K5 Karda.. a great folder alternative (pic heavy)

timeless design

timeless design

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
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After receiving my 3V Karda from Dan last Spring I started thinking about an alternative to belt/neck Kydex carry. Inspired by the Graham Bros. pocket fixed sheaths, I made several cardboard models and then let Dan and Spen at JRE Industries have a go at it. A few prototypes and months later, I received a really nice pocket sheath.

During the process, the depth (how much handle was out), blade forward, clip side, etc. were worked-out. I went with a deeper carry option than what is on the website (my Karda in photo so it gives a good comparison): http://www.jreindustries.com/Koster.htm

The posted model is perfectly fine (especially for you with thick fingers). I have no problem pinching my version (see pics below) where the knife sits slightly lower. It is not a stealthy as a folder but hey... I like carrying it where I can show it off anyway.

At first, I had a mini monkey fist lanyard made with black shoe lace cord. This helped to retract it better. I soon realized the best way to use the sheath is to simply take the sheath and knife out together.

This idea goes back to an original concept where the entire blade fits in a hybrid leather "wallet/sheath" (pic below). Maybe I'll start another project?

Enjoy and I highly recommend JRE Industries. As you know they have an incredible line of Bushcraft sheaths as well.

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Chiller2 said:
I carry my K5 every day but I just use the Kydex sheathe that came with it.
Click to expand...

I like my Kydex as well. It works great for me as a necker. I just find that when I keep a knife loose in my pocket, I have a better chance of loosing it (been there). Especially when I have key chain, coins and other stuff I'm pulling out all day. A detachable pocket clip to fit a Kydex sheath could be interesting. Leather also makes me happy ;) (don't go there...I'm pretty straight forward in that department) :foot:
 
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Love it!!

Great pics!

Tie a lanyard on that rascal and I'm good to go. :thumbup:


Dan
 
very nice sheath. I was thinking of something just like that for my Busse GW. Nice.
 
Hey Dan,

You don't have a K5 like this one just lying around there looking for a new home do you?
Would love one of those but am already waiting on Survivor and Bushmaster. Any guess on a time frame for one of these?
I would want to get that sheath made up as well.

Thanks

JH
 
Jim - I do plan on making more....at this time I don't have any in-stock.

I am, however, seriously considering a run of skeletonized K5 Kardas....what would you guys think?



The pricing would be killer.....as in....killer-sweet-deal !!

Would we want to include a sheath? (kydex or leather)

What about lanyards? I could whip up some of those too.


Looks like a light-bulb has come on upstairs guys....let's ride this wave to the shore!!!


Dan
 
I'm thinking ~0.200" thick CPM-154

The blank would be purely mid-tech....skeletonized via waterjet, ground/tumbled by cnc, and then finished by me.

If I could do it as spelled out above, I could probably get it within the $75-100 range. :eek:

Dan
 
That sounds good. I really like that set up above with the jre sheath. How much more for the 3V?? At any rate, count me in on one for sure.

JH
 
Pls put me down for one i know i haven't posted much but i am here ALOT every day or 2. so i won't miss it!!
 
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