pancake kydex sheath thumb break mod

[Gary W. Graley]

Some kydex sheaths are sandwiched together, pancake style, but that doesn't allow to make a thumb break section like you can get on a taco style sheath. So this one I got in today was a sandwich one and the knife had excellent retention, which did make it harder to draw the knife. I would much rather it be tight than loose for sure! So I looked the sheath over a bit and saw the area just after the one rivet and thought if I drilled a small hole there, I could tie a diamond paracord knot tightly and that would serve as a place to press against with my thumb as I draw the knife. And it works well, you do need to get that knot down tight so it doesn't wobble hardly at all, so some time with the pliers to draw it up tightly is required.

Hole drilled out

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Knot tied on tightly, this was 700 lb paracord so that made a good size knot

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

And that does help in aiding me to draw the knife without much fuss


G2

 

[beeinak]

Such a simple solution that looks great as well! Very nice.

 

[115Italian]

I’ve noticed the same problem with pancakes sheaths. I like what you did. I’m going to give it a try.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks, simple and works, two great things

“But I got a word of warning for all you would-be warriors: when you join my command, you take on debit, a debit you owe me personally. Each and every man under my command owes me one hundred….” wait that’s a different warning, here’s the one about the knot

But I got a word of warning for all you would-be paracord warriors, it's a tightly drawn down knot, elsewise it will just flip and flop and defeat the intent.
So, use those pliers tightly, I use a Swiss Army Tool, and pull the knot down as close as you can.
G2

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Here's a full shot of the knife and sheath, made by navman very well made knife, I highly recommend.

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

3" blade, Hollow ground, thin behind the edge of S90v steel
Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[beeinak]

You are very gracious with sharing your knowledge and tips. Might have to call you G3

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks, I appreciate that and I think I will just stay with G2 for now

G2

 

[Gary W. Graley]

I've added a horizontal adapter, this allows you to remove the sheath without undoing your belt, the adapter slides under the belt and then over the sheath to snap in on the front of the sheath.

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Held to the sheath by two copper fasteners and above those are the base of the snaps

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Here's what the back part looks like, the belt would slide through that part, so you can just unsnap the front and pull the sheath off your belt. Also if by chance you bump the sheath so the snaps come undone, the sheath won't fall to the ground because the belt will keep it from falling off.

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2