Spec-Ops Sheath Issue

G

grinter

Joined
Sep 13, 2012
Messages
81
I've got a pretty new BK-2, that I've been using in a Spec-Ops Combat master sheath ..when it's not too wet or muddy (in which case, I use the stock FRN sheath). I love the Spec Ops.. it's fantastic... but...
Upon drawing or re-sheathing the knife, the blade drags across the retention strap. Needless to say (although I have attached photos anyway), the strap is loosing that battle. It's just a few nicks now, but I'll be using the Spec Ops more in the coming months, and I can see the strap becoming seriously damaged in that time.

What do you all who have this or a similar sheath do to keep from cutting the strap?
No amount of "being careful when you draw" helps.
I tried wrapping the strap in about eight layers of aluminum foil.. but the knife sliced right through that and left little sparkly confetti everywhere.
Maybe some sort of spring to pull the strap away from the know would help?
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I don't have that sheath but I've seen elastic shock cord used to pull the strap open and out of the way of the blade.
 
Yeah shock cord will work well, if you figure a way to attach it. I carried a BK10 in a Spec-ops sheath in Iraq. I found you can use your forefinger to push the strap outta of the way as you draw the knife out, keeping the rest of your fingers and thumb on the handle.
 
I use the Murphy method too. The strap material is stiff enough that it will stay open long enough to draw the knife. Just move it out of the way again to replace the blade.

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I've had that problem with every sheath so far that has a retention strap.
I use the same method as Murphnuge and tradewater, haven't found a better way yet.
 
Like Murph said, just push the strap out of the way as you draw. I've been using spec ops sheaths for 3 years now and havent had a problem.

The only thing I really don't like about it is the exposed button on the retention strap. Fix that by hot gluing a piece of fabric over it. <--Really don't want that gouging your handle while you're carrying a 700+ dollar leather or stag handled Randall.
 
Murph's way...is THE way. I do this too. However, I do like the shock cord idea....have some laying around that needs to be put to use.
 
Here is a picture from the patent website for the Hedgehog Leatherworks retention strap and "automatic swing away knife sheath retaining strap". Basically he has some shock cord attached to the knife side of the retention strap, and when buttoned, it is under tension and pulling, but when unsnapped, it tightens, thus pulling the strap away from the knife and towards the backside of the sheath, clearing the path for your blade.

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Thanks for all of the replies!
I'll practice my 'holding the strap out of the way technique'. ..and in the meanwhile I'll try to figure out how to attach something elastic to that part of the strap.
If I get something working, or if I cut myself holding the strap out of the way, I'll post some photos.
 
Melt holes in using a heated nail or a soldering iron, then run the cord through like that.
 
Yah, throw you some shock cordage on there to pull the strap out of the way automatically, I have done this with my BK9, but since it is a sharp knife even slight hits with cause the nylon to be cut and fray... Im probably going to loose one of my straps on the BK15 because of this, but I think I can fix it with some superglue.... anyways... here is what I did with my BK9 with a bungee loop (hair tie in laymans terms... lol).... Cheap and dirty...


 
It doesn't have to be shock cord either. You should be able to find some sort of elastic strap material in the craft section of a department store or at a hobby store or you can probably scrounge some up from something you don't use anymore or find some or article of clothing at a thrift store/yardsale with some elastic you could use.
 
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