plastic sheaths from random materials

K

knivesjmd

Joined
Dec 11, 2014
Messages
4
Hey guys!
I'm new around here so tell me if I'm doing something wrong.
I like making knives from old stuff like files, mower blades, and other high carbon steels. I can get most of that stuff for free since many people consider it junk. I've made a few kydex sheaths and really like them, but of course you can't get worn out kydex for free. This is a really crazy idea, but would some other plastic that could be found in the average recycling bin work? I didn't know if you guys would have thoughts. Thanks!
 
Yep, PVC works very well and I've seen a lot of machete sheaths made out of it.

Also, I once read about a milk jug sheath, think layers.

Cardboard and duct tape is a happy thing.

Wood is harder to work, but used boards are easy to come by. Plywood would make an awesome sheath.

Find a discarded mud flap off a Semi? Bingo!

Lots of ways to make a sheath for a sharp thing on the cheap or free. :)
 
Might not find this material in the average recycling bin. I ripped a lot of it out when I was rebuilding the interior of my boat, but I think you can buy a 4x8 sheet at home depot for about $25. It's a fairly flexible 1/16" plastic sheet - almost like kydex and leather made a baby. This sheath for my 14" imacasa bolo is far from pretty, but it weighs less than a leather sheath, is totally impervious to water, and cost nothing except for a few rivets and a snap. I built it sort of like I would a welted leather sheath, but used a heat gun to make a sharp fold around the welt and to bend the edges out a bit around the opening. The blue material for the retention strap and hang-loop seems to be heavy vinyl with a woven scrim. I cut it from a big heavy-duty campaign sign found in a dumpster after some local election. It works OK on a belt, but I prefer to hang it on a loop of 1" webbing worn over the shoulder.

I hope these pics work. I'm new here...
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Thanks so much! I'll try out the pvc pipes for sure.
That machete sheath actually looks pretty cool. What does a machete need other than a solid sheath anyways? :)
 
I've seen sheath made from PVC pipe (there are a couple of video on Youtube, too). Not so good-looking, in my opinion, but they work.
 
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