chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2008
- Messages
- 6,422
Universal Kydex Extension 2.0
A few years ago I developed the "Universal Kydex Extension" as an accessory to lower the carry-height of knife sheaths on the hip so that the handle is not above the waist and poking users in the ribs or impeding the belt of a back-pack. Such accessories are common but I've not found one quite as versatile as this.
[video=youtube;COKvk-AcNzk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COKvk-AcNzk[/video]
The Universal Kydex Extension 2.0 is designed to mount to virtually ANY kydex or plastic sheath with holes spaced either 3/4" o.c. or 1.5" o.c. - this includes sheaths that come with various models from TOPS, Becker, Kabar, ESEE, Ontario, Survive!, Gerber, Boker, Buck, Bradford, Azwelke, Mashed Cat, Buy Brown, 710 Custom Design, and so on. The extension works on knife-models as small as the Survive! NeckerII or as large as the Busse FBM and beyond. No matter your knife model, if you have a sheath that you think might be able to accommodate this extension, you may find it well worth your while to try it out.
Here are a number of knife models with different sheaths ALL OF WHICH are compatible with the Universal Kydex Extension 2.0.
My original design was made from two layers of 0.080 kydex held together with eyelets in the 'head' and 'base'. While very strong, the design was challenging to reproduce with a high level of consistency in quality. I have since revised the design into a single-layer 0.125 kydex platform that presents sufficient strength, stiffness, and also flexibility but now features a higher level of consistent quality in manufacture.
The extension is designed to be mounted through holes along the edge-side of your sheath. If your sheath features holes spaced 3/4" o.c., these will match up with the corner-hole in the base of the extension and the angled holes below. The angled arrangement of the holes in the base allows the user to customize their carry-angle such that the knife rides straight-vertical, canted 45', horizontal, and a plethora of angles in between.
Each extension comes with specific mounting hardware - a long screw + pillar and rubber spacer for the top hole, and another set for the lower holes at the angle of your choosing - simply tighten the the sheath against the lower rubber washer to secure your angle.
The off-set "L" shape keeps the arm thin for easier carry and places it behind the handle of your knife when mounted vertically. The holes in the base of the extension allow the user to mount their sheath vertically, horizontally, or at a variety of angles. You can angle the knife for cross-draw, comfortably scout-carry below the waste-strap of your back-pack while keeping the knife mounted to your person rather than your pack... The angle-adjustment also accommodates oddly-angled or swerving handle-shapes like the Busse Muk.
But what if your sheath doesn't have a hole properly set at 3/4" o.c.? What if they are spaced at 1.5" O.c. instead, like the ESEE sheaths? No problem!
Each UKE 2.0 also comes with a kydex "bridge" and shim/washer allowing the user to bridge the gap between holes.
The bridge mounts against your sheath with the included pillar through the center hole.
The pillar and rubber-spacer are removed from the lower hole of the extension, and the rubber spacer secures the pillar of the bridge.
The bridge is then mounted to the extension as shown and secured at the desired angle with the included screw. The extension & bridge is then mounted to the sheath using the remaining hardware, the kydex spacers serving to hold the bottom hole's pillar at the proper distance through the sheath.
The bridge may evince some flexing - this is normal and does not damage the extension.
NEW INNOVATION - I am now replacing the 3-holed bridge with a 4-holed bridge that adapts sheaths with holes spaced 2" o.c. (e.g. CPK Field Knife)
Attachment remains the same - simply use the extra screw and washer to attach the UKE to the bridge and cross the distance to the sheath's next hole for attachment.
The holes in the head of the extension are compatible with the AB-3 belt-clip, leather belt-loop, as well as both large and small Tek-Lok, Spyderco G-clip, Molle-Loks, and a variety of other accessories. The holes are set at different levels to allow for higher or lower carry according to the user's preference. This is versatility not found in most designs.
Each extension comes with the sheath-mounting hardware as well as an AB-3 belt-clip for quick on/off convenience, as well as a leather belt-loop (black or brown available), and mounting hardware for use with either. The extension can also be adapted for drop-loop carry at any height by stringing the included belt-loop or another accessory through top holes in the extension - a simple and secure method for which 8" of paracord is included.
Light-weight poly-webbing leg-straps, complete with adjustable side-release buckle and slider, are available at additional cost.
NOTE: the "L" shape and curved design of the extension demands that users specify a preference for right- or left-hand use. A "right-hand" extension is designed to mount along the edge-side of the knife-sheath but it can be mounted along the spine-side of a pancake-style sheath for left-hand use if desired, and vice versa for a "left-hand" extension.
