Keeping a retention strap from being cut?

[Woodtroll]

Hello, folks!

I'm looking for ideas on how to keep a fixed-blade sheath retention strap "sprung" open until snapped down, or other ideas to lessen the chance of it being cut as the knife is inserted. Most of the sheathes I make are for knives with some type of guard, and I prefer a retention strap around the guard and then snapped down on the front of the sheath.

I thought of inserting a small piece of music wire, etc. in the strap to keep it open and away from the blade, or lining it with a plastic "flat spring", but haven't come up with a suitable material that will make that tight bend and then "spring" back to it's original straight configuration.

Any leads on suitable material, or any other design ideas, would be most appreciated.

Many thanks, y'all take care!
Regan

 

[Greg45]

Hi, Woodtroll!

I've got a sheath made by Chuddy Bear that has the retention strap attached to the back with a Chicago screw, which is held together with one of the stronger LocTite products. The Chicago screw turns easily in the leather, so when I unsnap the front, I (usually) swivel the strap down behind the sheath out of the way. It's not automatic, but once you get used to doing it that way, it works like a charm. :thumbup:

Hope this helps some.

 

[Chuddy Bear]

What Greg said.

Here are a couple pics for a visual. It also makes replacing the strap much easier just in case something bad happens to it. Make sure to use at least blue loctite on the threads of the chicago screw and let it set up or that little bugger will work its way out.

 

[Woodtroll]

Thanks, Greg, for pointing this out!

Thanks even more, Chuddy, for being willing to generously share your idea! I like that plan, and sure appreciate the pictures and details. It seems pretty foolproof, and I will try it out on my next project!

Y'all take care!
Regan

 

[mikeymoto]

I use snaps front and back so the strap can swing out of the way, and this one's really easy to replace if cut or lost.

Some people like their straps to wrap around the handle and as far as I can tell there's not as much you can do to make that as safe as an across-the-choil type of retention.

 

[Jagged]

Those look like good ideas. Another idea may be that Titanium Nitenol wire that they use on spinnerbaits (bass fishing lures). Don't know if it would have enough spring; but...

 

[Swivelknife]

On the few occasions that I have tried to enclose a flat spring in the retainer strap, I was most satisfied with those from old clock springs enclosed in lighter weights of leather.

 

[MtMike]

I remember a sheath that Oupa made a few years back, with paracord attached to the back of the sheath with a Chicago screw (I think). He attached a short piece of leather to the lanyard, with the female snap set in the leather. The retainer literally falls away when the snap is released.


Mike

 

[mikeymoto]

Speaking of paracord I personally like to use a wraparound cord for retention. Not many people ask for it but it has worked great for me.

 

[Woodtroll]

Very good information, folks, and some unique ideas. I really do appreciate your replies.

Happy New Year, y'all, take care,
Regan

 

[cazio]

Thanks for all the pictures and ideas.

Cazio