Sheath - kydex or leather?

Buffalohump

Buffalohump

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
6,211
Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting my first Busse soon (yeaahh!) - a BATAC.

I was just wanting to get some opinions on sheaths for this knife.

I have Buy Brown and Chuddy Bear at the top of my list, but which works best - kydex or leather?

I'm not a fan of the way kydex scratches blades, but I figure if the sheath is set up properly (to grip the handle), it shouldn't happen.

Leather is really nice, but will it add a lot of weight to the package?

Also, I'm struggling to decide between a black blade or a tan. Handles are snakeskin. If you all have an opinion, I'd like to hear it!

Thanks
 
I too struggled with this and my decision was swayed to kydex when I realized my knife would be getting a lot of hard use including getting wet during fly fishing season.
 
Buffalohump: First off, congrats on the incoming BATAC. One of my favorites. Since all my INFI are users I never worry about rubs or scratches on the blade. But if you want to keep it mint then you might look at kydex sheaths that use handle retention (not sure of the correct term) as opposed to blade retention. Okuden sheaths use the handle retention method and should not rub on your blade. Leather, of course, is the ultimate in smoothness. And if you get one of Leatherman's kydex-fusion sheathes you could have the best of both worlds. Chuddy Bear is another awesome leather bender here.

I personally use a Spec-Ops for my Badger much of the time.

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Just preference. Post some pics when you get what you are looking for. ;)
 
I generally buy leather for satin or double cut finishes, but if you are going to use it then it doesn't make much difference. Okuden sheaths will also scratch a satin finish even though they use more handle retention. That's just something you have to put up with when choosing Kydex.

In your situation where you are getting a coated blade that you are going to use, I wouldn't fear Kydex. It will really depend on what you prefer aesthetically and whether or not you plan on it getting wet much.
 
Groovy...:thumbup:

I did consider that Spec-Ops sheath, which is obviously a fair bit cheaper, but that's a lotta sheath to stash under a coat if you're planning on carrying the knife in an urban environment.

I'm thinking the kydex will be the more low profile.... I kinda like the new tan and OD colours they have now. The desert camo ones are also cool...

Is the BATAC way too big for concealed carry? Am I kidding myself about that? I'd love a Meaner obviously, but funds do not permit a double header right now...
 
Looks good!

That top is a snake and tan right? That's the combo I'm looking at.

I'm gonna go look for Spec-Ops sheaths. Can always get a kydex later.
 
Buffalohump said:
Groovy...:thumbup:

I did consider that Spec-Ops sheath, which is obviously a fair bit cheaper, but that's a lotta sheath to stash under a coat if you're planning on carrying the knife in an urban environment.
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If you're going to be carrying it in an urban environment then you might want to consider a kydex IWB sheath designed with discretion in mind. I don't know about the Chuddy Bear or Leather Man but Eric from On-site sells some that would fit the bill.
 
yep, for concealed carry kydex will be the only way to go.

the leather guys can keep a sheath fairly small, but it will still be significantly larger than a kydex fold-over design.

get the spec-ops for the woods (pockets come in handy for a flashlight, etc...) and the kydex for the city.

As far as concealing it : it will be hard to conceal, but it is totally do-able. If you can live with a little discomfort, you can hide it in the samll of the back, or on yor back hip. (I know plenty of people who conceal a full size 1911.) But honestly, I think you'll be looking for an AD or a Meaner before too long -- the Badger will just get pretty uncomfortable after a while (not to mention the looks you're going to get when you pull it out in frontof others.) Personally, I've decided that a 8.5" o/a knife is about the longest that I want to carry IWB daily. The meaner fits that bill perfectly.
 
I have several Okuden Kydex sheaths that use handle retention. However, all the satin blades I have in them still have scratches from the Kydex. Of course, they also have scratches from being used.

A leather sheath will scratch as well as soon as you get a little dirt or grime in it.

If you will carry and use the knife it will scratch, no way around this.

I like the look of leather but my Kydex sheaths are much lighter, thinner, and waterproof. If I'm really going to go out and get wet and dirty, Kydex is what I choose.
 
zephy5 said:
A leather sheath will scratch as well as soon as you get a little dirt or grime in it.
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That is the truth! I generally prefer leather but it'll still help your blades get scratches, and it can be harder to clean out than a kydex sheath...
 
It is a fact that any sheath will eventually scratch a blade but if it is a user that will happen anyway. I feel that the BATAC is a big knife for everyday carry. I guess it comes down to personal choice as both kydex and leather have their respective advantages and disadvantages. The BATAC is a great choice though. It is an incredibly versatile blade. I hope you enjoy it whatever you choose
 
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