Sheaths suitable for very wet and humid enviroments

Is this a Kydex only application or can with proper care a leather or cordura sheath survive? If proper care is not taken, no steps does to help the sheath survive, how long does it take to lose functionality?

-Cliff
 
J

Jimbo

Joined
Aug 10, 1999
Messages
546
Hi Cliff:

In western Canada (They call this rainforest for a reason..)the leather sheaths that I have made from 4mm harness grade leather have always been fine. I use heavy leather both sewn and rivetted (solid copper rivets), and wax with a hot iron and ski glide wax to make sure that leather is totally waxed through. The sheaths are friction fit and have held up for 20+ years.
I haven't had much luck with commercial sheaths on the cheap knives that I own - Gerber, Schrade etc. - with the exception of a sheath for the Schrade Deerslayer. With an initial hot waxing that has held up for twenty years. All other sheaths were constructed of poor leather and became dangerously soft due to wetness and wear even after waxing.
Obviously my method wouldn't work in a hot humid climate. I do have to be careful about sand getting into the sheath - I guess I would with plastic too, and maybe my method wouldn't work for others. I use carbon steel knives and they haven't rusted away despite regular dunkings while I wade rivers - so I'm careful with my stuff.
I haven't had any luck getting (what I consider) good leather lately so I think I'd either have to go manmade material or tan my own moose hide for further sheaths.
 
I guess I didn't really answer your question.

So I took out the original sheath for a Gerber A 425 - about twenty years old. This is a friction (tension) fit sheath. I soaked it for ten minutes, then just left it wet. It was flexible enough to be dangerous within 30 minutes. Leather is easily cut when wet so it would be easy to push a knife through it. In addition tension fit sheaths are molded when wet - unless the leather is treated after it dries, wetness reduces/removes the tension fit. This is 2.5 mm leather and apparently varnished on the outside surfaces, and showing smooth finish on inside surfaces. I'd never treated it.

The outside finish and tight fit of the knife would probably keep the sheath OK except for people who wade rivers. It's often too hot for waders while salmon fishing here in summer so I just wear shorts and caulked logging boots. The only thing that usually stays dry is the shotgun - for the bears - I use a speyrod on the salmon.

The same soaking on a waxed leather sheath showed no apparent change - and I don't remember re-waxing or treating that sheath in the last twenty years. Like I said I used glide wax - I have no idea whether other waxes would work under cold conditions when most waxes become brittle - but the stuff I used has worked for me even under cold conditions for a very long time.

Jimbo
 
There are different types of humid climates. The Pacific Northwest is an entirely different matter from a tropical rainforest.
Leather gets eaten in the tropics. Cordura might work if the quality is right, as well as workmanship. The best way to go is kydex--until something better comes along.
 
Kydex is great here in the tropics where it is humid all year round..The only thing is that you have to oil the rivets or screws on you sheath.
 
Rivetted nylon webbing works very well in the tropics, and offers advantages over most of the alternatives. It will dry inside and out fairly quickly and automatically drains after total immersion. The rivets serve to contain the knife edge, and if they are brass will not harm a decent steel edge at all.

Personally I prefer oiled harness leather over kydex. If kept oiled, it repels water very effectively and keeps the knife protected as well, just like a pair of good boots will keep your feet dry. Mink oil is great stuff, and I'm sure there are others.

A nice tight kydex sheath will not dry out easily if immersed and creates a steambath-like environment until it does.

Whatever you use, even if it's stainless, your blade should be oiled regularly. Some of the new synthetic oils, like Boeshield T-9, are extremely effective corrosion barriers and last a long time on steel surfaces.

My thoughts

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com

[This message has been edited by GaKnife (edited 06-11-2000).]
 
When Doc Ron was on the PSG he mentioned that leather sheathes would not work forever in the tropics. A synthetic material would be the best choice. I also have to say that you do need to oil and keep your metal parts rust free in a wet environment. My stuff stays indoors otherwise here in Okinawa my stuff would rust like crazy, especially at this time of the year. Take care.

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Yol bolsun,
Jamie
 
Anyone know of who might make sheaths similar to those like Gerber put out with the BMF and some of their hunting knives? I love these sheaths, and they seem to be about as durable as anyone could ask for.
 
Hey Guys...

I'm slightly Biased,, but I'm partial to Synthetic sheaths myself..
smile.gif


Heres a Busse #7 with one of my sheaths...

busse7.jpg


I never have to worry about it..It'll be around longer than I will
smile.gif


ttyle Eric...

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Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel
Custom,Quality, Concealex Sheaths.

Leading The Way In Synthetic Sheathing.
 
There is a type of leather that has in the past been commonly used for divers weight belts. If I remember correctly this stuff is oil tanned and pretty much impervious to saltwater immersion when retreated on a regular basis. Now take this leather and laminate it with a plastic insert using a waterproof epoxy that stays flexible and you have a sheath that will stand up to a complete soak and not loose it's shape. If you remember to oil it and keep it clean, it will last for a very long time, even in a humid environment. The thing about this leather is that it is so saturated with oil that there isn't room for the leather to soak up water. Keep oiling it and you'll be fine. If you can't find this leather, go with kydex/concealex with suitable drain holes.

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Regards
Joshua "Kage" Calvert

"Move like Water, strike like Thunder..."
 
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