Question for Kydex sheath makers

S

southernfryedyankee

Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
168
How do you deal with with dimensional differences from blade to blade? Say I use MY Ratmandu to make someone a sheath for their Ratmandu, how can I press the sheath to where if their blade is thicker or thinner the sheath will still be usable for them? I had actually posted 3 of my sheaths on eBay and decided to pull the ads early just to play it safe and get some more information before selling a product that may not work for them.
 
I'd buy multiple knives and check for differences. You can tape the blade, but that wont widen the handle. Usually it's not that big of a deal, but sometimes you wont be able to fit a knife perfectly. Then I refund their money, or have them send theirs to me.
Al
 
You might lose some detail on the bevels, but you could try a cardboard or ply shim stuck to the blade during pressing, but you would need to know how thick the intended knife was. Other option is use the shim, make 'em all 1/4" or whatever thickness you like and let the thin ones rattle a bit. In my opion you really need the actual knife, even most production stuff will vary a tiny bit.
 
Some production knives are consistent enough that you can use a "house knife" for making multiple sheaths, while others wind up being a "crap shoot" as far as using just one knife to make sheaths for that model. Experience will show you which makers/manufacturers knives will work this way. A lot of times you just have to have the customer send it in for custom fitting. Best of luck to you!
 
Hey Guys...

I agree with Mike Sastre on this one...

I would like to also add that much of this is also dependent on many things, such as hand finishing and importantly the thickness of the handle.. Since most sheath makers take fit from the handle,,this is extremely important.

Even slight difference in thickness and shape Will effect the fit from knife to knife and will throw off results.. Some of these can be minor,, others may be huge when it comes to fit.

So Yes,, Mike is correct,, it can be a crap shoot and is something that Mike and I have to deal with on a daily basis. Experience with the models you work with will tell you what can and can't be done...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
As far as the Ratmandu goes, yes there are two distinct variations of them. The first run was thicker and had a slight swedge cut on the spine toward the tip. The latter run was much thinner and has no swedge.

So if your going to have an in house knife, I'd hunt down an early version. :)
 
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