Kydex folded or flat??

[cutterman]

Hi all. Question? Any advantages/disadvantages to the fold over, or flat construction method of kydex sheaths? The fold overs looks better to me. Advise, and opinions welcome. Thanks eveybody.

Cut on,
The cutterman

 

[mete]

Flat [two piece] is much bigger ,some look like a canoe paddle ! Unless you need tie down grommets on both sides get the fold over. Grommets come in different sizes smaller knives should really have the smaller grommets.

 

[Hondo.3]

I like fold-over style because it yields a more compact sheath. I have not noticed any difference in function or durability.

TC

 

[Mike Sastre]

Besides being more compact, the fold-over style will give you a more consistent and predictable lock, since only one side is variable (opening, closing). Flat (two-piece) is easier to make, that's why you see more of it.

 

[gazz98]

Flat construction = tek loks and offers more lashing points since there are more rivets to lash too imo. I tend to favor these.

 

[tirod3]

Foldover is better. It requires a higher level of workmanship, and a larger piece of starting material, plus an extra operation to fold that inexpensive makers don't like. It offers a slimmer profile and takes up less space on field gear, which is always at a premium. Campers and hikers don't know about that need. Further, there is one less narrow edge to create discomfort. The folded side is much wider to accomodate the back of the blade - that also makes insertion easier.

Lashing points are important to some, but rarely used by most, unless suffering from the fevers of ninjas plazas americanus. Sheaths go on belts or under the mag pockets on the LBV. "Lashed" to straps, and worse, upside down, is a great way to get injured.

 

[Kiah]

I'll start by saying that i do both and foldover style is easier for me to make. I know for some it's the opposite though. My two piece sheaths are actually foldovers that are oversized and then have the fold cut off after fastening.

As far as:

Foldover is better. It requires a higher level of workmanship, and a larger piece of starting material, plus an extra operation to fold that inexpensive makers don't like.

That's nonsense. I've seen foldovers that look like they were done by a toddler and two piece that were models of perfection and vice versa. Not cool at all to start questioning the skills of makers based on their preferred construction.

For my personal carry, I use two piece. I despise Kydex belt loops and Tek-Loks, and always carry with paracord or webbing loops either inverted on the belt or IWB.

Grommets come in different sizes smaller knives should really have the smaller grommets.

All my sheaths get 1/4" eyelets. I've never been able to wrap my head around the use of tiny eyelets on a sheath. If I can't get ungutted paracord or posts through them then I don't want 'em. :thumbup: