Leather vs. Insert sheath

[Ruger 44 Redhawk]

Have another question regarding the newer version of the Ontario ASEK. I need a sheath for the one I have and the options I have available are 1) the old Ontario 499 leather sheath which I treated with a mixture of beeswax and neatsfoot oil. 2) the older Ontario SP2 leather/cordura sheath (I actually like those old Ontario sheaths). 3) I could purchase the SP24 sheath which is nylon, molle, with the plastic insert. I'm going to avoid kydex because I don't want to go custom and rather use what's available. I have heard people claim the plastic molded or "glass filled nylon" sheaths dull the blades like the Cold Steel Recon Scout sheaths and that is why they prefer leather. That treated 499 Pilot sheath I have does fit it very snug as I glued a piece of leather on the inside over the sharpening stone pouch rivet that was scratching my 499 Pilot blade years ago. Just curious which way others might lean towards. Leather (snug, absorbs some moisture if wet), leather/cordura (snug, also might absorb moisture) or nylon with plastic insert (little loose with some rattle but easy to dry if it gets wet).

 

[Delgadonine]

My Bradford 3 has an excellent leather sheath. Basic, to the point. My Microtech Socom Alpha Mini has an excellent Kydex sheath. They are around the same size and both are M390.

I like them equally well. Of course, I use each of them differently.

What do you use your knives the most for? Hard use? Hunting? Et al?

 

[Ruger 44 Redhawk]

My Bradford 3 has an excellent leather sheath. Basic, to the point. My Microtech Socom Alpha Mini has an excellent Kydex sheath. They are around the same size and both are M390.

I like them equally well. Of course, I use each of them differently.

What do you use your knives the most for? Hard use? Hunting? Et al?

Just on the hip for hiking, camping, backpacking. Usually heavy magnum revolver on one and knife on the other (potential Grizzly bear areas). General use, not really hard use for the 5" ASEK. I always have a 1/4" chopper like a RD9, SP51, BK9 on the pack for that. Just curious about the sheath options.

 

[Delgadonine]

I'd consider something in canvas. Light. Natural elements resistant. It appears you carry a lot of gear. This knife and sheath should be in the 'budget' category.

A well made leather sheath is awesome, but I don't know your budget range. Kydex is great too, but can make you picky in your decisions.

What is your budget?

(Hoping BF sheath makers jump in)

 

[Ruger 44 Redhawk]

I'd consider something in canvas. Light. Natural elements resistant. It appears you carry a lot of gear. This knife and sheath should be in the 'budget' category.

A well made leather sheath is awesome, but I don't know your budget range. Kydex is great too, but can make you picky in your decisions.

What is your budget?

(Hoping BF sheath makers jump in)

At the moment, in this economy, not much. That's why I was throwing out the three (inexpensive) available options. The leather 499 sheath is pretty well made I think, with the steel backplate and it's snug. But I also liked Ontario's old leather/cordura sheaths too because they were flat and the blade fit in snug. Guess I'll just have to try them out and see. I'm kind of re-visiting these old blades I've had in a drawer and give them new life. That's why this ASEK doesn't have a sheath anymore. Another thing I really like about it is that it fits in my chest coat pocket perfectly in that leather 499 sheath. So easily concealable for carrying everywhere. Just in case.