kydex vs Leather

Sawce

Sawce

Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Messages
147
I'm looking for some insight on the advantages of each type of sheath assuming both are well made.
 
Kydex: Tight lockup (depending on the maker), doesn't swell when wet.

Leather: Aesthetically appealing as tooling can be very intricate, can be a little more comfortable.
 
safetyman said:
Kydex: Tight lockup (depending on the maker), doesn't swell when wet.

Leather: Aesthetically appealing as tooling can be very intricate, can be a little more comfortable.
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So if i was goin to carry a pocket fixed blade leather would be better due to comfort?

Does either one wear down the edge faster than the other?
 
In my experience, Kydex scratches the heck out of blades even if just a tiny bit of grit gets inside the sheath.

I've had brand new knives that I've sheathed and unsheathed a couple of times, and they're covered in scratches.

For a hard-use knife I could see that being acceptable, since Kydex grips a lot better than leather. But in general, for a satin or polished blade sheathed in Kydex... I've been very disappointed. I'd rather put the scratches in the blade by using it, not every time I put it in the sheath.
 
A well made kydex sheath will have enough "freeplay" around the blade so that going into and out of the sheath does not cause scratches. Dirt and debris in the sheath is on you. Key words - well made.
 
I prefer leather for solely aesthetical reasons, especially when the knife is custom-made or a real collectors item. Kydex is a more functional and definitely better than plastic or zytel, so when it comes to 'practicality', kydex might be a better option. But it depends on the knife too. E.g. Fällkniven A1's leather sheath is both aesthetically and practically/functionally 100%, while I've had kydex sheaths that were so tight on the blade that it was very difficult to use. And yeah, got scratches on the blade too.
 
Leather will hold moisture/water which will cause a blade (especially a carbon one) to rust faster. Good blade maintenance is essential.

Like Mike said, a well made Kydex sheath shouldnt scratch up a blade or dull the edge. If you are looking for carrying a fixed blade, Kydex sheaths tend to be thinner/flatter and more easy to conceal, especially if you want to wear the sheath inside the waistband.

I generally prefer Kydex over leather.
 
enderwiggin said:
In my experience, Kydex scratches the heck out of blades even if just a tiny bit of grit gets inside the sheath.
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My five favorite customs all have kydex sheaths and none have been scratched by the sheath. Only poorly fitted kydex will scratch a blade.

Sawce said:
So if i was goin to carry a pocket fixed blade leather would be better due to comfort?

Does either one wear down the edge faster than the other?
Click to expand...
Since this is a pocket sheath I would recommend leather from a quality sheath-maker. The leather will conform to the shape of your leg inside the pocket over time. Your edge really shouldn't wear at all in a well made sheath of either type.
 
Every option has its own advantages. Unlike leather, Kydex lets you to carry the knife in several positions (ie. hanging upside-down from a neck chain), doesn't draw moisture to the blade, and is easy to clean.

A leather sheath seems classier, can be used as a strop in the field, and doesn't 'clack' upon drawing/sheathing.
 
Sawce said:
So if i was goin to carry a pocket fixed blade leather would be better due to comfort?
Click to expand...

I think it really depends on how big a knife you're going to carry. For a small PSK-sized knife, either one will suffice. With a sheath that tiny you probably wouldn't be able to notice the comfort differences between kydex and leather. If the knife is a bit larger, leather would probably be a little more comfortable but still not by much. I personally would go with the kydex since it's impervious to water and especially sweat that might end up in your pocket (maybe this isn't a problem for you but for some it is), it can be carried in multiple configurations, and it's just plain cool. Not to say leather isn't cool or anything...
 
This is what im thinking about buying specifically, I would assume both of these sheaths are well made. for inside my pocket leather seems more comfy but it is for my wife so maybe the kydex is more pocket/purse friendly.

Image_Knife.asp
 
I must say that's a nifty little thing! I see what you mean...I'm really liking that leather but I'd still go with the kydex. The knife can't accidentally slip out of it like it can with the leather pouch. It might not seem like it can happen that easily but it has happened to me more than a couple of times.
 
I have always wanted one of those little Ingrams. I'm sure your wife will enjoy it. If it is going to be moving around in a purse I agree with safetyman and say go for the kydex. :thumbup:
 
I have about every sheath there is to the Fallkniven F1. I have used them all and them all and here is my review. Other knife companies makes similar sheaths so it is applicable on most sheaths.

Open dangling leather sheath: It looks really neat and hangs low on your belt which is out of the way for backpacks and such. Traditional scandinavian style. Needs two hands two get the knife out.

Closed leather: Same as above. I would use this if I were to carry the knife more than I use it.

Discontinued kydex: works great in WET conditions and inverted.

Zytel: looks kind of ugly but practical if the knife is wet och messy. Easy to clean and strong.

AF-sheath (leather): rare collectors item. Apparently easy to cut through.
AF-sheath (plastic): like the zytel but neater. Perfect if you keep the knife in a pocket.

So in short:
You are on a trip and dont expect bad weather, you can clean your knife after use and you dont use it all the time - leather.
You are hunting, fishing, getting wet or using the knife alot - kydex or zytel.

There is another view of it too. You get a nice and fancy knife you care about alot - leather because it looks classy. When you used the knife and it doesnt have that brand new look anymore and you use it for more "messy" jobs you probably change to zytel or kydex.
 
For me, it'd probably be kydex because it's easier to mount to webbing and and the edge does not rubb on anything.

I'd have to say I like nylon sheaths though, not crappy CS cordura sheathes, but like what blackhawk offers.
 
I like how those look. I can see why it's a tough choice. Personally I would go with kydex for the tight lockup less risk of corrosion.

Since it's for your wife does she have any other fixed blades that you could use as a gauge for her personal tastes? I have a good friend who also likes knives. For her nothing is better than a wooden handle and leather sheath.
 
Locust said:
I like how those look. I can see why it's a tough choice. Personally I would go with kydex for the tight lockup less risk of corrosion.

Since it's for your wife does she have any other fixed blades that you could use as a gauge for her personal tastes? I have a good friend who also likes knives. For her nothing is better than a wooden handle and leather sheath.
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This will be her first knife. I'm leaning towards the Kydex i think.
 
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