chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2008
- Messages
- 6,422
A few years ago I developed this "Universal Kydex Extension" as an accessory to lower the carry-height of knife sheaths on the hip so that the handle is not above the waist and poking users in the ribs or impeding the belt of a back-pack. Such accessories are common but I've not found one quite as versatile as this. I designed it after purchasing my first Survive! knives, so I thought I'd advertise it here for those who are not aware of it yet. I am working on getting these produced in a more reliable way than in my basement or garage in spare time, so to aid that investment I decided to purchase a "service provider" membership here and test interest.
Here's a lot of details:
[video=youtube;COKvk-AcNzk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COKvk-AcNzk[/video]
My extension is made from two layers of kydex (0.06 or 0.08) held together with eyelets in the 'head' and 'base'. I am working toward a revision made from single-layer 0.125 kydex later in the year. The double-layer design keeps the extension stiff while allowing for a lot of flex on demand.
The off-set "L" shape keeps the arm thin for easier carry and places it behind the handle of your knife when mounted vertically.
The holes in the base are designed to mount along just one side of ANY plastic sheath with holes or slots drilled 3/4" o.c., standard spacing for a large Tek-Lok. This means that the extension can be mounted to every model from Survive! Knives (as opposed to a single model or requiring custom-fitting) - it fits as well on the NeckerII as the GSO-7/7; stock sheaths for the Becker BK-2 and other models, hard-sheathes for Kabars; the Gerber LMFII, Prodigy, Strongarm; the Buck Selkirk and other models; models from TOPS knives and ESEE; custom sheaths from Azwelke and Kiah and 710 and more! The extensions are seeing use on Bussekin and Fallkniven and Bark River custom sheaths, and the list goes on.
NOTE: The extension does not fit EVERY plastic/kydex sheath as not all have holes in the proper places (e.g. some ESEE models), but if the sheath has space to drill holes at 3/4" o.c. then it can work. Mashed Cat and Buy Brown sheaths (excellent quality) are easy to modify by drilling a single hole as needed. I have not yet tried the extension for a firearm but would appreciate feedback if someone has a holster that might be appropriate.
The holes in the base of the extension allow the user to mount their sheath vertically, horizontally, or at a variety of angles. You can angle the knife for cross-draw, comfortably scout-carry below the waste-strap of your back-pack while keeping the knife mounted to your person rather than your pack... The angle-adjustment also accommodates oddly-angled or swerving handle-shapes like the Busse Muk.
Each extension comes with mounting hardware - screws, pillars, & rubber spacers for secure attachment.
The holes in the head of the extension are compatible with a large Tek-Lok, AB-3 clip, pre-made belt-loops and other attachment accessories. If you want one that can accommodate a spyderco G-clip let me know, I can make that happen. The holes are set at different levels to allow for higher or lower carry according to the user's preference - again, versatility not found in most designs.
With each extension I'll include a rivetted leather belt-loop that can be hard-mounted to the extension with the hardware included - screws and pillars.
The extension can also be adapted for drop-loop carry at ANY height by stringing the included belt-loop through top holes in the extension - a simple and secure method for which 8" of paracord is included.
NOTE: the "L" shape and curved design of the extension demands that users specify a preference for right- or left-hand use. A "right-hand" extension is designed to mount along the edge-side of the knife-sheath but it can be mounted along the spine-side of a pancake-style sheath for left-hand use if desired, and vice versa for a "left-hand" extension.
One exception is the GSO-10 and other knives where the width of the blade extends far forward of the handle - for these, I recommend a "left-hand" extension mounted along the sheath-spine for right-hand carry and vice-versa as seen in thsi video by DBear723:
[video=youtube;7ZdwGoyDQm4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZdwGoyDQm4[/video]
[video=youtube;QU5qiDPRplw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU5qiDPRplw[/video]
I currently only have extensions in black and OD-green kydex with black or brown leather belt-loops. More colors will be introduced if the interest grows. As mentioned before, each extension comes with mounting hardware both for the belt-loop (or other accessory) and attachment to your sheath, as well as 8" paracord (matching the extension) for dangler-carry. I also offer leg-straps - 3 feet of 1"-wide black light-weight poly webbing with adjustable side-release buckle and slider, highly recommended for larger blades and dangler-carry - much nicer than a piece of cord :thumbup:
A note on quality: I am trying to keep the price of these items as low as possible, making them in my spare time with some basic tools. These are not polished products with high tolerances, so you may notice some roughness or inconsistancies, but all are fully functional. If you are disappointed in the quality of your extension, drop me a line so we can discuss the issue. I've made and sold over a hundred of these, not many complaints so far
I think you will be satisfied with the investment.
Now for the Give Away: One free extension set + leg-strap, shipping included. To enter, you must post a picture of a knife & sheath that you currently own for which the extension may be intended. Only one entry per member, your post is your entry number, thread will be open until Solstice (June 21st), winner chosen by a random-number-generator afterward.