Another neat aspect of the design is that the leather belt-loop can be mounted to a sheath for horizontal "scout" carry without the extension:
I currently offer the UKE 2.0 only in black with black or brown leather belt-loops. As mentioned before, each extension comes with mounting hardware both for the belt-loop (or other accessory) and attachment to your sheath, as well as an AB-3 belt-clip and also 8" paracord for dangler-carry.
Each extension set (kydex piece + belt-loop + clip + cord + all hardware) is priced at just $15 USD.
Leg-straps - 3 feet of 1"-wide black light-weight poly webbing with adjustable side-release buckle and slider - are available for $3 each with the purchase of an extension. I highly recommend one for larger blades and dangler-carry - much nicer than a piece of cord :thumbup:
I also offer a basic firesteel holder for just $4 bare or $5 to include its own separate attachment screws (I usually just mount the holder between the sheath and the extension using the screws from the extension). They are formed to a 5/16" rod (industry standard).
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...4Ew7kOKrjbsrurpv2EywdXACCo/s1024/P1050040.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...yiQfxFBTAEJbpPuUbWQCCo/s576-Ic42/P1050042.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...3UIXSRQA5CIhBa4DSCQCCo/s576-Ic42/P1050044.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...36Nv3ZKlpKzAiggWIMACCo/s576-Ic42/P1050045.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...18gLmIip7x22dqPUd6gCCo/s576-Ic42/P1050046.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...INI2QG63rmfFV1q7hPgCCo/s576-Ic42/P1050047.JPG
Price does not include shipping! I generally use USPS First Class with tracking which is $4-6 within the US, and I do ship international.
If interested in a purchase, send an e-mail direct to chiral(dot)grolim(at)gmail(dot)com (e-mails through bladeforums apparently don't always get forwarded to my address?) and include your shipping address, preferred method of payment (i accept cash, MO, or Paypal), and a list of what you'd like: number of extensions, right- or left-hand, leather color-preference (black / brown), and if you want a leg-strap.
I'll get back to you as soon as possible with a price quote that includes shipping and payment information. Once your payment clears, the package will go out and I'll send you the tracking number.
If you have any questions about the items when they arrive, do not hesitate to drop me aline. If you are disappointed in the quality of your extension, drop me a line so we can discuss the issue. I've not had many complaints so far, I think you will be satisfied with the investment.
Thank you very much for your interest and your support! :thumbup:
A few years ago I developed the "Universal Kydex Extension" as an accessory to lower the carry-height of knife sheaths on the hip so that the handle is not above the waist and poking users in the ribs or impeding the belt of a back-pack. Such accessories are common but I've not found one quite as versatile as this.
[video=youtube;COKvk-AcNzk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COKvk-AcNzk[/video]
The Universal Kydex Extension 2.0 is designed to mount to virtually ANY kydex or plastic sheath with holes spaced either 3/4" o.c. or 1.5" o.c. - this includes sheaths that come with various models from TOPS, Becker, Kabar, ESEE, Ontario, Survive!, Gerber, Boker, Buck, Bradford, Azwelke, Mashed Cat, Buy Brown, 710 Custom Design, and so on. The extension works on knife-models as small as the Survive! NeckerII or as large as the Busse FBM and beyond. No matter your knife model, if you have a sheath that you think might be able to accommodate this extension, you may find it well worth your while to try it out.
Here are a number of knife models with different sheaths ALL OF WHICH are compatible with the Universal Kydex Extension 2.0.
My original design was made from two layers of 0.080 kydex held together with eyelets in the 'head' and 'base'. While very strong, the design was challenging to reproduce with a high level of consistency in quality. I have since revised the design into a single-layer 0.125 kydex platform that presents sufficient strength, stiffness, and also flexibility but now features a higher level of consistent quality in manufacture.
The extension is designed to be mounted through holes along the edge-side of your sheath. If your sheath features holes spaced 3/4" o.c., these will match up with the corner-hole in the base of the extension and the angled holes below. The angled arrangement of the holes in the base allows the user to customize their carry-angle such that the knife rides straight-vertical, canted 45', horizontal, and a plethora of angles in between.
Each extension comes with specific mounting hardware - a long screw + pillar and rubber spacer for the top hole, and another set for the lower holes at the angle of your choosing - simply tighten the the sheath against the lower rubber washer to secure your angle.
The off-set "L" shape keeps the arm thin for easier carry and places it behind the handle of your knife when mounted vertically. The holes in the base of the extension allow the user to mount their sheath vertically, horizontally, or at a variety of angles. You can angle the knife for cross-draw, comfortably scout-carry below the waste-strap of your back-pack while keeping the knife mounted to your person rather than your pack... The angle-adjustment also accommodates oddly-angled or swerving handle-shapes like the Busse Muk.
