If I Cerakote my knife will the Sheath be too tight?

[wittlescwappy]

I am thinking about getting a blade cerakoted. It is currently nitrided and has a kydex sheath fitted to it. If I get the blade cerakoted will I need to make a new sheath?

I realize the nitride is a superior coating but I am desiring a cool camouflage pattern. Just trying to plan out my total costs.

Also - who is the best or sending off your knives for cerakoting/resharpening? I am looking for someone who uses cerakote elite.

 

[Snakebreaker]

I've stripped knives and they did not fit the kydex sheath the same as they did before.

So this could very likely change the fit if your dealing with a kydex or plastic material.

 

[Psybull]

A GSO CFV 4.7 is cerakoted and it is a very tight fit in the standard 4.7 sheath and a 3v/20cv/CPM154 4.7 placed in a CFV 4.7 sheath is very sloppy and rattles. So even though the knives/sheaths look the same the coating makes a difference.

 

[Rob72]

I've done lots of Duracoat myself, and have a Cerakoted shotgun. I rarely coat knives, as they look crappy in short order, but if you need added corrosion protection, it's not a bad way to go.

Short version: your sheath is going to leave wear marks through the coating. Leather is more forgiving, but if this is a field knife, you'll get grit in there, either way. If you want a particular look, and can get it done for under $50, go for it. If you can't find someone less than $50, I'd buy the DIY kit from Brownells, Midway, or directly off the manufacturer's site, whoever has the best sale at the moment. IIRC, you have to bake Cera. Duracoat will air dry. You can bake Ceracoat in your home oven, or a toaster oven. It will stink, and I would not make a habit of it.

I'm talking DIY because I realized, after 3 coatings, I could do it myself for about 1/3 the cost, after initial set up. It's addictive.