First oft I am curious as to the great concern of noise on the draw. For most of us it is either entirely irrelevant or overwhelmingly unlikely to be a tactical factor.
There is a small percentage of genuine operators to which stealth; to include sonic concealment, is always a concern as their missions may require that they remain undetected. Of the operators that I have dealt with, most times, they have little concern with the noise generated while drawing the knife or pistol. Reason being is that noise on the draw (or re-holster) can be limited easily by controlling the extraction. That is a slow, careful, steady pull that is practiced can be done so silently from any descent Kydex holster or sheath (even those that normally produce a solid snap and pop or even a "shick"
). When concealed and undetected one develops habits of making every motion careful, deliberate and without haste. To do otherwise is to eventually forfeit your advantage. Now, what they have (the G/Os), for the most part, expressed to me as a concern is the noise that may be generated while moving through thick cover from branches or brush scraping across the outside of the sheath or holster. For this there are many solutions one of which could be leather (or some other material) lamented over the outside of the Kydex. The Key here is finding a suitable adhesive to permanently bond the two different materials together. (I am still looking for that perfect bonding material) Some have made a bag of sorts or a simple wrap and carry the sheath or holster in this manner. Also mentioned above is the Rigger Coat which is in my experience the best solution to date for those who are in genuine need of silent running.
What about noise if I need my weapon quickly you ask?
If you need your weapon quickly noise is no longer a factor. If you are down to the handgun or the knife and need it NOW that need came about with very little or no warning and you are most certainly in dire straits. Paramount at such a time is the ability to draw the weapon quickly, uninhibited and immediately be able to put it into action. For this a sheath or holster that grips the weapon securely but also allows for crisp clean break on the draw is the ticket. One evidence IMO of such a balance between security and availability in Kydex gear is the solid snap and pop fit. A mushy fit may produce a long drag on the draw and have less retentive capability and in the end forfeit the most important factors in tactical rigging (Speed & Security) for features that may be far less a priority in a real situation.
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We are the pilgrims masters; we shall go, always, a little farther.
[This message has been edited by Scott Evans (edited 01 August 1999).]
-RadarMan-(<