Reforming Kydex

[RivetSmasher]

How feasible is it to reform/shape Kydex? I want a neck sheath for an Kershaw Chill and have seen them for other knives fairly cheap. I was going to buy one and rework it. What do you all think? Thanks in advance.

 

[WEB2]

I have done it with hybrid holsters. Used a propane torch. Just dont get too close to heat source.

 

[James w]

I have done it with hybrid holsters. Used a propane torch. Just dont get too close to heat source.

Bad idea

Working temperature for kydex is just under 350 I'd use an oven.... preferably not a cooking oven ....don't burn deadly kydex fumes will kill you....

 

[Lapedog]

For minor adjustments I used a bic lighter. I just held it far from the flame and heated it slowly. I pinched the neck abit tighter on the sheath. However note this kind of ruined that stippled finish kydex seems to get on it on the part I heated. It kind of got a smoother melted look. Just make sure you use gloves because it is sort ofnsemi molten plasticnandnit will burn you. I recommendnlatex gloves.

Now if you want to build a new sheath from scratch you will probably need a kydex press. I don't know how much luck you will have adjusting a sheath for a different knife to fit the knife you want to sheath. You want a sheath that holds the chill closed or open?

 

[KnuckleDownKnives]

For $8.00 you can get a heat gun from Harbor Freight. I would use this BEFORE any open flame device. Even your wife's hair dryer before any type of open flame. If you are going to reform the entire sheath for a different blade I'd recommend and a cheap toaster oven. Just watch it carefully so you don't burn it. You are also going to need something to form it with. Kydex press of some sorts.

The reason you got the smother melted look is because it was too hot. you went beyond the working temp of the kydex.

 

[Kiah]

The "I've seen them for other knives fairly cheap" bit makes me wonder if those sheaths are Kydex. Could be ABS or injection molded or such, but no way to know without specifics.