Retention strap or not?

S.Alexander

S.Alexander

Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
2,614
I'm finishing up a hunter, and made up the sheath for it yesterday. The retention is good, as I can hang it upsidedown and shake it without the knife falling out.

My question is whether I should add a retention strap or not. Will more buyers prefer a retention strap?


 
I would say retention strap, just to be safe. I personally prefer them. nice work!
 
I very rarely do that style of sheath without a retention strap. The only time I have not was at the customer request.
 
Short answer: yes.

However, my personal preference would be for the leather pouch to accomodate another 1.5 to 2 inches of blade and handle and then leave the strap off.
 
Yes on that style of sheath. Also would help with flopping around when carrying. Nice stmping.
 
That particular knife would have been better suited to a deeper seat pouch style sheath eliminating the need for a retention strap altogether.

A strap can be added to this existing sheath very easily. Take out the belt loop stitches, then either overlay, or insert between the loop layers the retention strap (for use around the handle) and restitch (using the same holes) the loop and strap all together. It will be neat and look like it was planned from the beginning.

Paul
 
My 2 cents. You did not show the knife, BUT if it has any type of guard I think the retention strap should be as close to the mouth of the sheath as possible. That will keep the knife from riding up. Look at the KaBar sheath with the retention strap high on the handle. The knife comes up as there is nothing to stop it, the person sits down, the bottom of the sheath folds over, and when you sit down you push the point of the knife thru the sheath. I have seen several KaBars being carried that his has happened to, and always felt that is one reason the US Army came out with the policy that you could not jump a knife in a leather sheath. Of course made me mad as I had many jumps with my Ben Hibben or Randal Model 14, and no problems as the retention strap was in the right place. John
PS Nice looking sheath.
 
A resounding yes then! Thanks everyone for the feedback and the compliments.

Paul I like like your plan of removing the belt loop stitches and adding the retention strap there. I also agree that a pouch sheath would look good, that's what I usually make. However I had this partially finished sheath sitting around, and wanted to use it up.

Cheers
 
I'd vote for a strap with a lining so you don't have the backside of the snap contacting that very pretty handle. Attached using the method Sheathmaker outlined, which would put it in a pretty good place for the reasons Mr. Larson just pointed out.
 
I often do retention straps that are removable so the person wearing has the option. I've used snaps, but prefer Chicago Screws like I did on this one.

163qbl.jpg


254zdpu.jpg
 
I fixed the sheath today. I used 5-6 oz leather lined with suede to protect the knife handle from the snap.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top