Kydex strength

[dsmegst]

I've been making some fixed blade kydex sheaths lately. I like G-Clips from Spyderco and have used a couple in my design. In order to raise the clips up for better carry, I've been using kydex adapters.

The L shaped piece of kydex links the belt clip to the two Chicago Screws on the side and there are 90 degree bends in the kydex to raise it and clear the handle. So the adapter has two very tight bends I formed using a heat gun. These bends are proving to be too weak for rough use. I've had it bend and eventually break.

My guess is that the combination of overheating and severe bending is stretching things enough to weaken the kydex. I've been thinking about how I can change my design to fix this issue but is kydex strong enough to be used this way in the first place?

I'd like to hear what you have to say.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[kdstrick]

Use a piece twice as long, fold it over (double it) for more strength.

Thats how I do it.

 

[Chris Meyer]

Perhaps thicker Kydex would solve the problem?

 

[extremeoutdoorsman]

use a diffferent plastic

 

[dsmegst]

I ended up changing the design. The newer adapters have 4 point attachment to the sheath and is a 2 piece design that eliminates the sharp kinks. It's pretty sturdy w/o adding too much weight.

I need someone to field test one of them.