Linning Kydex?

T

ToddM

Joined
Oct 2, 1998
Messages
724
Has anyone thought of using a liner in kydex when molding it to help protect the scratching etc. that is common with kydex sheaths.

I made a sheath for my commander last week and in only a weeks time there are 3-4 spots where the kydex has scratched the blackT coating down to the metal. I don't care about the look of a scratched blade but if there's no blackT coating it can't do it's job to prevent rust.

I wedged the sheat apart twice now and cleaned it and feel no sharp bits that might be doing it, but it does seem to be a problem.

Has anyone tried linning kydex with some material to keep this from happening. We talked about it in the chat room and chamois as mentioned. I was thinking of heating kydex hitting it with some 3m spray mount and then putting the material on and then putting it in the press to cool.

Any ideas comments?

Todd
 
Try the soft side of velcro (loop)
Not many other materials lend themselves to being glued on to kydex.. It might not be easy to find retail but it comes in many different widths.
 
I have experimented with several products on my sheaths as I don't use the kydex to hold the knife in the sheath but to protect my gear from being cut with a soft nylon sheath. A heavy codura nylon, leather, and I am also experimenting with a neoprin rubber. I attach all of these with a spray on adheasive. I don't make the sheaths as a profession as I am deployed too often but thought that this might help.
 
I've been thinking about it for awhile...

The velcro idea sounds like a good one.

What I want to find is something that would be just as tough as kydex, just as impervious, easy to clean...

havent figued it out yet. But your not alone in your thoughts.
 
I have done alot of research on this subject and here is what I have found...



I lined Kydex sheaths prior to forming with the soft side of 2" velcro - the self adhesive type. You must have a clean surface and apply the velcro, carefuly heat the out side of the kydex with a paint heat gun (wearing cotton gloves) and press the sheath (us a cardboard cover so you won't get such a tight fit). I then trimmed the sheath and drilled for my rivet holes. When you heat and form the sheath the self stick adhesive on the velcro will bond with kydex plastic and make a firmer bond. Trying to apply adhesive to regular velcro is almost impossible to do cleanly and the adhsesive type isn't much more $.



Tim Wegner of Blade Tech who I consider one of the leading kydex manuf. says lining the sheath is a invitation to corrosion (mositure and salt water are soaked up by the velcro) and he and I no longer line our sheaths with anything.



Now I use a cardboard cover and form my sheaths "loose" so the blade dosn't rub and is held in by the "mouth of the sheath".



Lining the sheath isn't a good idea, having a loose fit allows the blade to breath and alows any water (or blood) to drain.



For more Kydex info go to: http://www.eskimo.com/~boyerbl
 
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