chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2008
- Messages
- 6,422
A few years ago I developed this "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]
My extension is made from two layers of kydex (0.06 or 0.08) held together with eyelets in the 'head' and 'base'. I am working toward a revision made from single-layer 0.125 kydex later in the year. This double-layer design keeps the extension stiff while allowing for a lot of flex on demand.
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 are designed to mount along just one side of ANY plastic sheath with holes or slots drilled 3/4" o.c., standard spacing for a large Tek-Lok. This means that the extension can be mounted to every model from Survive! Knives (as opposed to a single model or requiring custom-fitting) - it fits as well on the NeckerII as the GSO-7/7; stock sheaths for the Becker BK-2 and other models, hard-sheathes for Kabars; the Gerber LMFII, Prodigy, Strongarm; the Buck Selkirk and other models; models from TOPS knives and ESEE; custom sheaths from Azwelke and Kiah and 710 and more! The extensions are seeing use on Bussekin and Fallkniven and Bark River custom sheaths, and the list goes on.
NOTE: The extension does not fit EVERY plastic/kydex sheath as not all have holes in the proper places, but if the sheath has space to drill holes at 3/4" o.c. then it can work. Mashed Cat and Buy Brown sheaths (excellent quality) are easy to modify by drilling a single hole as needed. I have not yet tried the extension for a firearm but would appreciate feedback if someone has a holster that might be appropriate.
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.
Each extension comes with mounting hardware - screws, pillars, & rubber spacers for secure attachment.
The holes in the head of the extension are compatible with a large Tek-Lok, AB-3 clip, pre-made belt-loops and other attachment accessories. If you want one that can accommodate a spyderco G-clip let me know, I can make that happen. The holes are set at different levels to allow for higher or lower carry according to the user's preference - again, versatility not found in most designs.
With each extension I'll include a rivetted leather belt-loop that can be hard-mounted to the extension with the hardware included - screws and pillars.
The extension can also be adapted for drop-loop carry at ANY height by stringing the included belt-loop through top holes in the extension - a simple and secure method for which 8" of paracord is included.
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.
One exception is the GSO-10 and other knives where the width of the blade extends far forward of the handle - for these, I recommend a "left-hand" extension mounted along the sheath-spine for right-hand carry and vice-versa as seen in thsi video by DBear723:
[video=youtube;7ZdwGoyDQm4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZdwGoyDQm4[/video]
[video=youtube;QU5qiDPRplw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU5qiDPRplw[/video]
I currently offer extensions in black and OD-green kydex 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 8" paracord (matching the extension) for dangler-carry.
I have on-hand (ready to ship) 13 right-hand black extensions and 9 OD-green, as well as 6 left-hand black extensions and 5 OD-green.
Each extension set (kydex piece + hardware) is priced at $15 USD for the first and $12 for additional pieces.
I also have a few leg-straps on hand - 3 feet of 1"-wide black light-weight poly webbing with adjustable side-release buckle and slider available for $3 each, first-come first-serve. I highly recommend one for larger blades and dangler-carry - much nicer than a piece of cord :thumbup:
Price do not include shipping! I generally use USPS First Class with tracking which is $3-4 within the US, I do ship international.
If interested in a purchase, send an e-mail to chiral(dot)grolim(at)gmail(dot)com (or send a PM through bladeforums) 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 (specify if it's for a GSO-10), color-preference (black+black vs green+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.
A note on quality: I am trying to keep the price of these items as low as possible, making them in my spare time with some basic tools. These are not polished products with high tolerances, so you may notice some roughness or inconsistancies, but all are fully functional. If you are disappointed in the quality of your extension, drop me a line so we can discuss the issue. I've made and sold over a hundred of these, not many complaints so far
I think you will be satisfied with the investment.
Final note: Once my inventory is cleared, it may be a while before I have more leg-straps and extensions available, but stay tuned. I hope to add firesteel-holders and ferro-rods to my offerings in the near future at prices that are hard to beat.
