Straight in-out sheaths for recurve blades, such as the KA-BAR Cutlass machete?

[BRL]

I'm curious if there are any complications to a standard sheath for something with a big-ish recurve, for example KA-BAR's Cutlass Machete. The sheath that comes with it has an opening along the spine so the blade can be tilted out, and frankly that seems like a lot of snapping and unsnapping. Thoughts?

 

[Peter_Custom_Sheaths]

This is my way to make good sheaths for recurved and nessmuk blades.

 

[Brenton]

Very sensible design, nice finish.

 

[BRL]

Beautiful sheath.

Only question I have is would it be possible to make a sheath for a knife like that or the KA-BAR cutlass that didn't open along the back, but instead required the knife to be draw straight out?

 

[sheathmaker]

Beautiful sheath.

Only question I have is would it be possible to make a sheath for a knife like that or the KA-BAR cutlass that didn't open along the back, but instead required the knife to be draw straight out?

It can be done but the sheath would be much wider at the mouth allowing the probability of sloppiness at the top. The sheath as shown is probably the optimum shape and style for that particular blade shape.

Paul

 

[BRL]

I was afraid of that but it makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Jeremy Barnard]

I think it could be done very easily. Just add a strap that holds the handle of the knife to one side of the sheath so it does not wiggle and that would also serve to hold the blade in the sheath as well.

 

[sheathmaker]

I think it could be done very easily. Just add a strap that holds the handle of the knife to one side of the sheath so it does not wiggle and that would also serve to hold the blade in the sheath as well.

That would absolutely work for retention and rigidity, but the aesthetics of the sheath would suffer greatly. It would look very unbalanced when sheathed, and in so far as my sheaths are concerned, something like that detracting from the looks and flow be a deal breaker.....but your idea is still a workable solution, if aesthetics is not a consideration.

Paul

 

[BRL]

what about forming the top of the sheath to grasp part of the handle?

 

[Jeremy Barnard]

That would absolutely work for retention and rigidity, but the aesthetics of the sheath would suffer greatly. It would look very unbalanced when sheathed, and in so far as my sheaths are concerned, something like that detracting from the looks and flow be a deal breaker.....but your idea is still a workable solution, if aesthetics is not a consideration.

Paul

I agree.

what about forming the top of the sheath to grasp part of the handle?

That could be done I'm sure. I cant attest on how strong or weak the retention would be though.

 

[sheathmaker]

Look at the photos in post number two again. Peter has what is in my opinion the perfect answer for that blade shape. I think anything that drifts very far from that is headed in the wrong direction. Easy in, easy out, very positive retention, looks good, well made, what else would you want?

Paul