...Is this a bad idea?

Grease · May 11, 2012

Preface: I'm a duct tape fanatic. I often joke that I can make anything out of it, but the reality is that you really can make anything, as long as it doesn't have moving parts.

With that said, I've made some duct tape sheaths for a couple of my knives (one for a knife I made, another for an old bayonet that didn't have a sheath)

My question: Is there anything wrong with using duct tape as a sheath material? More specifically, if I decided to make custom sheaths for a pair of kukri's I bought, would that cause any problems?

(edit to add: My main concern is things like the oil present on the tape, the fact that duct tape will trap water inside, etc. I mainly don't want my blades rusting... All I've used duct tape for in the past is stainless steel knife sheaths, so I have no experience using it for other stuff.)

(Edit #2: I have no idea how this got into this part of the forum... Could have sworn I was in Sheaths and such. -.-)

bladeboss · May 12, 2012

If the water will stay IN, that also means it will stay OUT.
Store them not in the sheath when not being used.
It should also be strong and resist being cut up.
Doesnt sound like a bad idea really.

JBK2596 · May 12, 2012

duck tape sheaths really arnt new in the knife world, normaly they would be tempory until you get a new sheath but if you make em good enough there great.

Phydeaux · May 12, 2012

One problem you may have is that over time the adhesive can squeeze out from under the tape. I've had this problem with a duct tape wallet. On the inside of the sheath it may trap dirt and other stuff that could scratch up the blade.

I wonder if you could make a "sheath liner" out of some thin plastic (think mild carton + heat gun) then cover it with duct tape. This may also give a little more cut resistance.

Ric

Lagrangian · May 12, 2012

In my experience, duct tape is water-resistant, but not water-proof. I've also had some problem with what Phydeaux mentioned: the sticky adhesive in duct tape can squeeze out a bit. Maybe it depends on brand of duct tape? I also wonder about heavy-duty aluminum foil-tape, which is sometimes used instead of duct tape for sealing ventilation ducts. Maybe not as grippy, though.

unit · May 12, 2012

I'd suggest that this idea will work just fine. Like many sheaths, it probably needs to be properly constructed with a drain.

General knife care should take care of the rest.

Seals · May 13, 2012

I was also going to suggest a drain hole and agree on not storing it in the tape sheath.Otherwise it sounds like a plan!Who doesnt love duct tape..( : In and emergency,you could use your sheath to build a shelter,raft,or whatever.

orca8589 · May 13, 2012

I made a couple of sheaths out of milk carton plastic, staples, & duct tape when I was a kid. They looked awful, :thumbup: but they worked perfectly for what I needed.

I'd say go for it, and post up pics when you're done.

~Chris

Skimo · May 13, 2012

I like gorilla tape better than duct tape.

I made a cardboard and gorilla tape sheath, it works great.

My one experiment with milk carton... it didn't turn out well, I might try it again if I can find some tips on youtube.