Rattling Kydex Sheath

JSMcustoms

JSMcustoms

Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
1,792
I've got a kydex sheath that rattles with the knife in it a good bit. There's no issue with the knife flopping out of the sheath or anything like that, it simply fits a bit loose in the sheath. What's the best way to improve the fit of the sheath? Do I need to completely remold the sheath or are there better options?
 
What motion causes the rattling? Are the sides of the blade rattling against the kydex (lateral movement), or is it rattling from spine to edge, or is it rattling longitude (tip to ricasso)?
If the problem is lateral rattle, use a heat-gun to warm up the sides of the sheath (or just one side) until semi-pliable, then insert the blade (which should have been withdrawn before heating) and use a spring-clamp (with foam feet) to press the sides of the sheath against the blade until the kydex cools firm. If you are worried that this fit will be too tight, wrap the blade in a layer of masking-tape before inserting into the sheath.

For other problems, proceed similarly, keeping in mind that kydex is thermo-form, i.e. malleable when properly warmed. You can mold it to your desire even by hand, but wear gloves. Avoid heating too much around rivets/eyelets. Good luck!
 
It rattles in both directions a bit. Mostly side to side, but a little up and down as well. It's a factory Tops kydex sheath in case you're wondering.
 
JSMcustoms said:
It rattles in both directions a bit. Mostly side to side, but a little up and down as well. It's a factory Tops kydex sheath in case you're wondering.
Click to expand...

I had a TOPS with similar issue. They said if I returned the knife they would custom fit another sheath. I didn't want to be without the knife so I did as was already suggested to you and it's much better now. If your not comfortable doing that you should call TOPS.


jwh
 
I got bought a TOPS Hawk Recon. Sheath also rattles. Haven't contacted TOPS about it, it rides too high for the knife anyway, so I might buy one of their cordura sheaths at some point. Have meant to contact them to ask why the knife blade has a slot cut out of it!
 
Stuff a chunk of a foam ear plug in there. Works great. I have a few sheaths with ear plugs in them right now.
 
wroughndt said:
Stuff a chunk of a foam ear plug in there. Works great. I have a few sheaths with ear plugs in them right now.
Click to expand...

Good tip, though in my case it's more the neck of the sheath that's the problem.
 
JSMcustoms said:
It rattles in both directions a bit. Mostly side to side, but a little up and down as well. It's a factory Tops kydex sheath in case you're wondering.
Click to expand...

TOPS seems to have had this problem ever since their beginning. I went through two loose sheaths before giving up on them.

If you don't want to press-fit the entire sheath, you can (carefully) heat the back side of the kydex with a heatgun and use a metal rod (like a screwdriver) to imprint a "fuller" into the back of the kydex. This should create a contact with the knife and keep it from rattling. -I'm borrowing a standard "trick" used by long-gone cavalry to keep their sabers from rattling inside their metal sheaths.
 
Jack Black said:
I got bought a TOPS Hawk Recon. Sheath also rattles. Haven't contacted TOPS about it, it rides too high for the knife anyway, so I might buy one of their cordura sheaths at some point. Have meant to contact them to ask why the knife blade has a slot cut out of it!
Click to expand...

That slot is supposed to be there. As to why it's there... is another issue all together.


Also, I just now realized that I've got a bit of left over kydex and some rivets laying around from an earlier project, more than enough to make a whole new sheath for it. I might end up going this route an making a whole new sheath for it. Might work better than the original sheath as there were a couple things I don't like about the sheath (namely the construction).
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top