My first kydex sheath....

[adaman04]

Here she is, my first kydex sheath. I had been wanting to play with this stuff for a while and a while back I ordered some supplies from knifekits.

The other night I cut a 4x4" piece to play with as far as heating it, etc. I figured out how hot I could get it and what happens when you get it too hot (the edges get shiny and wavy, etc.)

I figured instead of tossing the piece I'd try to use it for something. I learned some stuff along the way:

1. Don't skimp on the kydex. Give yourself plenty to work with. I didn't.
2. In the oven at 275 for about 5 mins works pretty well (thanks Shotty)
3. Take your time and plan it all out and finish it well.
4. I didn't get the molding detail I wanted, I'll have to play with that in the future.
5. I might cut it down some at the handle.
6. Playing with kydex is pretty fun.

I'm no pro, but a first attempt I didn't think it came out too bad. I welcome any and all feedback. I'll probably drill a neck lanyard hole.

 

[redplague]

Looks pretty good to me! Yeah, it's a learning experience. I think the molding detail looks good. How's the knife fit? Something I learned from making mine(the one I posted a few days back with pics of the press) is that if you press too hard in order to get the mold the way you want, the harder it is to draw your knife out. Although I guess for a neck knife that wouldn't be as much of a problem. Did you use a press for the rivets or the anvil thingy?

 

[adaman04]

Thanks! The knife fit is pretty good. Just a very little bit of wiggle that I think I can work out, but I'm not too worried about it at this point.

You can adjust the retention a little bit with a heat gun once you're done from what I've read. If you open the mouth of the sheath a little, it will be easier to get the knife in and out.

I used the anvil doo-dad. I wanted to play with some stuff for a while before going the full investment of the press. They worked out pretty well really. I whacked them twice with the setter, then smacked them smartly with the hammer and it flattened them pretty nicely.