Seal Pup Nylon Sheath

[flotsam_jetsam]

I've heard a lot of vague complaints about the new nylon sheaths. I just got my Pup Elite with a nylon (for my pack) and seperately ordered a Groove kydex for diving. I haven't used the nylon one much yet, but it certainly is an unusual design: the kydex insert is fine (pretty standard) and the nylon is nice and heavy. Good tie-down points at 4 corners and I like the Molle strap on the back which allows for several carry heights on your belt or attaching to newer packs. The extra pouch is a bit of a wierd size (gusseted at top, which makes it taper to the bottom), but is a nice feature to have for a multi-tool or fire-starting items. The flap that comes over the top is also a bit wierd; if you want to carry it readily accessible, you have to bend the flap back over and wear it inside your belt to keep it out of the way. On the other hand, it definitely keeps the knife secure, which is (I suppose) why it was designed that way (for jump-rating). So far, no real complaints because I more-or-less knew all of this before purchase.

Here are my two issues with SOG:
1) The pouch has a flap with velcro closure, but the velcro on the flap only extends from the end about 1/2 way up. Likewise, there is a fairly small velcro patch on the sheath for it to stick-to. Therefore, you almost have to put something large in the pouch (which then sticks up above the level of the Pup's kydex insert and makes it harder to insert the knife) in order for the velcro to work well. The very easy solution, which I did myself in about 5 minutes (and at a cost of about $.20), is to add some velcro to either the main sheath or (easier) the flap. Just another inch would allow you to fully close the pouch, making it more versatile.

2) The undersized strap that holds the knife in the sheath (assuming you have the large cover flap open) is pathetic. Not only is it rather small but, more disturbing, it has a small velcro closure. This small of a piece seems like it will quickly wear out and/or become clogged with dirt & crap so that it loses its effectiveness. Furthermore, velcro isn't that strong and I don't trust my nice new knife to be held in place by such a weak link. How hard would it have been to use a snap like most other, even cheap, knives do?

All in all, the sheath is alright and I certainly wouldn't let this disuade anyone from buying one. Just know that there are some little quirks. Perhaps there is a good reason for these features that I'm oblivious to, but I really expected more from SOG. It seems like fifty cents at the factory would have fixed both of my main concerns.

By the way; love the knife! I was able to shave with it out of the box and it feels good in the hand.

 

[SPXTrader]

I cut the flap off of mine, burnished the edge, and I'm much happier with it now...but you are correct, there needs to be some work done on both the pocket velcro and the handle piece of velcro.

 

[Chris@SOG]

Thanks for the comments. We are in the process of updating the sheaths and the flap is going away. There are some other changes that are happening but the finalized version has not been approved yet. Once it is and shipping that in will be posted on the website. I would guess that everything will be done and list in the next 2-3 months. I'll try to remember to post here also.

 

[cgusek111]

I've got a kit at the house to install snap fasteners and that's what I plan to do with mine when I get it (should be here tomorrow, The Seal Pup, excited). Now that I think of it, it wouldn't be hard to sew a clip onto the front pouch.