M2 TRYOUT!

David Mary said:
Don't sweat it Robert, it doesn't look like those eyelets are going to fall out. The sheath is safe and secure, and this is about trying out the steel rather than making you do extra work.
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I know but I like to do things the right way when I can. I'm going to check some more of the eyelets before I contact knifekits. They need to know that they are selling bad eyelets. I'll check some of my gold eyelets also.
 
David Mary said:
I appreciate it Robert, but remember, no obligation.
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That's ok, David, I obligated myself. The rest of the eyelets that I tried all split, even the gold ones. There's definitely something wrong with the metal that they are made from. We can probably guess where the eyelets were made... :rolleyes:
 
I've still got some eyelets leftover from my brief foray into kydex sheathmaking. I recall many of them splitting as well but just assumed it was my poor technique. I could give it a go when it's passed around my direction.
 
I just talked to Robert at knifekits. I sent him an email showing a picture of the problem. He also wanted to know what kind of press I had, like that would make a difference. I've been using the press for years without a problem... :rolleyes:
Hopefully they will find the problem and get me some new "good" eyelets. I only have 10 black eyelets left from the old batch that are good eyelets.
David Mary David Mary , where did you buy your eyelets from?
 
000Robert 000Robert That's awesome that your file skates....haha.

Also why they scream when cutting through stuff!

Also dont worry about the eyelets..... Someone will fix them, all is good. :D
 
I did actually start finding some bad eyelets in my last batch, though. I had the odd one split on me, and also found some kind of manufacturing anomaly on the inside of a few. I examine them now and toss the ones I think won't work. I buy them in bunches of 1000 at a time, now, and these were pretty rare incidents, so while I sometimes thought to contact Knifekits (especially on the less than a handful of times I remade a whole sheath because of it) I never followed through. Sending them an email now.
 
Crag the Brewer said:
000Robert 000Robert That's awesome that your file skates....haha.
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Yes, 000Robert 000Robert sorry, I forgot to acknowledge that. Pretty good to hear that we now have some concrete corroboration to the great hardness of these blades. I am actually very much considering grabbing a few to make some larger EDC knives with 4" blades and handles. I think these would be simply outstanding in just about any role that doesn't call for corrosion resistance.
 
I said:
Good afternoon, in my second to last batch of 1000 eyelets I bought, I started noticing that eyelets would sometimes split on me, similar to what has happened to Robert in the sheath he is finishing on my pass-around knife. His post and pics here:

M2 TRYOUT!

I quite often lose my chess sense. Better that than losing all your sense. Don’t ask me how I know.
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I had a few eyelets split on me also, but not very often, so I never thought to bring it up before.

But I also noticed that at least one out of maybe 20-30 eyelets seemed to have some kind of hardened residue, or anomaly inside the hole, which although small, was unsightly if one looked in close. I just got into the habit of looking for this, and tossing the eyelets if I found it in there. But it never amounted to very many, so I just assumed it was normal... I guess I am not very exacting.

But after Robert mentioned the splitting issue, and that he had contacted you about it, I figured it made sense to let you know as well. I am not seeking any compensation or anything, maybe just a reply about what this could be caused by.
But I mostly just want to let you know as one service provider to another, since if there was a way I could give better product and service, I would want to know as well.

Thanks for your time,
David
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David Mary said:
Yes, 000Robert 000Robert sorry, I forgot to acknowledge that. Pretty good to hear that we now have some concrete corroboration to the great hardness of these blades. I am actually very much considering grabbing a few to make some larger EDC knives with 4" blades and handles. I think these would be simply outstanding in just about any role that doesn't call for corrosion resistance.
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I've gone up to 6-7" blade length quite nicely on a few.....

although I Just broke a blade trying to drill through one 5 mins ago.
(Second one I broke so far)

Drilling is my Biggest issue!!!

*Side note... I don't remember where My last purchase of eyelets is, BUT I do use an arbor press and dies to set them.

My suggestion for you guys who are hammering them, and having issues. Try lubing them.

I know punch presses will lube parts for the dies to operate better.
Try a drop of liquid dish soap.
 
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The splitting issue more likely has to do with rate of force application. I hammer such that my lightest tap is at the start and hardest tap is at the end. I also examine the edges of the eyelets for deformities or chips before they get used.
 
David Mary said:
I buy my eyelets from knifekits, and I set them with seven taps from a hammer and punch.
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Well, Knifekits basically told me to go pound sand. So I ordered some from Amazon (no, not out of the Holstersmith store), and also ordered some from a place in Indiana. Maybe they have some good eyelets.

I have a hand setter also, but I suck at using it. Maybe I'm whacking it too hard, I don't know. But I have plenty to do until the eyelets get here.
 
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