Is Kydex hard to work with? Instructions?

D

drjones

Joined
Sep 6, 2000
Messages
913
Hi all.

Considering perhaps making my own kydex sheath with some carbon-fiber pattern stuff from knifekits.com. It's $8.49/sq. foot. Is that a decent price?

I figure if I can get the hang of it, I could make holsters for some flashlights and other stuff...

SO, is the stuff easy to work with for someone with no experience with it? Do you just cut approximately how much you think you'll need?

I've got a heat gun and a dremel, if that helps...

Any advice or instructions welcome.

Thanks!
Drjones
 
YES NO MAYBE SO :D

Kydex takes minimal tools, and the skills involved aren't too complex. It has a fairly big learning curve behind it though. Order 2 or 3 times as much stuff as you think you will need and plan on having a few that you chalk up as practice.
I personally have trouble getting consistent results at this point. I've made sheaths that I was really happy with, and those that I would only consider serviceable. I have only made about 10 sheaths though. Each one gets easier as you gain experience.

Also, swear loudly and regularly. It will help, as long as you don't get out of breath and lightheaded ;)
 
yes, buy extra for practice. Also, bigger knives need thicker kydex. I've made some really ugly sheaths myself - but they are functional! Also, get one of those rivet-thingies unless you want to tie the sheath together.
 
Hi,

I have worked with kydex a few times.
That is really simple. You need: A press, heatgun, files, sandpaper and a Cutter.

You can process and press the Kydex when it is warm very well. For small Knives is enough 2mm strengthens, for larger 2,4mm, which should actually hold by that own pressure.

I hope I could help you.

Here 2 Kydex Sheats I made.
1.jpg

2.jpg

3.gif


Greetings
Olli
(Edit : Picture Links edited)
 
NIce work. In general, with experience, you start adding some advance planning into your flat patterns and then start going about making the cut edges and join areas nicely finished.
 
Follow the links and instructions in threads below:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=258732
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=252970
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=242230

Otherwise, the "search" function here on BFC will garner you lots of hits for info on making kydex sheaths. It's a subject that comes up frequently.

(edited to add) Cut the sheath material oversize when laying out your sheath. Do not try to scrimp on material at that point in the process. Be sure to cut plenty oversize, then trim back to finished size after the forming and riveting is all done. The tutorial from Jens Anso linked in one of the threads above talks about this.

Having a heat gun and Dremel is a good start. The Dremel can be used to cut and shape the material in intricate shapes if you want. While the heat gun can be used to heat the kydex, most of the guys who work with it as their bread and butter product (i.e. the pro's in the crowd) use an oven to heat it. Tip from the pro's is to use THICK foam layers to get crisp indenting and detailing on your sheaths.

For fun, check out the 3-D sheaths below.
On-Scene Tactical camo: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=178725
Buy Brown Holsters flames: http://www.buybrownholsters.com/
 
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