Nylon/Plastic vs Concealex vs Kydex

That depends what quality's you are looking for.

I'd say Kydex. It has customizable retention, unlike a plastic liner, and performs very good inside leather, inside nylon or on it's own.
Concealex is very much like kydex but is a bit softer.

Hope this helps..
 
If you ask me leather is much higher quality than any of the three. I know it was not in your list to choose from, so is there a reason you do not like leather?
 
Andpinger,

A properly made Kydex/Concealex sheath will be of higher overall quality and durability every time.


  • No stitching to come undone.
  • No "rattle" from a loose blade/sleeve fit.
  • No retention strap to cut (when drawing/sheathing), and more importantly, no general need for a retention strap in the first place.
  • Total indifference to moisture.
  • Can be cleaned (I know meth lab teams and EOD guys use bleach)
  • More mounting options (belt loop (hard or soft mount, drop or high ride), Molle, paracord, IWB, inverted, horizontal, cross draw....)

I'll admit, I'm a tad biased here being a Kydex sheath maker. That said, I have a friend who makes nylon/kydex sheaths with fitted sleeves and super high quality nylon components/workmanship. He does not make the liners to retain the knife, and will only work on blades 6" and up.

If you would like his contact info, either PM me or use e-mail.
 
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Neither of the above mentioned materials would have been created if they did not have their uses or desirability. All have their plus's and minus's and all have their supporters and detractors. The ultimate decision rests with the purchaser and not with the person that critiques the material with minimal research. I have worked with leather for decades and know that it is not the ultimate answer---that I prefer it is natural---but right?????
 
Swivelknife,

The thing about leather (or "MOO-Dex" to some of us) is that it has an aesthetic ("warmth" and depth of color) that polymer can't touch. It has a well established history of use, and has been proven to do the job for hundreds of years.... There's nothing "wrong" with leather as a material.

I'm a full time Kydex bender, and while I think it's superior in terms of utility, I still very much admire a well made leather sheath for the craftsmanship evident in a well made one, and the true beauty of the materials.

Comparing thermoplastic with leather is kind of like comparing a bespoke suit with Duluth Trading Company work wear (which I like much better than Carhart for durability and comfort). What you choose to wear depends on what you are going to be doing. I for one wouldn't frame a house in a suit.
 
I wouldn't frame a house in a suit too, but I would wear the silk undies that came with the suit while framing the house.. they are sooo soft ;)

to add some more grey to this discussion:
Leather could very well add to the utility of kydex. a leather beltloop on a kydex sheath for instance has (imo) the right mix between stifness and flexibilitie, not found in a teklok, kydex loop or webbing.

Wrap it in leather and smooth out the action of the kydex and make it more quiet then a riveted kydex sheath woud be.


I'm not limited to leather, cordura or kydex only. They all have their advantages and limitations. Challenge is to make the right sheath for the job, with the right mix of materials.

These 2 have it all

Ontario-RangerShivtechnicalkydex-3.jpg


RatCutleryRC-3Kydexsheathpouch01.jpg
 
IMO, the best of all worlds is a leather sheath with a kydex (or milk bottle plastic) liner (with a weep hole at the bottom) in lieu of a welt. This gives you all of the advantages of both materials.
 
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