Kydex Sheets

T

TGR.Shadow

Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Messages
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Anybody have any good suppliers of kydex/hardware they would recommend? I think I am going to try my hand at some sheath making.
 
If you use .08 kydex, the .08 eyelets will work. They're made to hold 2 layers of .08 together.
 
Knifekits.com is great. .080" rivets work fine for .080" kydex but the .093" rivets work just as well and will also work on the .093" kydex in case you ever get some in that thickness also.
 
Another +1 to knifekits... if you decide you want to use rivets, get the proper tools - just hammering on them will not roll them cleanly - it'll just squash 'em.

I had good results with a propane torch, haven't gotten to using my heat gun yet... I'm not sure I want to use the kitchen toaster oven though - I think I would want a dedicated oven for plastic!

DO sand/ease your edges - you can cut skin/fabric with the sharp edges, BTW.
 
I have been looking seriously into getting into this and was also wondering about the rivet sizes, what size rivet works best with the chicago screws? There are #6 and #8 rivets, which ones should I get? Also is there a big difference between the journeyman and master series rivet dies? Do they both work in the rivet press they have on their site (knife kits)? Also do you need a wheel to clean up the edges or does sandpaper work just as good?

Any info you guys can give will be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks
Erik
 
eloreno said:
I have been looking seriously into getting into this and was also wondering about the rivet sizes, what size rivet works best with the chicago screws? There are #6 and #8 rivets, which ones should I get? Also is there a big difference between the journeyman and master series rivet dies? Do they both work in the rivet press they have on their site (knife kits)? Also do you need a wheel to clean up the edges or does sandpaper work just as good?

Any info you guys can give will be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks
Erik
Click to expand...

I believe the #6 is for .06 and #8 for .08. There is a great video on youtube about the 2 different types.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIKrTVyMt1w

An then on the sand paper I am not to sure. I think something made from plastic also would be better that way you dont run the risk of scratching up you pretty new sheath.
 
I have to check at home on the Chicago Screws but sandpaper works fine for finishing. If you were selling them professionally I am sure there are more tricks to it but sandpaper works fine for a matte look. I use a heat gun or an old toaster oven I take in the garage. I also use a drill press turned off with knife kits little flaring dies instead of buying the whole press. It works great.
 
messer454 said:
I have to check at home on the Chicago Screws but sandpaper works fine for finishing. If you were selling them professionally I am sure there are more tricks to it but sandpaper works fine for a matte look. I use a heat gun or an old toaster oven I take in the garage. I also use a drill press turned off with knife kits little flaring dies instead of buying the whole press. It works great.
Click to expand...

Good call with the drill press - you could also get a cheap arbor press at Harbor Freight or something.

You just need something to chamfer the edges - you can cut the material with a razor or saw (bandsaws work well) if you use something like a dremel to clean up the final edges you will likely gouge the plastic (giving a jagged edge) or even gum up the sanding discs/barrels - medium/fine grit and a small sanding block will clean up the edges nicely without marring up the plastic.

You'll also want some heavy gloves (welders gloves are ideal!) to handle the material - and make some sort of press to mold the plastic when it's warm. Lots of good videos on working with kydex can be found on YouTube.

Also - if you're not using a blank or template, as in actually wrapping/shaping to your knife/flashlight/firestarter/etc. put a little painter's tape on your item - keeps it from damaging the item with the warm/hot plastic and acts as a release agent, too.
 
this is on my to do list for the summer- I've got all kinds of kydex projects that would be great to give a go

once the initial outlay is made, kydex and rivets are pretty darn cheap :)
 
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