kydex is at least 60Rc

J.KNIGHT

J.KNIGHT

Joined
Jan 18, 2008
Messages
285
How do you keep kydex from scratching the blade? The kydex has been washed cleaned off inspected put together. The blade goes in and when it comes out there are 20grit scratches. What?
 
I doubt kydex is 60 RC. RC ratings don't carry over across different materials. They are specific to a single material. If your blade has scratches on it, like Bill said, you have some grit inside your kydex that's causing those scratches.
 
I doubt the kydex is 60RC. I know its not I know I would like to hear from someone who makes lots of kydex sheaths. Of course I am joking about the hardness of this material. There is no obvious grit in the kydex. I form it, cut rough shape, drill holes, wash with hot water and soap, inspect, scratch!!!!!
 
There's probably grit embedded. Possibly from when it was heated and pressed. It is possible for Kydex itself to scratch blades, but not unless there's a hot spot somewhere. If you've got a pic of the sheath and blade, that would help to determine what's up.
 
From when it was heated and pressed is logical Kiah, thank you. It might be scale. These blades are very textured with forging, the heated material may be pulling some of the scale off and fusing it with the kydex and washing it wont get it out.
 
Could be Jason. Easiest solution is to make sure the blade is completely covered in painter's tape before pressing. Even run a small overlapping piece up the spine. That should take care of any loose scale.
 
There is grit in the sheath somewhere. Kydex is extremely soft.

If you use them enough, all kydex sheaths eventually pick up a bit of grit.
 
The foil and tape are good advise. Thank you again Kiah it is good to hear expert advise from an expert with lots of experience like yourself.
 
Thanks Jason. I'm far from an expert though. Still learning every day. At probably a slower pace than most. :)

I took out the foil reference from my earlier post because it interrupted the flow and I figured you were likely right on the scale, so I'll re-add it to this post. For anyone wondering about it, I reline my oven with foil everyday because buildup in the oven can embed grit in Kydex as well.
 
The sheath is not scratching the knife. Something in the sheath is doing so. Usually always grit from sanding the sheath while making it. I wash mine 3 times and use a lint free cloth to dry and wipe. If you have a knife that you have no intention of using and want it to stay new, DO NOT USE KYDEX. It is guaranteed it get something in it over time with use and carry.
 
Jason brother. You need leather!!! I can't fall in love with kydex for the experiece your having.
 
I have had this problem:foot:
Usually I put a layer of masking tape on the knife and insert into the gritty sheath.
The larger size of the taped knife imbeds the grit into the tape.
Sometimes it needs a little heat gun action...

Good luck:thumbup:
 
Kydex itself probably doesn't scratch a good blade, but a Kydex sheath will always scratch a finely-finished blade. Smarter guys than I have already explained why.

It's amazing and frustrating how much work it takes to put a fine polish on a blade, yet it only takes a whisper of gunk on the breeze to put an ugly scratch on it. There's a damn good reason why so many user knives come with a machine-satin or relatively coarse hand finish ;)
 
Hi - There is grit in the kydex. You want to make the kydex away from your other shop stuff, don't get hand finishing grit or grinding dust in it. Also, when I do a kydex sheath I will damp a paper towel or clean cloth with acetone and wipe down the inside -lightly-. Acetone will melt kydex, don't use a lot. My experience, however, is that a very light wipe down before final assembly will remove just about anything on it. Eventually, however, grit will get in. It's just the nature of the beast.
 
I kept getting kydex scuffs on my cerakote finish. Here's how I solved my problem.

1. Form kydex sheath, drill holes, don't bolt together yet
2. Using a heat gun, heat the seam and spread it open like a clam
3. Spray adhesive and line it with felt
4. reheat seam and close the clam

Felt lined kydex! Plus it's a more snug fit. Now, I'm sure others will explain why this isn't a good idea.
 
I just don't really worry about it. My knives are user knives most of the time anyway so it shouldn't be a big deal. I just tell my customers, "I can make you a kydex sheath, but it's going to scratch the blade. If you want the blade to stay pretty, I can recommend a few good leather guys on Bladeforums." Most people go ahead and spring for the kydex. Every once in a while, I get a customer that does go for the leather.
 
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