Kydex Sheath Pictures Needed

blgoode

blgoode

Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
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I am looking to offer Kydex as an option for my sheaths. What I was looking for was YOUR favorite kydex sheath construction. Get me started in the right direction :D
 
blgoode said:
...YOUR favorite kydex sheath construction.
Click to expand...
Hi Brian, My favorite kydex sheath construction method is the "taco wrap" style as used by Eric Noeldechen at On-Scene Tactical. The taco wrap is a little sleeker than the "rivets all the way around the edge" method as used by Brian Wagner at Okuden Kydex. That said, I have total faith in the durability and retention of both the On-Scene and Okuden sheaths I have. The "rivets all the way around" sheaths just take up a bit more real estate is all. :)

It's worth noting that kydex sheathmakers typically use either 0.060" or 0.080" thick kydex for the bodies of their sheaths. Formed kydex belt loops are often in the 0.095" thickness range. To avoid the eventual mechanical flex failure of formed kydex belt loops, many makers space the holes on their kydex sheath bodies to accept the TekLoc belt clips from the fine folks over at Blade-Tech.

Personally I like TekLoks for a couple of reasons:
1) they are very, very sturdy and secure, especially if used with one of the Perma-Lok clips
2) they offer good versatility of carry mode ambidexterity (left, right, canted, upside-down, vertical, horizontal, etc)

However, I dislike TekLoks for two reasons:
1) they are bulkier than most formed kydex belt loops
2) they require a belt
Which is to say, I can't clip them onto the waistband of sweats or other unbelted pants, which I often wear for comfort.

IMHO the ultimately sleek kydex sheath would be to make the body of the sheath with no rivets or eyelets whatsoever. Instead, wrap & form the kydex around the blade, use a file or sandpaper to create a scarf joint, and chemically weld the joint with THF or a THF/MEK combo cement.

Below are some links to kydex tutorials and threads with kydex sheathmaking info in them. Note: there is some redundancy of linking in the threads below.

 
Man! Thats what I needed.........Seems like I have been reading about Kydex all week :D I need to get some Chicago screws and see hpw I like those. Thanks again Rojo!
 
My favorite is Doziers style of Kydex Sheath, the damn thing 'bout locks on the blade :cool: and nearly jumps off when the blade is removed. :eek:
 
Sorry cuz I don't have pics but I think the best production kydex sheath I have had is the sheath that comes with the Spyderco Moran. Tech lock allowed for horizontal/vertical/inverted/canted, not too big, secure. All around the best factory kydex I have seen.
 
Brian, Glad to help. :D :D

Below is the current link for Jens Anso's excellent tutorial on kydex sheathmaking. It moved from the links in the threads above when CKD was renamed to Knifenetwork.com. IMHO archive the page to your hard drive for reference because it is shows better than any other tutorial I've seen the various steps in making a kydex sheath, including forming belt loops and mounting a TekLok. Jens not only makes nice knives & sheaths, he makes a heckuva good tutorial too. :)

http://knifenetwork.com/forum/printthread.php?t=4237

I recall seeing some Kant-Twist clamps like he used in the tutorial at my local Rockler Woodworking Supply store, although they don't seem to have it on their website. You can also get them (with a Grizzly part number :confused: ) in the Tools & Hardware section at www.amazon.com. Other online vendors also carry the Kant-Twist clamps.
 
Thanks guys. Made my first one tonight. Dont like the little eyelets I bought. I want some screws to hold everything together but I cant find short enough chicago screws. Any hints were to find something?
 
Well, here was my first attempt. Not bad but I hate the rivets. I didnt have the right anvil but you get the idea. I am looking for a screw only method for fixing the sheath together so it can be taken apart to clean at a later date. Dont laugh......it was my first one :D
kydextest2.jpg
 
blgoode said:
I cant find short enough chicago screws. Any hints were to find something?
Click to expand...
There is a single listing for Chicago screws at the TKS kydex page I linked above.

Siegel Of California, who you may know as a source for sheath leather, carries Chicago screws here.

Knifekits.com has Chicago screws at the link.

If you do a Google.com search for "chicago screw" (with the quotation marks included) you get over 800 hits. While not all of them will be vendors/sellers, you should be able to locate a vendor.
http://www.screwpost.com/
http://www.kinter.com/bind_f.htm
http://www.electricalbrass.f2s.com/...crew/brass-chicago-screws-chicago-screw-2.htm (brass ones)

Also, check leather crafting and horse tack-making supply vendors because they use Chicago Screws to make harness, attach reins, etc.

(edit to add) Brian, The pressing on that picture looks really good. Great for a first effort in a new material. For the sake of comparison I've attached a digi-modification of your picture showing your sheath as a taco wrap. I also moved a few of the rivets closer to the blade, which would work in reality as well as the digi-world.
 
Man, Rojok...your better at this stuff than I am :D Thanks a million! I have located a fastener shop in town so if that doesnt wor...to the net it will be!
 
Here's one I made for a Northstar. I used the allaroud rivet construction to support more mounting options.
Nstarkydexsml.jpg


The eyelets are spaced for the mini teklok.

Phil
 
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