How to finish Kydex edges?

[Ross99]

I see some really good looking Kydex scabbards lately. What is a good way of getting the Kydex edges polished? Now using multiple grits of sandpaper, but what would be a better, faster way?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Redmeadow Knives]

Rub it with Acetone on a cloth.

 

[Ross99]

Great! Thanks man.

 

[Lo/Rez]

I use a buffing pad on the grinder.

 

[NeilJBorja]

Never touched kydex myself, but I also have seen in some tutorials people use a Dremel buffing wheel to polish the edges (the heat from the buffer will melt the edges shiny, just like acetone).

 

[Redmeadow Knives]

Don't waste your time with sandpaper other than contouring, Acetone or a buffer like Lo/Rez said is the way to go. I spent forever trying to polish the first couple I did with sandpaper and still couldn't get a nice polish. A friend of mine told me about the acetone trick and it works well.

 

[carbonman]

Buffing wheel

 

[DAVE_M]

I've never tried Acetone before, but Goof-Off works too. A buffing wheel is the safest way without introducing dangerous chemicals.

I hit the edges with 220 on the dremel, then 400 grit. It leaves a nice matte finish. Wet sanding will make it smoother, but a buffer is really needed to get glossy edges.

You can get a semi-gloss edge by rubbing it with some cotton or synthetic material.

 

[Ross99]

Thanks again for the replies, the answers are really helpful.

 

[Josh Mason]

For a somewhat satin finish that looks pretty good, I just get everything ground out with a worn out 60 grit ceramic belt, and rub the hell out of the edge on an old piece of carpet. You can rub it against some old denim too. I angle the piece, kinda doing a sharpening motion to round over things a bit.

The acetone trick sounds great!

 

[Brian.Evans]

@halestorm
Ronnie makes all my sheaths. His edges are awesome. Take a look on my sub forum on the sticky called "why Ronnie makes my sheaths."

 

[Hale Storm]

I use a combination of buffing wheels and a compound in a 7 step process. PM me and I'll help you through it if you like. I think my edges set me apart from some. The biggest thing is making the commitment to go this far. It takes time. I think the fit and finish is worth the time. I use only heavy duty .080 or thicker kydex and heavy American made parts (usually marine grade in some cases). You end up with a high quality sheath that will give you years of service and protection.

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