My 16 & Modified Sheath

[Sulaco]

I picked up a basically new 16 in a trade the other day and proceeded to take it outside and beat on it. I split some seasoned oak and hickory in to kindling (sorry, no pics) for a camping trip this wkd. I used it to slim up a stick for my wife to roast marshmallows on and some other stuff around the house. I hit the granite tile patio a couple of times whacking it through some tough oak knots and instead of spending time on the Sharpmaker, I pulled out the Work Sharp and convexed it. Sweet!!! It's scary sharp now.

I also decided to make the sheath my own by doing some unsewing. I didn't like all the little doodads and such hanging off here and there so I took some off. I also removed the lower handle strap. I only need one and that one was really loose anyway. While I had the Work Sharp out, I went ahead and made my Opinel mind-numbingly sharp as well. I got to looking at the pouch and yep! Perfect fit! So now the Opi lives in the Tweener sheath pouch. I like it! Here's some pics. Oh and please ignore the Tram and Barkies hanging out. I was stropping them up tonight too.

In this pic you can see where I removed the lower handle strap. There are some holes in the nylon where the stitches were but they don't bother me. I'm sure they'll smooth out eventually. Check out that awesome Barkie Woodland!! The Opi is in the pouch in this pic as well.

Here's a good shot of the strap removed and some of the scars in the finish from my battoning. I tried stripping the finish but after 3 hours soaking in acetone, nothing happened...

Heres a shot of the back showing where I removed some of the doodads. I don't know what the heck those were for. Somebody probably uses them but not me. I'll just toss the whole shebang in a pack or kit or something, or strap it on my belt. I wish the sheath insert was tighter. The knife rattles around and will just fall out if the strap is loose. It's a very loose fit. Otherwise I like it.

Anybody got any pics of a stripped 16 to give me an idea what it'll look like?

 

[tjswarbrick]

I have one of the FPR sabre 16's - stripped and patina'd. There are shots of it around - I'll be happy to post another, if that's what you want to see.
It was pretty darn loose in the insert, too.
I tried heating it up, and wrapping it in gorilla tape while hot. Helped, but didn't completely alleviate it. Now the insert is VERY tight in the sheath, though.
Then I read another thread with a helpful tip:

Run a length of paracord along the inside of the liner. I superglued one along the edge side. (On the spine side would probably last longer, but forcing the edge into the liner didn't seem like a great idea to me - both from the standpoint of edge retention and liner lifespan.)
Snug, no rattle, and so far no sign of loosening.

Here it is, as received:

 

[Murphnuge]

Here ya go!