My ideas to design my first sheath.

[Glock26]

Hi all,

I have some very interesting ideas for my first sheath, since attaining my BK-2 by KA BAR, I want to make a full kydex sheath. I want to make it a 'pancake' style with two belt loops, just to give you an idea for reference with this gun holster, http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=260974 .

On the other hand, I also have an idea to make a kydex belt attachment to the factory sheath that came with my BK-2. For those that have experience with the BK-2 factory sheath, there is a nylon belt attachment, instead of the nylon attachment I want to make a solid kydex attachment.

I will consider all suggestions before I go out on buy some kydex and start shaping and making my own sheaths. All in all I want to make a medium, high riding sheath for my BK-2 that is able to do quick secure one handed draws and re hosltering similar to a kydex sheath for a pistol http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=690699 lastly, when I shape the kydex to the knife, will there be automatically be retention?

Sincerely, Glock26

 

[dsmegst]

Hi,

I've never made that style sheath but it sounds like an interesting idea. I use Spyderco G-Clips on my sheaths and they work well.

When I mold the kydex to the knife, I put several even layers of tape on the blade. This ensures that there's enough space between the blade metal and the walls of the sheath to prevent contact scratches and any dirt that may find its way to wash out. Any embedded dirt or sand in the kydex will be next to impossible to get out.

The retention come from how the kydex molds around the handle. The tension is determined by the position of the top most rivets, the closer they are to the handles less flex there is and harder the sheath clamps down on the knife handle.

I use a toaster oven at 300 degrees for about 15 minutes to soften the kydex. Immediately remove and press the kydex around the knife for about 10 minutes or more to shape it. I clamp the 2 halves together and mark the rivet positions. I use a pair of clamps to test and adjust for retention. I drill out the holes and clean all the burrs. Then the two halves get riveted together.

Finishing the sheath depends on what tools you have but it basically boils down to grinding the extra materials off and buffing the edges. I use a big pair of diagonal pliers to cut out a rough shape to save on grinding time. One thing to watch out for is to leave enough flat space in the edge side between where the knife edge is and where the rivets are. Too little space and you may drag the knife edge on the rivets when you remove the knife.

A heat gun is handy when you reshape small parts of the sheath. Practice on a scrap piece to see how long you need to heat before shaping. Too hot and things start to change on you. Kydex will crack with too much pressure so don't go crazy and tighten down too much when you attach belt clips. I use Chicago screws for clip attachment and rubber O-rings for spacers.

That about sums up everything I've learned in the past couple months of sheath making. Good luck and have fun. Creativity is your friend.

 

[Glock26]

Now thank you sir for the very informative response, I cannot wait to begin making sheaths, also is knifekits.com one of the only places to buy material (online)?