- Joined
- Feb 6, 2000
- Messages
- 3,021
About two weeks ago I got interested in making kydex sheaths. I got the materials a few days ago, and started making some sheaths. This is the second sheath I made, for my Battle Rat:
I used 0.060 kydex, which seems PLENTY strong for this size of blade. I also will make one out of 0.090 kydex just to see how they compare.
The belt loop is integral and strengthened by paracord, as you can see. It places the knife's handle a little above horizontal and high on the hip, a great configuration for me.
I was very happy with the sheath that came with the BR, and the only reasons I made a new one were for the enjoyment and learning I would get from making a kydex sheath.
Never the less, this sheath is great! I wrapped the blade in masking tape, so there is not a friction fit, except for a small part near the bottom in order to totally stop rattling. The retention is just about perfect for me, and I know the knife is not coming out of the sheath, but it also is not a pain to take it out. There are a couple of blemishes, including a scratch on the back that you will notice, but overall I'm very excited by how easy it is to make a decent kydex sheath. Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert, and this sheath is far from perfect, but it is very functional and was fun to make. Every time I make a sheath I'm learning more and more....I imagine you guys who make a lot of kydex sheathes have hundreds of little tricks up your sleeves
I used a press made out of two thick boards and thick foam on both sides. To compress it, a front wheel of a Dodge Ram 1500 was driven onto the top board. I got great compression
I welcome any suggestions, tips or hints you guys can offer
I used 0.060 kydex, which seems PLENTY strong for this size of blade. I also will make one out of 0.090 kydex just to see how they compare.
The belt loop is integral and strengthened by paracord, as you can see. It places the knife's handle a little above horizontal and high on the hip, a great configuration for me.
I was very happy with the sheath that came with the BR, and the only reasons I made a new one were for the enjoyment and learning I would get from making a kydex sheath.
Never the less, this sheath is great! I wrapped the blade in masking tape, so there is not a friction fit, except for a small part near the bottom in order to totally stop rattling. The retention is just about perfect for me, and I know the knife is not coming out of the sheath, but it also is not a pain to take it out. There are a couple of blemishes, including a scratch on the back that you will notice, but overall I'm very excited by how easy it is to make a decent kydex sheath. Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert, and this sheath is far from perfect, but it is very functional and was fun to make. Every time I make a sheath I'm learning more and more....I imagine you guys who make a lot of kydex sheathes have hundreds of little tricks up your sleeves
I used a press made out of two thick boards and thick foam on both sides. To compress it, a front wheel of a Dodge Ram 1500 was driven onto the top board. I got great compression
I welcome any suggestions, tips or hints you guys can offer
