Is zytel strong enough?

R

Redguy

Joined
Nov 11, 2003
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544
I just ordered a Kabar Mule, because I wanted an inexpensive, big, tough but expandeble folder. The knife looks like a good bargain, but I really can use a pocket clip, because I already wear my phone on my belt, and I don't like the idea of walking around with two sheaths in an urban area. So, what do you think gentlemen, are the zytel slabs strong enough to hold the 3 or 4 screws of a pocketclip in their place?

Thanks in advance.
 
Sure, it should hold for at least a while. Just don't over-tighten the screws.

You may want to do what Spyderco used to do... use a two-piece screw assembly that goes all the way through the handle, and is tightened from both sides.

Peace.
 
I would fear that the zytel would flex too much and the screws would eventually yank themselves out of the zytel's hold. Zytel makes great handle material despite its plastic flexy-ness, partially because of it's flexy-ness. It's got a lot of bounce back, and can give quite a bit before giving too much, and bounce right back. However, in this case, I wouldn't expect it to hold up. Without the screws setting into a liner or metal on the other side, the zytel around the screws would soon stretch, warp, expand, etc and the screws wouldn't have the proper hold anymore.

Consider the Spyderco FRN knives, or the Benchmade Griptillian. On the BM, the screws anchor into steel liners. On Spydercos like the Delica/Endura, the clip retainer goes through entirely to the other side of the knife (reversable). On the Calypso Jr, the screws anchor into a steel insert nested in a molded space on the inside of the handle.

You could always try it of course, since even if what I predict might happen happens, the holes would only be cosmetic and not really impede the knife's function.

Perhaps a better option would be to have a sheath made; just a simple slip sheath, but with a pocket clip on the sheath (like what the Kershaw Centrofante/Onion has).
 
Redguy said:
I don't like the idea of walking around with two sheaths in an urban area.
Click to expand...

Why not? I have seen many guys at work like that. The peaceful intention speaks through the way it is carried. :)
 
i can relate i dont like belt sheaths and folders either give me a clip anyday.

as far as adding a clip, it would probably be ok unless the clip got hooked on something/etc and pulled it off, point being it wont be very strong imho, and will strip out easily just screwed into the zytel, certainly not as strong as a clip installed with screws into the liner.
 
if i were you i don't think i would try it cause it'll problem end up doing more harm than good
 
I've seen clips fixed (with the traditional 3 screws) in the old Spyderco Endura zytel handles (pre 98 edition) with decent results, so it could work.
 
The screws might not hold over time, but it would'nt hurt much to try them out.

Here's another carry idea:
You can buy small pouches, for tools, that have a clip (I have some called "Rip-Offs"), and you can clip the pouch inside of your pocket.

It's like having a belt sheath clipped to the inside of your pocket.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I broke the clip off of an old 97 endura. When I sent it back for repair, CS had ground off the stump of zytel, and put screws right into the handle, holding a new metal clip on. It still works fine, and It's been like this for at least 5 years.
 
just remembered a bud installed a clip on an old gerber applegate folder a std 3 screw like a BM clip and its worked ok for him for several yrs now, he just drilled/tapped the handle and installed the clip.
 
The knife still hasn't arrived yet, but I think I will try to attach the clip to the zytel slab. If the screws will shear through the plastic, no problem, the knife will be perfectly functional after that, leaving it only a little bit more ugly than before. :D

Blop, GarageBoy is right. I just found unconfortable and cumbersome to carry a folder on my belt, because I definately wouldn't like to look like moving hardware store. A folding knife has to be "pocketable" (is that a word?), period. When it is necessary, I can easily carry around a small fixed blade in a kydex sheath with a tek-lok. Sometimes I do but that's an other story.

Benjammin, good idea. I will use both screws, AND some glue also.

Planterz, thank you, I just found several leather slip sheath in a shop, and luckily they are all under $7, so is everything fails I will buy one.

Thank you all for the answers, I will let you know how it worked out.
 
The Mule has arrived, and after a quick checking I found out that if I replace two screws which are going through the slabs into the liners with longer ones, an aftermarket clip is easily can be attached to the handle without abusing the scales.

That's what I call a happy end! :thumbup:


BTW the big MF is surprisingly comfortable in the pocket.
 
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