Retention strap problems

R

Rdnesh69

Joined
Aug 3, 2015
Messages
330
Ok guys, I recently acquired I Patriot leather sheath for my bk16. Let me start by saying, if you have not had the pleasure of experiencing one of there sheaths, you my friend are missing out. This thing is hand made and the quality is unbelievable. The craftsmanship is flawless the materials are perfect and it's a thing of beauty. It's also built like a tank and will probably outlive me.
The retention strap is very stout and has two snaps so it's already not the easiest thing to snap in place. Here's my problem/question, it seems like the strap is ever so slightly too short. So when it's on my hip it takes every bit of manliness in me to snap it. What do I do?! Is this normal for an over built sheath to take some breaking in or should I do something to try and remedy this. If so.. what? Thanks gents!
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Might be a pain for a while but, as you well know....leather stretches....have patience.;')
 
Ditto ^^^^ A sheath maker like that would have the dimensions well sorted. Messing with it now may mean it gets too sloppy later on. Perhaps you could just snap in on and off as you are watching TV or something - it will annoy the heck out of everyone else watching with you:D - but repeated opening and closing will eventually ease things up.
 
There is a product called Pro Carv that will provide some stretch too. Mix with water at a ratio of 10 parts water to 1 part Pro Carv, dampen the inside of your strap with a sponge and then do your tv thing. Done this many times for many folks with too tight boots. Works very well.
 
What is the purpose of the two cords on the back of the retention strap? Do they adjust the tightness of the retention step? John
 
John, I believe the 'cords' are elastic and when you pop the snaps open (the elastic - under tension) pulls the retaining strap out of the way of the blade cutting edge as it is drawn.
You can see on this particular sheath the retaining strap is on the cutting side of the blade.
 
That is correct and I must say it works quite nicely. I believe it's patented by another sheath maker.
 
I have seen an old Bolen sheath that used a spring type set up to do the same thing. Any chance they are set too tight and that is the reason you are having trouble shaping the retention sheath shut? Maybe the sheath maker can advise you? John
 
The problem lies in that the micarta scales are a little fatter than the factory ones. Easiest way is to wet the retention strap down and strap the knife in for a couple hours, it will stretch that extra little bit required for those scales.
 
Rdnesh69 said:
Ha, the old tv break in. Done that that before, sounds looks a plan.
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works like a charm to break leather holsters and brand new lever action rifles too :) , just keep working it , I had a holster with a thumb break that was stubborn. The old TV breaking trick worked wonders ... especially when there's a clint eastwood marathon airing.
 
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