Not sure I like Sharpshooter sheaths...

JediKnight86

JediKnight86

Joined
Jul 9, 2003
Messages
1,702
Got two of them from KSF. I had to rub off a lot of extra residue from whatever they coat it with for EEP treatment, no biggie. It's obviously still waterproof and that's a really cool feature. The one for my RC-3 seems to fit fine. The RC-4 one is really tight and I ended up cutting the inside edge of the sheath, and a black waxy smudge rubs onto the blade every time I draw it. And I don't think I like the strap retainers.

Who has some examples of nice fitted leather sheaths for their RAT's?
 
Funny you mention it. I have a Sharpshooter sheath for my RC-3. Got it from KSF. I like it very much, but opposite to yours, the knife is extremely loose in my sheath. The only thing that holds it (duh I know) is the retention strap. If that were to go, the knife would slip right out with no resistance. How would one go about fixing this? Add a thin insert? If so, made of what? Plastic, leather? So far I've added a black piece of velcro as a secondary strap, but this makes the knife less accessible. Anyone have any ideas?
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Funny you mention it. I have a Sharpshooter sheath for my RC-3. Got it from KSF. I like it very much, but opposite to yours, the knife is extremely loose in my sheath. The only thing that holds it (duh I know) is the retention strap. If that were to go, the knife would slip right out with no resistance. How would one go about fixing this? Add a thin insert? If so, made of what? Plastic, leather? So far I've added a black piece of velcro as a secondary strap, but this makes the knife less accessible. Anyone have any ideas?
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I thought this was normal for this style sheath. My Chuddy Bear for my Busse would easily fall out without a strap, same with this Sharpshooter RC-3 sheath. It goes in and out easily and sits tight with the strap but thats the only thing keeping it there.
 
I have a Sharpshooter for my RC 3 and have no complaints of black stuff or residue. The knife would slip out if turnt upside down without the retaining strap, but it's not loose at all. The strap crosses the knife pretty tightly so it's locked in there when its snapped.
 
The smudge stuff will lessen with use. It is residual from the waterproofing. It washes off with soap and water.

As to the too tight. We intentionally made them very tight. You have to work hard to get it to snap the first time--let it sit over night. Then it will fit like a glove.

As to having cut the sheath. If you mean into the welt, it shouldn't hurt anything. If you mean you cut the sheath in a more significant way, let me know. We will replace it because that should not have happened.

Leather is not as exact as kydex or injection plastic. There are many more natural variants in them. That being said, we designed them to compensate for such variance. If yours is not right, we will replace it.
 
I own 3 of the KSF leather sheaths and all 3 fit like a glove...No issues on my end...I love 'em.....GReat job KSF & Sharp shooter!
 
okbohn said:
The smudge stuff will lessen with use. It is residual from the waterproofing. It washes off with soap and water.

As to the too tight. We intentionally made them very tight. You have to work hard to get it to snap the first time--let it sit over night. Then it will fit like a glove.

As to having cut the sheath. If you mean into the welt, it shouldn't hurt anything. If you mean you cut the sheath in a more significant way, let me know. We will replace it because that should not have happened.

Leather is not as exact as kydex or injection plastic. There are many more natural variants in them. That being said, we designed them to compensate for such variance. If yours is not right, we will replace it.
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Having the leather sheaths made so they are tight is a good thing IMO. Leather has variation in it as you said, plus it stretches a little bit and if you make it fit loose or just right, after break in it will get looser. When I make a sheath I make it tight so that when it loosens it's perfect or close enough. ;) Keep up the good work!

Heber
 
I've got one of the Sharpshooter sheaths for my RC-4 and I couldn't be happier with the fit. It's snug as a glove. The strap is tight but I like that. I was also concerned with the black smudges when I first got it. But, as mentioned above, it comes right off with a little water and dish soap. I don't know about you guys but I store my knives out of their leather sheaths to help keep em tighter for longer. If anyone doesn't like their Sharpshooter RC-3 sheath feel free to send em my way :)
 
Mine was pretty tight at first. Now about a month later its alot more broken in and has a little play without the keeper strap on. thats to be expected though. The black stuff is still coming off onto the micarta but not as bad as when new. The smell is also down. I have cut the leg tie and rod slot off. also trimed the belt loop some. I dont think the EEP is too good for the leather IMO it almost seems well, partially rotten when you cut the tie and loop off the sheath needs to be sewn a little bit in those areas. The bottom where the drain hole is located is not sewn all the way so that can lift and tear. over all they are good sheaths. Had mine out in the rain and the leather did not suffer any from it. But good leather that gets treated with obenaufs regularly should be about the same. Plus my blade rusted and the inside needed to let dry for a little bit.
 
I had a guy in Holland make me a kydex wrapped in leather sheath for my RC-3. I'm going to get him to make a new sheath for the KA-BAR Machete Cutlass.

IMGP0770.jpg
 
I think the "partially rotten" is probably just the difference in how the leather feels with the EEP waterproofing. We have tested the stuff extensively. I will endure water, sun, heat, mold etc with no effect on the leather.

The leather does feel different. It is not damaged, or rotten.
 
I looked my RC3 's & RC4 KSF leather Britches over extensively last night and all I seen was a dang near perfect leather sheath...the EEP coating is alittle heavy at first but I mean use a paper towel to wipe it off..wash it if you do not like it...I think it helps preserve the leather & helps condition the sheath as well....I do not understand peeps cutting off the loop,it can hold more than just a firesteel,I carry a small flashlight in one.the tie down tab,does not bother me either way....each there own... Great sheath Derrick at a awesome price to boot !
 
Well I cut it off because it's my edc, I need it to be compact. I don't use the tie down and it just pokes into the seat when I sit and makes it overall longer. If I just used it for camping I might use it. I've thought about getting another RC-4 and sharpshooter sheath as a backup anyways. But for edc I prefer no rod/tiedowns.
 
okbohn,
I've been very tempted by the sharpshooter sheath but held off because of the EEP waterproof coating. Why not just oil it, or let the customer choose their own products for protection/ maintenance?
Any possibility of a minimal version (no tie down/fire steel holder) in natural leather?
Not having any logos stamped on the face of it would also be nice.:)
 
NorCalMtn2 said:
okbohn,
I've been very tempted by the sharpshooter sheath but held off because of the EEP waterproof coating. Why not just oil it, or let the customer choose their own products for protection/ maintenance?
Any possibility of a minimal version (no tie down/fire steel holder) in natural leather?
Not having any logos stamped on the face of it would also be nice.:)
Click to expand...

There are all kinds of leather makers around here that could make you whatever you like.;)
 
Tripton said:
There are all kinds of leather makers around here that could make you whatever you like.;)
Click to expand...
Yeah, but the sharpshooter is so nice. With the black dye, the attachments and the goo gone it would be perfect.;) The Sharpshooter "minimalist" would be a classic.:D
 
I could get one without the EEP treatment if you want, but that is the extent of mods I can do.

The EEP is very popular.
 
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