Kydex or Leather Sheath

[Davor]

I just bought a fixed knife and I need a sheath for it. I have a local guy who can make me a handmade custom leather sheath for my EDC fixed blade or I can buy a Kydex IWB from a dealer. Any ideas which is better, leather or kydex? Price wise the leather is cheaper.

 

[rayban]

I believe it's not a matter of which is better...it's all about what you prefer. And the only way you'll figure that out is by trying them both yourself.
I'm a leather type a guy myself, so I'm partial......but I can think of a good reason to have a Kydex sheath.....your dog is less likely to tear it apart if you leave it out where he can get to it......hope this helps.

 

[Allen207]

I like leather. That being said, I do have a couple of kydex sheaths. The only time I went out of my way to get kydex was for a knife that I anticipated would be getting wet a lot. There is also a lot to be said for supporting a local craftsman.

 

[MikeyJ]

It's all a matter of preference. I personally like leather, but I take kydex in the back country due to the ever changing weather conditions here in Colorado. But for EDC...I'm leather all the way!

 

[Coldwood]

I like both, but I think a lot depends on the type of knife it is.

For my Marine-style Kabar, Navy Mark 1 and Air Force survival knives...all with stacked leather handles...and wooden handled "primitive" knives...I have leather sheaths for all, they just look right.

But for my "tactical" looking Cold Steel Master Hunter and Mora Clipper, I have Kydex sheaths, they also just look right.

If I were going into an environment with a lot of water exposure, I would prefer Kydex.

 

[outdoorskid92]

i would go with kydex some leather sheaths are not water proof and don't have leak holes in them

 

[Marion David Poff]

It is also about what you want to do with it...

Do you want to hang it upside down, and be able to get at it at a moment's notice?

Is it a self-defence capable knife?

Will you be using it in the wet?

Will you be using it in the extreme cold?


3 of those conditions favor Kydex/Concealex, 1 of them favor Leather....


I have made Leather sheaths, and I make Kydex/Concealex sheaths....


Best,
Marion

 

[Kermit]

Kydex can spit at the eye rivet points and you can lose your knife like that or you can use leather which can wear thin or be cut through losing you yet another knife.

Out of the two I prefer Leather for feel, but if given the chance id pick nylon fabric with a plastic one piece scabbard insert every time.

Something like this with all the lashing points and molle straps you'd ever need.

 

[Davor]

I think kydex for water and continuous outdoor use would work best. My fixed blade EDC will be carried in the front pocket most of the time. For now, I'm going with leather. I appreciate the input.

 

[Mark J]

Kydex is very practical and good if it's made well (i.e., doesn't leave scratches on the blade), but my preference is for leather. It simply has more class from my perspective.

- Mark