If you want to buy an extension or two, I'll have a sale thread up in the gear section soon, or just contact me via e-mail.
If this post violates any BF rules, it will be removed and I'll try to start a new one that is in compliance.
Thank you for your support and interest!
Here's a lot of details:
[video=youtube;COKvk-AcNzk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COKvk-AcNzk[/video]
My extension is made from two layers of kydex (0.06 or 0.08) held together with eyelets in the 'head' and 'base'. I am working toward a revision made from single-layer 0.125 kydex later in the year. The double-layer design keeps the extension stiff while allowing for a lot of flex on demand.
The off-set "L" shape keeps the arm thin for easier carry and places it behind the handle of your knife when mounted vertically.
The holes in the base are designed to mount along just one side of ANY plastic sheath with holes or slots drilled 3/4" o.c., standard spacing for a large Tek-Lok. This means that the extension can be mounted to every model from Survive! Knives (as opposed to a single model or requiring custom-fitting) - it fits as well on the NeckerII as the GSO-7/7; stock sheaths for the Becker BK-2 and other models, hard-sheathes for Kabars; the Gerber LMFII, Prodigy, Strongarm; the Buck Selkirk and other models; models from TOPS knives and ESEE; custom sheaths from Azwelke and Kiah and 710 and more! The extensions are seeing use on Bussekin and Fallkniven and Bark River custom sheaths, and the list goes on.
NOTE: The extension does not fit EVERY plastic/kydex sheath as not all have holes in the proper places (e.g. some ESEE models), but if the sheath has space to drill holes at 3/4" o.c. then it can work. Mashed Cat and Buy Brown sheaths (excellent quality) are easy to modify by drilling a single hole as needed. I have not yet tried the extension for a firearm but would appreciate feedback if someone has a holster that might be appropriate.
The holes in the base of the extension allow the user to mount their sheath vertically, horizontally, or at a variety of angles. You can angle the knife for cross-draw, comfortably scout-carry below the waste-strap of your back-pack while keeping the knife mounted to your person rather than your pack... The angle-adjustment also accommodates oddly-angled or swerving handle-shapes like the Busse Muk.
Each extension comes with mounting hardware - screws, pillars, & rubber spacers for secure attachment.
The holes in the head of the extension are compatible with a large Tek-Lok, AB-3 clip, pre-made belt-loops and other attachment accessories. If you want one that can accommodate a spyderco G-clip let me know, I can make that happen. The holes are set at different levels to allow for higher or lower carry according to the user's preference - again, versatility not found in most designs.
With each extension I'll include a rivetted leather belt-loop that can be hard-mounted to the extension with the hardware included - screws and pillars.
The extension can also be adapted for drop-loop carry at ANY height by stringing the included belt-loop through top holes in the extension - a simple and secure method for which 8" of paracord is included.
NOTE: the "L" shape and curved design of the extension demands that users specify a preference for right- or left-hand use. A "right-hand" extension is designed to mount along the edge-side of the knife-sheath but it can be mounted along the spine-side of a pancake-style sheath for left-hand use if desired, and vice versa for a "left-hand" extension.
One exception is the GSO-10 and other knives where the width of the blade extends far forward of the handle - for these, I recommend a "left-hand" extension mounted along the sheath-spine for right-hand carry and vice-versa as seen in thsi video by DBear723:
[video=youtube;7ZdwGoyDQm4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZdwGoyDQm4[/video]
[video=youtube;QU5qiDPRplw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU5qiDPRplw[/video]
I currently only have extensions in black and OD-green kydex with black or brown leather belt-loops. More colors will be introduced if the interest grows. As mentioned before, each extension comes with mounting hardware both for the belt-loop (or other accessory) and attachment to your sheath, as well as 8" paracord (matching the extension) for dangler-carry. I also offer leg-straps - 3 feet of 1"-wide black light-weight poly webbing with adjustable side-release buckle and slider, highly recommended for larger blades and dangler-carry - much nicer than a piece of cord :thumbup:
A note on quality: I am trying to keep the price of these items as low as possible, making them in my spare time with some basic tools. These are not polished products with high tolerances, so you may notice some roughness or inconsistancies, but all are fully functional. If you are disappointed in the quality of your extension, drop me a line so we can discuss the issue. I've made and sold over a hundred of these, not many complaints so far
I think you will be satisfied with the investment.Now for the Give Away: One free extension set + leg-strap, shipping included. To enter, you must post a picture of a knife & sheath that you currently own for which the extension may be intended. Only one entry per member, your post is your entry number, thread will be open until Solstice (June 21st), winner chosen by a random-number-generator afterward.
If you want to buy an extension or two, I'll have a sale thread up in the gear section soon, or just contact me via e-mail.
If this post violates any BF rules, it will be removed and I'll try to start a new one that is in compliance.
Thank you for your support and interest!
With one of these U.K.E's it will be something else! 
