Sheath for BK14r: kydex or leather?

[bchan77]

Next to the tweeners BK14 is another knife that I am thinking of buying. In fact it may well be my first Becker purchase. One thing that worries me a bit however is that I have read posts that reported instances of blade edges being dulled by drawing the knife in and out of the factory kydex sheath. I wonder whether a leather sheath may lessen this problem. On the other hand, I am not sure carrying a carbon steel knife in a leather sheath (which I understand can absorb moisture) is a good idea, especially when the place where I live is noted for humid weather.

I have no prior experience with 1095, my knife collection is predominately folders made of stainless steels. Thanks for any advice.

 

[CamH_16]

Ok, this may not apply but I held my stripped eskabar in my sweaty hand for 5 hours doing what turned out to be a terrible convex job but appart form that there wasnt a single spot of rust on it. Both are fine though, kydex will still hold moisture as drain holes in kydex are only useful if the entire sheath gets flodded. it just comes down to personal preferance. BTW, the factory sheaths are GFN not kydex, GFN is a glass reenforced plastic so simmilar but different overall.

 

[richdkao]

I'd dumped the sheath came with the BK14, made a new kydex for it,
no more problem.

p.s. I'm in Taiwan so the humidity almost like you in Hong Kong

 

[clich]

If your dumping the sheath, then it depends on carry and climate. You said you live in a humid area, but high humidity won't cause rust on an oiled blade in leather. Lightly oil the sheath and knife and your good to go. Most quality leather comes sealed anyway so just routine oil is all that is needed. Now for carry options, if you were thinking neck carry, against your sweaty body in high humidity I'd definitely say kydex, and to also to measures to prevent corrosion. Like not stripping the handle (I'd you plan on stripping at all) if you do a cord wrap. Also mineral oil is your friend. Really a scotch bright pad and some flitz will take care of any surface corrosion you may encounter. I'm sure you will notice any corrosion before it gets bad which takes a while.

 

[richdkao]

If your dumping the sheath, then it depends on carry and climate. You said you live in a humid area, but high humidity won't cause rust on an oiled blade in leather. Lightly oil the sheath and knife and your good to go. Most quality leather comes sealed anyway so just routine oil is all that is needed. Now for carry options, if you were thinking neck carry, against your sweaty body in high humidity I'd definitely say kydex, and to also to measures to prevent corrosion. Like not stripping the handle (I'd you plan on stripping at all) if you do a cord wrap. Also mineral oil is your friend. Really a scotch bright pad and some flitz will take care of any surface corrosion you may encounter. I'm sure you will notice any corrosion before it gets bad which takes a while.

I dumped it because it dulles my edge

 

[bchan77]

I'd dumped the sheath came with the BK14, made a new kydex for it,
no more problem.

Hello richdkao, where did you get the new kydex sheath?

 

[LECTER]

As clich wisely stated, it depends on how you plan on carrying it. Hong Kong is really strict with weapons of any sort so if you plan on EDC'ing it, go for neck carry and therefore Kydex.

 

[SoldMyHat]

Azwelke and Godspeed are kydex sheath makers here on the forum. Both do great work and can set you up however you want.

Skystorm and Nix make great leather if you go that route.

Heck, it's your knife. Get what YOU want.

 

[bchan77]

Thanks SoldMyHat for the helpful pointers.