in this kind of situation?
Thanks for any opinions.

 

[Sharpoholic]

If you upload a picture of the sheath it‘d be easier to help. Some makers use the guard as a retention point, some use the handle scales. The method to fix is dependent on the retention point.

 

[KenHash]

If you upload a picture of the sheath it‘d be easier to help. Some makers use the guard as a retention point, some use the handle scales. The method to fix is dependent on the retention point.

Thank you. Here are some pics. If you need more or other angles just let me know. The last photo is in the fully inserted position after the loud "click" sound.

 

[Ajack60]

I’ve adjusted a couple using a heat gun. Don’t know if a conventional hair dryer will work. You have to be careful not to get it too hot and deform the finish.
The heat gun will make it pliable enough to reshape/loosen the kydex.
I left the knife in the sheath until it cools off, or you can run water over it to cool it off.

 

[DocJD]

Thank you. Here are some pics. If you need more or other angles just let me know. The last photo is in the fully inserted position after the loud "click" sound.

It looks to me like you should be pushing down and out , with your thumb, against the raised area / tab at the lip of the sheath, as you pull to draw .

Heat if necessary , as said above, but proceed gradually with caution , especially with a heat gun vs. hair dryer .

 

[killgar]

The edge of the guard looks a bit "sharp". I wonder if the edge of the guard is digging into the kydex. Before I tried heat, I might lightly round the edge of the guard with some careful filing and sanding and see if that helps.

But not having the knife and sheath I can't say for sure what the issue is. Before I did anything I would examine the inside/mouth of the sheath to see if there is clear evidence of the guard digging in. I do know that once you start heating a kydex sheath, things can go wrong, and if you don't have a kydex press, or the means to effectively re-press the sheath, you might end up with an excessively loose sheath.

 

[KenHash]

Thanks all. I did a closer examination and it appears to me that there is a slight "bulge" on the blade bottom side just above where the guard fits.
That bulge is low enough so that the knife goes in with an audible "click". But it is high enough that it obstructs removal.
The bulge above the form-fit over the guard on the outside of the sheath. I scraped it so that it would be visible.
This bulge is on the inside of the sheath and I believe if this can be lowered in height, the problem should be solved.
The knife is retained by the guard. The bulge is unecessary.

I do not have a heat gun. I suppose I could try the hairdryer method. Or buy a heat gun...lol

 

[Dergyll]

I've adjusted a few sheaths with a toaster oven (around 375-400 degrees) lol. I heated it up then used some broad scissors, other hand tools, or my hand (with ppe of course) to keep the shape while it cools.

Just becareful of other parts that are on the sheath besides kydex, metal, etc that are not heat resistant, remove if possible.

 

[KenHash]

Well I've decided that due to the size of this bulge, sanding it down is not going to do it, so I tried a hair dryer. I slowly pulled the knife out to the point where the guard was clearly catching the bulge. Applied hairdryer heat close from the outside on that spot at high heat for 45 seconds.
Problem resolved. Knife goes in with a click, has full retention, and pops out easily when pressing on the forward "lip" with the thumb.