make a sheath that can be removed from my belt without undoing the belt.

N

nathan3138

Joined
Dec 7, 2013
Messages
3
hi all,
Im trying to come up with a way to have a small fixed blade mounted to my belt and when i go places where i cant carry i can take the sheath off my belt. but the problem i have is it need it to be able to come off my belt without taking the belt off. i have seen some where you have a loop that is left on your belt and the sheath goes threw the loop, not sure if these are any good or what you would call them. also it can only be leather.
thanks in advance.
Nathan
 
There are lots of ways to make remove able or snap loops. But when I know I'm going to be taking a sheath on and off, I prefer a simple belt clip. A good metal one will still keep the knife nice and tight to the belt, but give that extra versatility. I made a sheath for my ZT 121, after trying one out for my son and his SCHF14. As a small Boy Scout, he knew he'd want flexibility when we were designing a new sheath for him. He's actually the one the suggested it. But on that first one, we made it permanent.

For the ZT. I wanted options. So I sunk some female Chicago Screw backs between leather layers. This way I could simply screw on a clip when wanted, and change out to a solid belt loop when wanted. But in my case, the clips give me great retention, so I've never changed them out yet. It's just too easy to clip on and off. Always wearing a 1911 on my strong side, the last thing I want is messing with a difficult knife sheath.

It's late, so I'll try to remember to take pics in the morning.
 
I really like sheathmakers. Going to have to try that one.

Here are the couple I've done. Don't know if the pics really show it, but the clip on the ZT sheath is affixed with a Chicago screw post.

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I haven't made any fixed blade easy detach sheaths , but I have done a few folder sheaths .
My suggestion would be if the knife isn't to large to make a horizontal - cross draw sheath with a double flap belt loop with either snap or Sam Brown fasteners .
They work very well and are extremely secure . If you snag the sheath on something hard enough to detach it by accident you would definitely know about it , they wouldn't just fall off without you knowing .
I recently made a vertical folder sheath with a detachable loop , but the single flap int as good as the double flap in my opinion .
I plan on using snap fasteners with a double flap on just about all of my folder sheaths from now on .
Here is a few pics of some I've made .
It may give you some ideas .


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Ken
 
Nathan,

You didn't specify sheath material, so I'll post pictures of a Kydex sheath that I made a while back. I designed the belt clip so that I could take it off, just as you were looking to do. If you want a leather sheath, you could probably attach a similar clip anyway.





 
Paul, did you make that? Looks strikingly similar to one I did a couple of months ago.

CVQ2j2p.jpg


I've seen guys attach a dangler with a small swivel keeper, but I've never liked the look of it. Just looks a bit flimsy.

I'd take the use of Sam Browne studs over line 24's any day. Only problem with the studs is that the security is dictated by the skill of the guy that makes the receiving hole. It takes a little practice to get a good fit that balances retention, but it needs be not so tight that the hole will stretch over time. I started with holes that were too small and with a wide cut line leading to the hole. I now use a better size punch for the hole and a single slice for the cut line. I also put a small hole punch at the other end of the line to prevent tearing. They make a specific punch for SB studs, but I've not tried one.

Edit- here's an example of what I mean.

XPc7Obx.jpg


2 y/o daughter has fastened and unfastened this many dozens of times and I take it off and put it on at least once a day.
 
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Anthony the date on my photo is Feb 28, 2010 so I guess I got there first.;) Sam Browne studs…...use a number 8 Osborne tube for the hole with no more than about 1/4 inch slit. Retention is good and stays good. I've see the special punch but it's over priced for the quality and considering the alternatives available.

Paul
 
Oh Lord, I didn't mean to imply anything Paul. :) I just thought it was kinda neat how similar they are. I have the sketches and pattern to show that mine is original, I'd bet you do too. ;)

I tried very short cuts for the hole. Worked great, but I saw some that had a longer cut on saddlery (possibly a pic from Dave?) and liked the way it looked. I use 7/8/9oz, so cannot comment on the slit on lighter, or heavier leather. I cannot remember the size punch I use off hand, but it's likely similar to your Osborne.

As usual, more than one way works.
 
Tek-loks work pretty well :)

IMG_8619_zps79a5c0af.jpg
 
Thanks Paul. It's nice to be reminded of the generous nature of this craft. I got started on the back of the giving of a few outstanding people and I hope I can help someone in the same way. I'll never understand people that horde information. It's not that I won't call them friends, but it does seem to be wholly unnecessary. I feel like people buy into the craftsman and how he goes about his business as much as the product they hope to receive. That's been what I've seen anyway.
 
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