On kidex, and those ugly rivets...

[Steampunk Jim]

So, let's talk about kidex sheaths.

Every one I've ever seen on YouTube or online has used large metal rivets to secure the edge, like this:

And I hate it. Oh boy do i ever. I hate the humongous edge and increased size it adds to the sheath. So, my question to those who have more expedited with kidex and sheath making, would there be any issues with having a smaller edge with small drilled holes with some sort of stitching or wrapping to keep the sheath together? Sort of a hybrid of kidex and leather sheath making of sorts. Any input on the viability of a design like this?

 

[Danke42]

Sure. This is a traditional looking sheath with Kydex lining.

 

[Kiah]

So, let's talk about kidex sheaths.

Every one I've ever seen on YouTube or online has used large metal rivets to secure the edge, like this:

And I hate it. Oh boy do i ever. I hate the humongous edge and increased size it adds to the sheath. So, my question to those who have more expedited with kidex and sheath making, would there be any issues with having a smaller edge with small drilled holes with some sort of stitching or wrapping to keep the sheath together? Sort of a hybrid of kidex and leather sheath making of sorts. Any input on the viability of a design like this?

Easiest solution is to use smaller eyelets. You could probably even go to peened pins if you really wanted to. I believe David Brown has stitched some, so maybe he'll chime in there. You could also just fold the Kydex around and use nothing if you can keep it straight and mind the edge.

The reason for the big ugly eyelets is for attachment of things, so just keep in mind that you'll need to account for that on the sheath itself.

 

[Steampunk Jim]

Ah, I see. Didn't realize the bit about attachments. So if I'm just making these for personal use and I'm not worried about attachments, some sort of stitching should work fine. Thanks!

 

[Kiah]

Ah, I see. Didn't realize the bit about attachments. So if I'm just making these for personal use and I'm not worried about attachments, some sort of stitching should work fine. Thanks!

Maybe. I think David has, but in retrospect that may have been with a leather overlay. Not sure how it'd go directly as Kydex isn't pliable.

 

[Steampunk Jim]

Totally. I figured I'd have to predrill small holes as I doubt any sort of punch or needle would make it through.

 

[leatherman]

I've only done it with a leather overlay as well, and yes, a drill is your best bet for making holes for stitching. I mark the stitches on the leather with a lacing chisel, I dont know how you'd mark the kydex though.

 

[David Brown]

Maybe. I think David has, but in retrospect that may have been with a leather overlay. Not sure how it'd go directly as Kydex isn't pliable.

I have tried it, but what happens is over time the kydex shifts wearing the thread to breakage.

Raven (the holster company) used to make holsters with really thin kydex and stitch the kydex.
It can be done with a heavy machine, but the problem was the same shifting wears the thread.

With most of us that do it professionally there is not a demand for it as most want eyelets to attach things to the sheath or attach the sheath to things.

Tom Maringer developed a sheath that you folded over the edge decreasing the profile and I talked to him about me making a few like that (asked permission ) he said it was fine.
And I would like to give him all the credit.

But again it is not heavily desired and more of a novelty.
and attaching it becomes difficult.
And they are difficult to make making it more costly.
And the biggest thing the amount of width you save is minimal.

If you went taco style it will cut the eyelet width in half
If the example sheath was a taco it would be 3/8" to 1/2" narrower.


You can also use smaller eyelets as Kiah said, and in a taco style it will be close to as narrow as you can get.

If you are doing it for you have fun and experiment maybe you will come up with something really cool, 20 years ago this stuff was all new.
there are folks doing new original things all the time.

 

[Steampunk Jim]

Yeah, at this point I'll be making sheaths for personal use, not necessarily for selling or anything.