Nylon vs Kydex Sheaths ?

[Sagittarius]

Which material is better for a knife sheath in everyone's opinion ?
How to you guys compare cordura nylon sheaths to kydex sheaths ?
Which material is less likely to scratch the blade ?
Please list links to your favorite makes of both styles in either camo or black.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Post pics of your favorites, if you don't mind.


Sag.

 

[defaultuser]

I think any used sheath will scratch your knife, even leather; it's the dirt that gets inside the sheath that scratches the blade, not the material.

 

[ZcouT]

i second that defalutuser, but who wan't a mint knife?
it's a tool made to be used, and you know what they say.
never trust a guide in shiny gear!

 

[Jeremy Horton]

I like Spec Ops that combines the two, with the internal sleeve, they wont fit all Busse's but I use them for Hell Razors, you mold that sleeve and they are great sheaths.

 

[Sagittarius]

I realize it's usually the grit inside the sheath that scratches the blade but I'm constantly reading about Kydex sheaths scratching blades on here and the Exchange so thought Kydex might be a bit harsher on the blade surface than other materials.


Sag.

 

[inFALable]

For a user kydex is best, primarily because of its ability to retain the knife without straps or such. Yes, they do rub more than leather but I don't care about scratches. A worn knife or gun just shows that you actually use it enough to be good with it.

My most used sheath is a Combat Master with custom kydex insert I made. (not the one it comes with formed to the knife)

 

[Hondo.3]

I do believe that kydex is a bit harsh on blades, perhaps because the tight tolerances maximise the effect of even the smallest piece of grit. However, Eric Noeldechen, a.k.a. Normark, espouses the use of concealex, a synthetic material similar to kydex. He claims that it leaves fewer marks on knives. I've got a couple of these sheaths, and they haven't left any marks on my knives.

TC

 

[dduangrat]

I think it depends on the size of the blade and which style will fit better. Here's what I mean:

With the inherent design of kydex sheaths. The belt loop will be mounted near the body of the blade and thus the handle will sit higher, up into your side. There aren't too many kydex sheaths where the belt loop sits next to the handle - drop style. Except for custom makers like Okuden.

So bigger blades like 7" and up, carries better in a drop style sheath that seems to be made more from nylon/cordora and leather. You put a 7" + blade in a kydex, that sucker will be riding sooo high, nearly impossible to draw and uncomfortable.

 

[HORACE]

If stealth is a consideration, I think that Kydex rattles and is loud if you are going through brush, etc. I am with Horton and internal sleeves, though.
--ho

 

[rt014]

I realize its usually the grit inside the sheath that scratches the blade but I'm constantly reading about Kydex sheaths scratching blades on here and the Exchange so thought Kydex might be a bit harsher on the blade surface than other materials.


Sag.

It depends on who made the sheath. The ones that depend primarily on retension of the handle do less scratching on the blade.

 

[James 61]

I prefer Kydex and have had Okuden make all my Busse sheaths. I like the way the sheaths are made and that the can be ordered in a couple of different styles. The drop leg option is very handy for larger blades. Also I have been able to piggy back other knives on to each other and add pouches to make them just as versatile as nylon sheaths.

It has been mentioned that Kydex will scratch the blade. That depends on how the sheath is made. Some are made so that the kydex grips the blade for retention and others the retention is on the handle so the blade is not in such tight contact. Granted dirt in the sheath could potentially scratch the blade regardless of what the sheath is made from. If you have a knife you want to maintain in mint condition then you don't want to use kydex or nylon.

Here is a link as requested.
http://www.okuden.net/

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