Thank you very much for your interest and your support! :thumbup:
[video=youtube;COKvk-AcNzk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COKvk-AcNzk[/video]
My extension is made from two layers of kydex (0.06 or 0.08) held together with eyelets in the 'head' and 'base'. I am working toward a revision made from single-layer 0.125 kydex later in the year. This double-layer design keeps the extension stiff while allowing for a lot of flex on demand.
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 are designed to mount along just one side of ANY plastic sheath with holes or slots drilled 3/4" o.c., standard spacing for a large Tek-Lok. This means that the extension can be mounted to every model from Survive! Knives (as opposed to a single model or requiring custom-fitting) - it fits as well on the NeckerII as the GSO-7/7; stock sheaths for the Becker BK-2 and other models, hard-sheathes for Kabars; the Gerber LMFII, Prodigy, Strongarm; the Buck Selkirk and other models; models from TOPS knives and ESEE; custom sheaths from Azwelke and Kiah and 710 and more! The extensions are seeing use on Bussekin and Fallkniven and Bark River custom sheaths, and the list goes on.
NOTE: The extension does not fit EVERY plastic/kydex sheath as not all have holes in the proper places, but if the sheath has space to drill holes at 3/4" o.c. then it can work. Mashed Cat and Buy Brown sheaths (excellent quality) are easy to modify by drilling a single hole as needed. I have not yet tried the extension for a firearm but would appreciate feedback if someone has a holster that might be appropriate.
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.
Each extension comes with mounting hardware - screws, pillars, & rubber spacers for secure attachment.
The holes in the head of the extension are compatible with a large Tek-Lok, AB-3 clip, pre-made belt-loops and other attachment accessories. If you want one that can accommodate a spyderco G-clip let me know, I can make that happen. The holes are set at different levels to allow for higher or lower carry according to the user's preference - again, versatility not found in most designs.
With each extension I'll include a rivetted leather belt-loop that can be hard-mounted to the extension with the hardware included - screws and pillars.
The extension can also be adapted for drop-loop carry at ANY height by stringing the included belt-loop through top holes in the extension - a simple and secure method for which 8" of paracord is included.
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.
One exception is the GSO-10 and other knives where the width of the blade extends far forward of the handle - for these, I recommend a "left-hand" extension mounted along the sheath-spine for right-hand carry and vice-versa as seen in thsi video by DBear723:
[video=youtube;7ZdwGoyDQm4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZdwGoyDQm4[/video]
[video=youtube;QU5qiDPRplw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU5qiDPRplw[/video]
I currently offer extensions in black and OD-green kydex 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 8" paracord (matching the extension) for dangler-carry.
I have on-hand (ready to ship) 13 right-hand black extensions and 9 OD-green, as well as 6 left-hand black extensions and 5 OD-green.
Each extension set (kydex piece + hardware) is priced at $15 USD for the first and $12 for additional pieces.
I also have a few leg-straps on hand - 3 feet of 1"-wide black light-weight poly webbing with adjustable side-release buckle and slider available for $3 each, first-come first-serve. I highly recommend one for larger blades and dangler-carry - much nicer than a piece of cord :thumbup:
Price do not include shipping! I generally use USPS First Class with tracking which is $3-4 within the US, I do ship international.
If interested in a purchase, send an e-mail to chiral(dot)grolim(at)gmail(dot)com (or send a PM through bladeforums) 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 (specify if it's for a GSO-10), color-preference (black+black vs green+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.
A note on quality: I am trying to keep the price of these items as low as possible, making them in my spare time with some basic tools. These are not polished products with high tolerances, so you may notice some roughness or inconsistancies, but all are fully functional. If you are disappointed in the quality of your extension, drop me a line so we can discuss the issue. I've made and sold over a hundred of these, not many complaints so far
I think you will be satisfied with the investment.Final note: Once my inventory is cleared, it may be a while before I have more leg-straps and extensions available, but stay tuned. I hope to add firesteel-holders and ferro-rods to my offerings in the near future at prices that are hard to beat.
Thank you very much for your interest and your support! :thumbup:
