Kydex scuffing scales?

[Daniel Moore]

My micarta-handled fixed blade is getting scuffs/scratches right at the end of the scale by the ricasso from sheathing. I assume this is from sharp edges on the kydex where the blade has left gouges. They're not too deep or anything, but they're abrasive in normal grips with the thumb at the top of the scale. What are my options on this? It's nothing wrong with the sheath except for a few inaccurate sheathings. I know if I sand down the inside of the sheath it won't fit as well and it will happen again eventually. Maybe a liner of some sort- like some sort of tape on the inside? Something annoys me about a beautiful handcrafted knife getting more beat up from just being carried than from being used (that 0-1 is very scratch/gouge resistant!).

 

[Tanguay Custom Knives]

I've found its usually grit getting trapped between the knife and the kydex that causes the problem. It may be just the rough edge of the kydex though. Try rounding and smoothing the edge of the kydex with emery paper. Stuff the hole with a kleenex or a paper towel first to prevent the sanding grit from getting inside the sheath.

If that doesn't work you may try lining the sheath with a thin piece of leather, felt, or something else soft at the area in question. You'll need to resize the sheath after though. Its easy enough to do if you have a heat gun. My leather sheaths never seem to leave a mark. If I liked the knife enough I'd probably get a leather sheath made for it.

I usually fish-mouth the opening of my sheaths to prevent alignment problems when resheathing my knives. It helps alot. To hold the knife securely, I make sure the kydex is tight at other points after the point of entry.