Kydex

[Fallbrook Forge]

So, after much frustration in attempting my own kydex before, I did a bit of reading and gave it another go.

They didn't turn out pretty, but they hold the knives well, and I figure the next couple tries will turn out better looking.

First up was a pancake style PSK neck sheath, allows me to get a full grip on the handle and releases the knife with a firm pop.


Next up was the big guy, I think I may have gotten a couple spots of the kydex a little too hot as the outside turned slightly shiny, but the retention is good, so we'll see how this works out.

I used one big piece of kydex for this, it was just slightly larger than the electric griddle I used to heat it, I should have trimmed just a bit more off before I started, lesson for next time.

If you're thinking about doing your own kydex and you don't have a scroll saw or band saw, be prepared for a bit of frustration, hand sawing is a pain, and grinding it off takes FOREVER.
Once I got the top trimmed to acceptable retention, I added a pouch and suspension system.


Pouch attached and suspension finished


Here it is on it's first field outing


I identified a couple things I want to change with the nylon stuff, but the kydex came out pretty good, for me anyways.

 

[kdstrick]

Looking good man. Try tin snips instead of a saw.... way easier IMO. Toaster oven works great too. Careful of overheating it, I hear the fumes are NOT healthy.

Kydex is really fun to work with. Enjoy.

.

 

[druid189]

Looking good man. Try tin snips instead of a saw.... way easier IMO. Toaster oven works great too. Careful of overheating it, I hear the fumes are NOT healthy.

Kydex is really fun to work with. Enjoy.

.

Agreed....looking good.

Also another tip for the pre-cutting - make your paper [or cardboard] sheath templates and draw on the inside of the Kydex with a silver colored Sharpie. Using a sharp X-Acto knife and a steel straight edge, score the Kydex at least half way and it will "snap" off easily. You can also do this after the sheath has been molded but you need to take extra care because it's no longer flat.

As far as sanding goes, I have a 6" disc sander/grind stone combo to do that kind of work.

 

[Fallbrook Forge]

Thanks guys!

I'm going to be getting a scroll saw here soon, but I appreciate the tips guys! I couldn't find my razor knife when I was doing these(we're in the middle of a big renovation)

I used a HF 1x30 to do all the grinding on these. Just went nice and slow, sanded a bit off, try the fit, sand some more, try so on and so on.

Huge respect to the guys who can do wild stuff with kydex.