Proper Sheath Fit

J

josywales3

Joined
Jun 3, 2005
Messages
147
I haave a Gerber LMF as new, I am considering selling the knife, but not the sheath. I have a Katz 302 that is a tad longer than the LMF and a Katz Lion Cub that's a bit shorter.

I've ruled out the longer Katz, only because I feel it could be cutting if it's a tad too long.

Are there any disadvantages to a sheath that is too long for the knife? And if so, define too long. How much shorter than the LMF would my Lion Cub have to be in order for it to be problem.

Thanks
 
I find that the legenth doesn't matter as much as the fit of the sheath to the blade.I carry my ka-bar in a custom sheath that's a little long but it works when I attach it to different things(belt,webbing ect...).
 
Having made hundreds of sheaths I would say you're asking for trouble with one that's longer than the blade.

The strength of a sheath comes from surrounding the blade edge with material (among other things) to prevent it from having the leverage to cut through the material.

If the sheath were too long and you fell or otherwise bent the sheath in front of the tip you are setting yourself up for the blade to go through the side of the sheath, which is its weakest point. A properly fit sheath would not fold and the tip/edge would be directed into the stitched welt or riveted Kydex seam, making it much less likely to poke through.

With that said, there are probably thousands of knives in use that have poorly fitted sheaths and have probably worked fine. There's just not one of those strapped to my waist ;)
 
Thank you both.

Cpirtle, I wish manufacturers put as much thought into their sheaths as you do. My Gerber LMF fits in the Katz 302 sheath, better than the Katz 302 does!

My Lion Cub fits nicely in the LMF sheath, but as you say the blade is about 1/4" shorter than the LMF. Is that 1/4" worth sweating over?
 
Hey Guys...

Josy....

I'll stand behind Cpirtle on this one for sure.. Especially with a nylon sheath such as for your LMF..
Not so much with a synthetic(Concealex/kydex) sheath though,, as they are strong enough to support a slightly (but not much) smaller sheath..

Get some custom sheaths made for your blades,,and you will be much happier,, they will fit better, and be a better package all the way around...

As for companies providing better sheaths with their knives...

Bite your tonge!!!! :)

Wanna put good custom sheath makers such as Cpirtle and I out of business?? :)

ttyle

Eric...
 
Give your business to Eric, I don't take orders any more and he makes a heck of a sheath! :D

The thing about manufacturers, even many custom makers is that they make knives first. If you really want a world class sheath go to a dedicated sheath maker. There are a few exceptions but not many.

I don't think a 1/4" is too bad but I'd need to see the sheath really give an opinion. Depends on how much material is at the tip area, and if it's leather/kydex/nylon etc.

Best of luck,
Chad
 
Thanks guys. That 1/4" on this Gerber sheath probably isn't bad. It's very strong and thick sheath.

I probably will have a custom sheath made for a few of my knives nad Normak seems to have earned a pretty good rep. I have a CRK Aviator enroute with a custom pocket added to the sheath, so we'll see what that looks like. I just sold a real user of a BMF, but held on to the sheath.

I'm not a big fan of leather. I'm also not sure shy so many prefer Kydex over a strong cordura sheath?? The older gerber BMF and LMF sheaths seem very strong, fairly light, and very quiet...I like quiet. Must be the archery hunter in me.
 
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