But what if your sheath doesn't have a hole properly set at 3/4" o.c.? What if they are spaced at 1.5" O.c. instead, like the ESEE sheaths? No problem!
Each UKE 2.0 also comes with a kydex "bridge" and shim/washer allowing the user to bridge the gap between holes.
The bridge mounts against your sheath with the included pillar through the center hole.
The pillar and rubber-spacer are removed from the lower hole of the extension, and the rubber spacer secures the pillar of the bridge.
The bridge is then mounted to the extension as shown and secured at the desired angle with the included screw. The extension & bridge is then mounted to the sheath using the remaining hardware, the kydex spacers serving to hold the bottom hole's pillar at the proper distance through the sheath.
The bridge may evince some flexing - this is normal and does not damage the extension.
NEW INNOVATION - I am now replacing the 3-holed bridge with a 4-holed bridge that adapts sheaths with holes spaced 2" o.c. (e.g. CPK Field Knife)
Attachment remains the same - simply use the extra screw and washer to attach the UKE to the bridge and cross the distance to the sheath's next hole for attachment.
The holes in the head of the extension are compatible with the AB-3 belt-clip, leather belt-loop, as well as both large and small Tek-Lok, Spyderco G-clip, Molle-Loks, and a variety of other accessories. The holes are set at different levels to allow for higher or lower carry according to the user's preference. This is versatility not found in most designs.
Each extension comes with the sheath-mounting hardware as well as an AB-3 belt-clip for quick on/off convenience, as well as a leather belt-loop (black or brown available), and mounting hardware for use with either. The extension can also be adapted for drop-loop carry at any height by stringing the included belt-loop or another accessory through top holes in the extension - a simple and secure method for which 8" of paracord is included.
Light-weight poly-webbing leg-straps, complete with adjustable side-release buckle and slider, are available at additional cost.
NOTE: the "L" shape and curved design of the extension demands that users specify a preference for right- or left-hand use. A "right-hand" extension is designed to mount along the edge-side of the knife-sheath but it can be mounted along the spine-side of a pancake-style sheath for left-hand use if desired, and vice versa for a "left-hand" extension.
Another neat aspect of the design is that the leather belt-loop can be mounted to a sheath for horizontal "scout" carry without the extension:
I currently offer the UKE 2.0 only in black with black or brown leather belt-loops. As mentioned before, each extension comes with mounting hardware both for the belt-loop (or other accessory) and attachment to your sheath, as well as an AB-3 belt-clip and also 8" paracord for dangler-carry.
Each extension set (kydex piece + belt-loop + clip + cord + all hardware) is priced at just $15 USD.
Leg-straps - 3 feet of 1"-wide black light-weight poly webbing with adjustable side-release buckle and slider - are available for $3 each with the purchase of an extension. I highly recommend one for larger blades and dangler-carry - much nicer than a piece of cord :thumbup:
I also offer a basic firesteel holder for just $4 bare or $5 to include its own separate attachment screws (I usually just mount the holder between the sheath and the extension using the screws from the extension). They are formed to a 5/16" rod (industry standard).
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...4Ew7kOKrjbsrurpv2EywdXACCo/s1024/P1050040.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...yiQfxFBTAEJbpPuUbWQCCo/s576-Ic42/P1050042.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...3UIXSRQA5CIhBa4DSCQCCo/s576-Ic42/P1050044.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...36Nv3ZKlpKzAiggWIMACCo/s576-Ic42/P1050045.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...18gLmIip7x22dqPUd6gCCo/s576-Ic42/P1050046.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...INI2QG63rmfFV1q7hPgCCo/s576-Ic42/P1050047.JPG
Price does not include shipping! I generally use USPS First Class with tracking which is $4-6 within the US, and I do ship international.
If interested in a purchase, send an e-mail direct to chiral(dot)grolim(at)gmail(dot)com (e-mails through bladeforums apparently don't always get forwarded to my address?) and include your shipping address, preferred method of payment (i accept cash, MO, or Paypal), and a list of what you'd like: number of extensions, right- or left-hand, leather color-preference (black / brown), and if you want a leg-strap.
I'll get back to you as soon as possible with a price quote that includes shipping and payment information. Once your payment clears, the package will go out and I'll send you the tracking number.
If you have any questions about the items when they arrive, do not hesitate to drop me aline. If you are disappointed in the quality of your extension, drop me a line so we can discuss the issue. I've not had many complaints so far, I think you will be satisfied with the investment.
Thank you very much for your interest and your support! :thumbup: