Leather Sheaths for my RATs.... Question

J

jeff_c

Joined
Jun 9, 2009
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725
So I have an RC4 and an RC3 (forum knife) and I think I would like a leather sheath for one or both of them. I tend to carry my 3 on my belt more (4 in my pack). I like the Kydex that comes on the 4 better than the plastic that comes on the 3. But neither stock sheath "bothers" me. I think I just prefer the organic look and feel of a leather sheath. I just have the paradigm that a quality field knife goes in leather. :)

The first question is, which one? Any rhyme or reason as to which one would be better to put in leather? (other than looks)?

I want a leather sheath that will allow for horizontal belt carry as I like a cross draw. I am considering one of these (Image from Knives Ship Free):
RC3ad_sized.jpg


But I don't think that would have the loops for horizontal carry.

Any experience with these sheaths?

The next question is cost. The above sheath is 49.95 from KSF. Not a bad price I suppose, but do you all think I could find a similar quality sheath from a custom maker? I dont need bells and whistles but I want quality and durability.

So... Any thoughts on leather sheaths for a 3 or 4?
 
Here are a couple.
If this is the same one I have, then no to the horizontal carry.
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IMG_5049.jpg

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IMG_5017.jpg

IMG_4995.jpg

A custom maker here made this for me.
IMG_2612.jpg

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Do both:D Give Martin Swinkles a call. He'll do a sheath in kydex and leather. He's well known here and does superb work. Plus, he's a great guy to deal with. Cost might be a bit higher, but you get exactly what you want.

http://martinsheaths.blogspot.com/

P.S. I also have a KSF sheath for my RC-3. They are very well built and look great. My concern (after I got it) was the placement of the keeper strap. You have to hold it completely out of the way with your other hand to avoid cutting the strap. That's been my experience anyway. YMMV
 
The factory sheaths work but I have been having handmade sheaths custom made by Hawk Designs. They are form fitted and handsewn. He does not, however, use any metal snaps or retaining straps. Top three are examples.

Billsknives006-2.jpg
 
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Horizontal carry is possible with the sheath from KSF. You just need to add some paracord through the holes in the sheath to make belt loops.

I really like the KSF sheath for it's fit and the fact that it has the firestarter loop.
 
ESEERATFAN said:
Horizontal carry is possible with the sheath from KSF. You just need to add some paracord through the holes in the sheath to make belt loops.

I really like the KSF sheath for it's fit and the fact that it has the firestarter loop.
Click to expand...

Any chance of a picture of the paracord rig??
 
Jeff,
Yes you can find a similar (or better) quality sheath from a custom maker for a similar price. My machine stitched sheaths run only slightly higher (to my surprise! :eek: ), but I use a very high grade of leather.

The nice thing about having a custom maker do the work is you can have exactly what you want made to your specs. Horizontal and/or a combo carry isn't a problem for most makers.

Hope this helps a little and I hope you find your preferred sheath! :)
 
jeff_c said:
Any chance of a picture of the paracord rig??
Click to expand...

I will try and take one tonight. I have just simple loops through the two holes at the bottom of the sheath and then through two of the holes on the back of the belt loop. It's not a super tight fit as the hole spacing is a little close and I had to leave the paracord a little slack to fit over my belt, but it does work.
 
Oh thats getting close...

Is that made specifically for the RC3?

How is the retention when carrying it horizontally?
 
Go and check out JRE Industries out of Chicago. Their website will show you their sheaths. Great work as I had them make me one of their "cricket" horizontal sheaths.
 
Retention is very tight when carrying horizontally. Further, you can just add a Tek Lock for $12.00 and carry it horizontally.
 
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