One sheath, two Fiddlebacks, custom fit for both

Joined
Jan 6, 2005
Messages
1,331
Been working with this concept with a very patient and gracious Fiddleback owner for about 6 months. He first talked to me about doing this and we worked the idea through with another custom knife he owned. Since he's just picked up two of Andy's knives on Fiddleback Fridays, we thought it was time to carry it out with these two. The idea is to have one multipurpose sheath that could carry different knives safely and securely. The solution is a kydex liner with leather outer sleeve. This also allows different carry options which are easy to change according to the need. What's shown here is a crossdraw and standard vertical carry. It also allows strapping to a pack easily. What we've used are an Arete and a Kephart, but many of Andy's knives could work well with this configuration. Another good thing about this is that it will let a person customize the shape of the sleeve and other features to suit many different needs. Let me know what you all think.

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The drop-in kydex moulds is a brilliant idea. How tight do they lock up in the leather? Does the smaller mold give you any trouble?? I like the idea of the screw point in them...I wonder if a secondary one on the other side or down by the tip will buy you a tighter fit? A two point screw down might allow you a broader range of knives too... Awesome stuff
 
Rick did an awesome job on this sheath as well as another one of this style he made for me. The other one was similar but the leather followed the contour of the blade as opposed to being more squared off like this one. It also did not have a firesteel loop. The Retention strap is unneccesary as the kydex holds it firmly in place. The retention strap can be removed or replaced easily. I just like the extra security if I'm bouncing through the woods or have the Knife inverted on the shoulder strap of my pack.

What I REALLY love about this Sheath is that almost all of the handle of the knife is exposed. I hate to bury beautiful Knives like Andy's in a Sheath. I also find it quicker to draw and sheath. Rick made the retention of the kydex perfect, a slight push with your thumb or a solid pull and the Knife is out. The leather design you can use is only limited by your imagination. If you don't like storing your knife in a leather Sheath, no problem here. In my mind it combines the best qualities of Kydex and Leather. Great job Rick!
 
solid4ever- The kydex liner fits really tight in the leather. Almost need pliers to take it out. The one screw at the top anchors the whole package. With the leather being wet formed and clamped around the kydex, there is no movement inside. What I like about the whole thing is the range of things that can be done and flexibility of use. I'm going to post a picture of chapel's first one to show a different look he mentions.

I do want to make this style available to any one that's interested. It's not for everybody (nothing is), but I'd hope it would fit the needs for many. Have to put a couple of caveats out front. Price will be higher and delivery time will be longer than for my regular sheath line, but not to any extreme. It will also require a bit more communication and client input to get everything just right. If there is interest, email me at ruger315@charter.net and we'll get going.

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Rick - I am not a massive fan of the look of leather over Kydex - but I think this idea is really damned ingenious.

The last sheath in your thread is flat out hot. So - who knows - you may be changing my mind on that too.

TF
 
Thanks Tal! Kinda gives you the best of both worlds. As a "leather guy" it lets me stay comfortable and still get out of the box. Glad you like it!
 
Not bad Brother RLo! Now I can visualize what we talked about better. They never could get you to stay in the box with the other pups....now if we can just break you of chewing plastic.....and staying off the carpet.
I like kydex best when I can't see it.....has no life.

Trackrock - It's coming fast!
 
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