PVC Machete Sheath

matthewdanger

matthewdanger

Joined
Jan 29, 2003
Messages
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I know several of you have mentioned PVC machete sheaths in the past. Can someone outline their process for making them, what kind of PVC you use, tips, tricks, pitfalls, etc? Pics would be great!

Thanks!
Matt
 
Most of the ones I have seen were made from PVC pipe heated with a heat gun then pressed onto the blade much like making a kydex one.
Richard
 
Tinbasher said:
Most of the ones I have seen were made from PVC pipe heated with a heat gun then pressed onto the blade much like making a kydex one.
Richard
Click to expand...

I saw someone who spent a good deal of time doing just that for a Busse knife. It turned out quite well.
 
I think he's been extremely busy as of late, but Vector over in the Tomahawk forum, was making scabards for Machetes from the synthetics he works with, maybe those would appeal to you if in fact he is still pursuing that venture.
 
i wonder what diameter of pvc you'd need for a basic latin style machete... math's not my friend... i've made a sheath with birch plywood that worked out pretty well. cardboard and duct-tape is a good option too.
 
a peice of 2" slit down the center of the pipe. if you are looking at a clock imagine cutting the pipe at 6 o'clock just cut thru the wall of the pipe. dont cut the pipe in half. heat the pipe with a heat gun. dont use a b-tank torch cause the pipe will burn. after heating the pipe will become flexible. flatten out your pipe. flatten out the pipe without the blade inside because the flattened pvc will have some spring to it. after flattening figure out where you want attachment points and drill holes. [the business side of the blade goes towards the un-cut side.] insert blade and heat with gun. press fit to your blade and let cool. sand off excess pvc,drill and install 1/4 20 bolts or just use the sheath for blade retention. electricians have a grey pvc that looks better than the white plumbing pipe. and electrictians have a heater box that is built for heating and bending pvc. but cut your pipe before heating.
 
its the exact same way they make kydex, except you have to cut the pipe first.
some hardware stores have PVC sheets(really big like 5'x5'+)
 
bkzk100 said:
a peice of 2" slit down the center of the pipe. if you are looking at a clock imagine cutting the pipe at 6 o'clock just cut thru the wall of the pipe. dont cut the pipe in half. heat the pipe with a heat gun. dont use a b-tank torch cause the pipe will burn. after heating the pipe will become flexible. flatten out your pipe. flatten out the pipe without the blade inside because the flattened pvc will have some spring to it. after flattening figure out where you want attachment points and drill holes. [the business side of the blade goes towards the un-cut side.] insert blade and heat with gun. press fit to your blade and let cool. sand off excess pvc,drill and install 1/4 20 bolts or just use the sheath for blade retention. electricians have a grey pvc that looks better than the white plumbing pipe. and electrictians have a heater box that is built for heating and bending pvc. but cut your pipe before heating.
Click to expand...

Good stuff! Thanks.

Are the bolts needed or can I get by without them?
 
The way I do it on my neck knives is this. Take the pipe you are using, I believe 1" is what I use the most. It might be 1.5" thought. next cut a 2" slit down the pipe. this allows it to flex without bolts or rivets. Next heat up the pipe till pliable with a heat gun or propane torch. Then flatten the pipe between a couple boards, books or something. Be sure your slit is on one of the edges, not on the side of the pipe. now simply reheat the pipe, and stick the knife as far in as you want it. let cool and you are done. If it is too tight, grind a little off the opening to the sheath, It will loosen it. then just drill your holes for attachment.
 
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