question about fine tuning kydex

[bdmicarta]

I built a kydex press and I've formed some kydex. This part looks good but prior to putting in eyelets I have a few questions about fine tuning. What I like about kydex is the ability of a knife to have a snap fit. So how do you fine tune the kydex to get the right amount of retention? I'm thinking you gradually carve off little bits of kydex until it fits right, plus you can adjust where the rivets go to control how the top of the sheath flexes. But how common is it to need to do a little adjustment to the shape at the top of the sheath using a heat gun?

 

[Chris Meyer]

It's probably pretty common. I used to do the adjustment thing you described, but I recently discovered that if I just keep my eyelets or screws below the leading edge of the handle, everything seems to fit fine by itself. Here are a few sheaths I made recently, which needed no fussing after they were joined with screws.

 

[Kiah]

I built a kydex press and I've formed some kydex. This part looks good but prior to putting in eyelets I have a few questions about fine tuning. What I like about kydex is the ability of a knife to have a snap fit. So how do you fine tune the kydex to get the right amount of retention? I'm thinking you gradually carve off little bits of kydex until it fits right, plus you can adjust where the rivets go to control how the top of the sheath flexes. But how common is it to need to do a little adjustment to the shape at the top of the sheath using a heat gun?

Depends on the knife and how the Kydex is formed really. Some knives will just slide in like magic, but most will need heat adjustment around the retention area and mouth, especially if the definition is high as there won't be any getting past the mouth in most cases then. Unless the handle is built up to form the opening, then I'd probably plan on it pretty much every time personally. As for how, watch the heat, keep it moving, and start with scrap pieces as you might ruin it the first few times. Heat just enough to get the give you need, let cool, insert knife, repeat until satisfied.