Need help w/ Spec Ops

Idaho Jarhead

Idaho Jarhead

Joined
Nov 2, 2007
Messages
1,415
This little piggy went to market...and found out he's not ready for hogdom quite yet. I am in desperate need of some hog ingenuity fellas.

I bought a large Spec Ops sheath to dress my ASH-1 SE in and cannot make it fit in the eff'n liner to save my life. I can heat it up and fit it in just fine, but when the kydex cools it seems to go back to its original shape. Its like the sh!t shrinks when it cools again. Right now the blade is stuck in the liner; can't even pull it out. Not worried about that, but why is it that it won't keep its shape? What am I doing wrong?

I'll go drink while I not so calmly wait for you to impart your wisdom.
 
Nabbed myself a spec ops not too long ago. I agree that the inserts are a real pain; I'm wondering if they always come warped like so:

SpecOpsInsert.jpg
 
I have the small Spec-Ops sheath and was able to mod the liner in 10 minutes with boiling water. Mine was cruved as well. I think it was for blade retention. I think you just have to be persistant. And when you push the blade into the liner make sure you wiggle it a bit, if possible to add a little extra roob. Perhaps if you ran it under cold water, once the knife is in, to cool it faster it will retain its shape. I had that happen a few times where it seemed to shrink back again. But it was still easier to push the blade in further the next time. I think the plastin will loose some of its tension each atempt and shrin less. Just keep at it. But watch those fingers. ;)
 
Gives new meaning to the term "get bent," eh?

So here's a question: is the liner even needed? Can you just go without, or would that cut through the sheath? That blade is probably the sharpest I have ever seen.

TL: I was thinking that maybe if I didn't push it in all the way it would make it a little bit wider than it needs to be. I tried wiggling it, but that doesn't seem to do any good.
 
Idaho Jarhead said:
Gives new meaning to the term "get bent," eh?

So here's a question: is the liner even needed? Can you just go without, or would that cut through the sheath? That blade is probably the sharpest I have ever seen.
Click to expand...

I imagine it'd cut right through the sheath. Especially when least desired. Like when you are pulling it out in a hurry.

I think someone else here did this but you could also cut the liner along the side where the spine of the blade will be. That way the edge will still be safely tucked into the plastic but the liner will be free to expand. Just a thought.
 
put some tape on the blade and heat that kydex up, stick it in and let it cool all the way in your freezer. :thumbup:
 
ItchyTasty said:
Nabbed myself a spec ops not too long ago. I agree that the inserts are a real pain; I'm wondering if they always come warped like so:

SpecOpsInsert.jpg
Click to expand...

Yes, they make them that way intentionally. Heat it up with a hair dryer, making sure not to heat it too much. It'll bend straight.
 
Any luck yet?

I just took my liner out to see if it had cracked or something to see if that is why my ASH1 fits so nicely in it. And the liner/insert loks perfect. If you want you could always mail the liner/insert to me and I could mod it to fit my CG ASH1 and mail it back. I think it's a little thicker than the SE but that way it would fit. Just a thought. :)

BTW: Anyone else have success with their ASH1s fitting into these liners? Or do I have a freak liner? Thanks.
 
since you're not a paying member, like me, you can't search for my post i did a few weeks ago... but i too had the same problem, only mine was a bit worse. it was simple to fix; just put it in boiling water for 20 or so secs and pull it out (very quickly, for it hardens fast), and slip the knife in and press down w/ ur fingers. it won't be hot to the touch so don't worry ;)
now not only is mine straight, it fits the knife like a glove (but not quite as tight as OJ's glove, cause i didn't want to rub the finish off!) haha.

here's what mine looked like for reference
IMG_0774.jpg
 
I use the same sheath for my HHFSH without the kydex liner. No problems so far. If you push/pull the knife so the edge won't rub the nylon you won't face any troubles.
 
It's all about getting the liner warm enough to stretch and to let it cool /shrink to fit the blade. It takes lots of patience in some cases. I know because I had to explain this alot back when I originally was modding these things last year. I got a HH in a large Spec-Ops, but only after a couple failures. The manufacturer is good about replacing liners if you call and let them know it failed.
I use the oven, placing the liner on a cookie sheet. I finish fitting with a heatgun. Like Skunk wrote keep tape on the edge.
Good Luck!
 
In my experiance not all the liners are they same. They look the same but some bend better than others. I even compared the liners on two of the exact same sheath and the liners looked a bit different. One i had no problem fitting the other just wouldnt hold shape. I use a edge guard for both now. They mold fine and are uniform. They also feel a little tougher.
 
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