kydex or leather?

L

LowTEC

Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
305
I have a RC3, I find the OEM sheath of RC3 would dull a portion of the edge whenever the knife goes thru in and out cycles. I get frustrated as I just stropped the hair splitting edge to perfection and the edge gets dull while the knife wasn't even used. Do you think a Kydex or leather sheath can solve the problem? or which material dull the edge the least? Other factor is not important as I never put away my knives wet and what not. thanx
 
Last edited:
Im a kydex man myself but i fell in love with the great leather sheaths available on KSF. they have a proccess so the leather doesnt mildew or take on water and there is no rattle or security issues.
 
razorsdescent said:
Im a kydex man myself but i fell in love with the great leather sheaths available on KSF. they have a proccess so the leather doesnt mildew or take on water and there is no rattle or security issues.
Click to expand...


Same here. The KSF sheaths look really sweet and everyone seems to love them.
 
I prefer leather, but thats just me. I have several blades that I got JRE to make make sheaths for, and I havent had any dulling issues (Or maybe I should say, and that I have noticed).

There is just something about a fine blade in a fine handcrafted leather sheath.... :)
 
The leather usually looks better in my opinion. However, I like the click of kydex ;)
 
TheGame said:
The leather usually looks better in my opinion. However, I like the click of kydex ;)
Click to expand...

I just love not having to worry about my sheath. No snaps and straps, no chance of cutting the sheath and no chance of it rotting.

If I need to clean it, I can just rinse it out.

Kydex is just the bee's knees.
 
This may be off topic--but is it possible that you are getting the edge a bit too thin? the sheath really should not dull the knife, but if the edge is too thin, it might roll it.

Another possibility--over a little bit of time, micro oxidation forms on the edge and makes it feel less sharp. A couple swipes on plain leather and it is gone and the knife feels sharp again.



back on topic--I prefer leather.
 
okbohn said:
This may be off topic--but is it possible that you are getting the edge a bit too thin? the sheath really should not dull the knife, but if the edge is too thin, it might roll it.

Another possibility--over a little bit of time, micro oxidation forms on the edge and makes it feel less sharp. A couple swipes on plain leather and it is gone and the knife feels sharp again.



back on topic--I prefer leather.
Click to expand...

No you are not off topic, actually you are the only one is on topic :o

I kept my edge at 30 degree slightly convex, so maybe that's a little too thin for the 56-58? Rc 1095 steel. Mine you, I know I'm picky about the edge, I keep all my blades hair whittling sharp, and if the edge can't push cut newsprint I will sharpen or strop it again.
Oxidization is not the cause I'm sure, as I find the dull portion right after I insert the blade into the sheath and take it out right away, and that dull portion barely push cut thru paper......

Anyone thinks a loose leather sheath can solve the problem? May I emphasize that dryness, cleanness and durability is NOT a concern, as I keep all my blades show room clean after every use and strop them after every day of use
 
I didn't have the problem you are describing with my supplied sheath. However, owing to an unfortunate incident of my wife loosing my RC-3 moulded sheath, I did buy a clovis pouch sheath and it works pretty good. It is snug enough fitting that I can tip the sheath upside down and give it a shake and the knife will not fall out.

It isn't as nice as the KSF leather sheath designed for it, nor does it have the retention strap. On the other hand it also costs 1/3 the price and serves me well. I will have my man - Normark - make me a kydex for the RC-3 too one of these days.

P.s. the clovis also fits the Izula, with just the top of the handle poking out. It doesn't carry the RC-4, not enough handle sinks in to give the sheath sufficient retention.

DSC_0009-1-2.jpg


DSC_0011-22.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top