Magnetic flap for sheaths??

[jfever311]

Okay, so my wife just got me a new cell phone. The case it came with has a magnetic flap, instead of a snap or Velcro. Even the pouch for new digi-camera we bought has a magnet instead of a button. Seems to be the latest trend, and a damn good one too!!

For years my only issue with modern nylon sheaths has been the annoying "SSHHRIIICCKK!!" that comes with tearing open the Velcro flap that keeps them closed. If only they had some way, other than a damn snap, to do the same job as the Velcro. Magnets are the perfect solution!! Problem is, I have not seen a single production knife sheath/pouch that utilizes a magnet to keep the flap closed. Sure, there are dozens of fixed blade sheaths that incorporate magnets to hold the knife in place, so why not for the folders??

This theory would work for nylon and leather. There are quite a few vendors online who sell neodymium magnets that are perfect sizes for such an application.

Any of you custom sheath makers up for the challenge??

 

[DC KNIVES]

Not exactly a new idea in the custom area.They are quite a bit more work than using a snap, as they have to be inlaid on both the main body and the flap, but they work pretty well.The extra work is probably why you don't see to many, because of the dollar amount added .Dave

here's one I did with a magnetic flap

 

[jfever311]

Dave, so just how much would a leather sheath with the magnets in it cost? I would need one to fit my Gerber 06. The sheaths that I have now are 5 1/2" nylon, and fit very nicely. I would not need any fancy stuff on it, just basic black leather.

 

[johnny reb]

I bought a folder from accent knives, The knife was made by Imre Polyac. It came with a magnetic snap. It just wasn`t for me though, and I replaced it with a snap.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

The Victorinox Swisstool Spirit has a magnetic flap on its leather sheath. I like it there.
I don't know if I'd like it on a cellphone or camera case, with their electronics.

 

[dmgm]

The Victorinox Swisstool Spirit has a magnetic flap on its leather sheath. I like it there.
I don't know if I'd like it on a cellphone or camera case, with their electronics.

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but very quickly, magnets affect 'magnetic media' which for computers means the hard disk drive (HDD).

Camera's and phones typically use flash drive non volatile media, which aren't affected by magnets. I think there is an older iPod that uses a HDD.

You can get computers with these new Solid State Drives, which would also be immune to magnets, but they are quite expensive still.

Given this isn't an overly technical forum, I thought that might hep someone.

 

[Frank Barron]

I have used magnets to hold the knife into a sheath by building them into the wedge at the throat or opening of the sheath, this helps keep the knife in if the snap is not locked.

When you build a magnetic lock down strap you have a few problems to overcome.

1- magnets slide easily, which means your strap is suddenly undone and you knife is unsecure.

2- The magnet won't destroy an old Ipod, but it will kill the magnetic strip on your credit card, hotel room key, bus pass, parking pass, etc.

If your going to do a magnetic lock down, make sure that you can design in a mechanical fixture as well, then the magnet holds the fixture down and tight.

My two cents.