Magnets instead of snaps

[J_mcrane]

Anyone considered using magnets instead of snaps to secure the blade? Just an idea when looking at Tandy.


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[sheathmaker]

There are many types of magnets and various strengths. In my experience magnets, in general, of a size that is compatible with most sheath projects do not have sufficient strength to assure a positive closure. I judge this as when the knife and sheath is used in hard hunting or very active bushcraft activities. The next consideration is installation of the magnets. They would have to be sandwiched between two pieces of leather which would further degrade their questionable power or if they are strong enough, the size would create sizable "lumps" having a negative effect on the looks of your project.

On the other hand, snaps or Sam Browne studs neither have these disadvantages. Therefore snaps or studs for me, other opinions can and probably will vary.

Paul

 

[mqqn]

I knew one fellow who was using small neodymium magnets to retain knives in the sheath, and it worked well.

The retention of the magnet, even though the magnet was sandwiched in the leather, was very good.

I am sure you would have to experiment with size and placement, but there are a lot of options in the neodymium magnets in terms of form factor.

best

mqqn

 

[Robber58]

I used some magnets recently for a cell phone case. They worked fine for that type of closure but there is an issue for people like me that have a lot of metal dust around the shop. They quickly picked up steel dust that embedded in the leather and was impossible to remove. If that was on the inside of a sheath it would probably not be good for the blade finish over time. Just a thought.
Randy

 

[Paul_Atreides]

Anyone considered using magnets instead of snaps to secure the blade? Just an idea when looking at Tandy.


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First experience I had w/ this concept was when I learned about the sheaths made by 'The American Knife Company' I was actually quite impressed w/ their presentation. Actually, magnets being used for knife retention is a no-brainer...I'm surprised someone didn't think of it sooner. If they did, I never heard of it.

 

[Hengelo_77]

I don't want magnets near my blade all the time.
I'm afraight the blade gets magnetic and steel from sharpening dulls the edge while trying to sharpen

 

[SSonnentag]

I don't want magnets near my blade all the time.
I'm afraight the blade gets magnetic and steel from sharpening dulls the edge while trying to sharpen

But if you used titanium for the blade, the particles wouldn't stick to it when sharpening....oh, wait...

 

[Lycosa]

Bud Nealy= Earth Magnets.
rolf

 

[David Brown]

I used some magnets recently for a cell phone case. They worked fine for that type of closure but there is an issue for people like me that have a lot of metal dust around the shop. They quickly picked up steel dust that embedded in the leather and was impossible to remove. If that was on the inside of a sheath it would probably not be good for the blade finish over time. Just a thought.
Randy

 

[Horsewright]

We experimented (expensively, about a $100 in rare earth magnets) doing this for some of Nichole's purses. We ran into all the problems Paul outlined. Bulk, lumps and the biggest problem just not strong enough when you keep the first two down to reasonableness. They do make magnet purse catches but they have to be lined up pretty accurately when in use. Nichole was looking for something for her CCW pockets that would basically find itself and close accurately without the fumbling and the exact lining up that the existing magnet closures require.

I've also made my sheaths as replacements for several magnet ones where the retaining ability simply wasn't good enough for cowboyin'. I don't remember what brands the sheaths were or who made em.

 

[Lycosa]

Thanks, Horsewright.
The Earth Magnet works in conjunction with the Kydex mouth but that one strong magnet! Boker did this sheath, just-right. I don't think Bud uses the magnet in his custom Kydex but I need to check.
rolf