What is your favorite type of fixed blade sheath? Opinions only!

Jamboi

Jamboi

Joined
Feb 7, 2013
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I have been looking at getting custom sheaths made for some of my fixed blade knives. They all have about 6 inch blades. I am really torn between klydex and leather, and several different styles. I am drawn to the leather scout sheaths, but I am not sure how practical the are for a larger fixed blade like a rsk mk2 or esee 6. I hear wonderful and terrible things about klydex. I love the looks of the leather dangler sheaths, but do not really understand the purpose of them dangling. I am mainly thinking about camping or hiking activities. I also like to wear my 5.11 backpack a lot, which is totally molle compatible.

I am interested to know what some of your favorites are and possibly why. :D
 
Kydex with a tek or molle lok.

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I lke danglers because it allows me to wear my shirt untucked, and still have access to my knife. Traditional belt sheaths ride too far up, and require that your shirt be tucked in, or pulled over the knife. I have just enough vanity to keep my shirt untucked, and my knife low.
 
Duh! I had forgot all about molle loks. Thanks for the pics. I like to carry my knife upside down on my backpack strap.

That is a point I never considered abodut a dangler. I do not like to tuck shirts in at all. I had a real pain in the butt last week getting my bk 12 in and out of the belt sheath because of it.

Thanks!
 
Kydex with either belt peg (big bowies), IWB loop, or paracord attachment. You don't need MOLLE Locks or Tek-Locks if you are creative and careful with your paracord:)
 
I prefer custom kydex for a couple reasons. Carry options, ease of use (getting the blade out), weather proof and they don't hold moisture.
 
Another reason to get a dangler is they're more comfy to sit with(especially camp chairs) plus they don't interfere with pack hip belts.

Me I prefer kydex. They hold less moisture, they're a little more rugged(abrasions) and have less chance of the knife poking through in a fall(rivets). I hear guys talking about how fixed blades are so easy to clean compared to folders but then how easy are the inside of leather sheaths to clean if you do have to put your knife away dirty? Kydex can be rinsed out.
 
I really like the look and feel of leather, but it is bad for high-carbon blades and in cold weather if you get it wet.
 
Great stuff! It is amazing how many things to consider when buying a sheath. I remember I ruined one of my dads knives as a kid. I put it in the leather sheath while it was soaking wet. The next time we went fishing he pulled it out and it was solid rust. He was so mad he just threw it in the lake. Lesson learned.

I saw some great custom sheaths in some of these threads. One was a klydex dangler. I may have to get creative myself, either that or I will end up with 2 sheaths for each knife.
 
Jamboi said:
Great stuff! It is amazing how many things to consider when buying a sheath. I remember I ruined one of my dads knives as a kid. I put it in the leather sheath while it was soaking wet. The next time we went fishing he pulled it out and it was solid rust. He was so mad he just threw it in the lake. Lesson learned.

I saw some great custom sheaths in some of these threads. One was a klydex dangler. I may have to get creative myself, either that or I will end up with 2 sheaths for each knife.
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Well you can go back to him with a lesson for himself. The rust can be cleaned off and the knife put back into use. Check the axe section. Lots of rusted hulks being brought back to life. Same can be done with a knife. He waisted a good knife. ;)
 
There is also the option to get a combo kydex/leather sheath. Give you the leather style you like while offering the benefits of kydex.
 
Haha... I do not know why I always want to put a l in there. "klydex" is in the predictive text on this galaxy note. That is weird. I apologize for the multiple mispelling.

As far as the fishing incident goes I think you should use a knife with more stainless properties when around water, especially salt water. That was back in my dad's Marine Corps drill seargent days. He was all ooh rah and drop and give me 50. I was very lucky he didn't throw my ass in lake Pontchartrain! :D

Kydex/leather..... now that is a great idea. I think wood grain and leather go together so well. Maybe, stained wood handles with a dark leather dangler sheath, with a kydex insert? Then when I need it to go molle I just wrap it with paracord on my pack.
 
I like low hanging/dropleg(?) sheaths the best, but there are so few of them! :( Let's me wear shirt or jacket comfortably and access the knife easily. I hate sheaths that are high and grind against me all the time. Also I enjoy leather for it's feel, comfort and aesthetic reasons.
 
Another vote for kydex and a Teklok.

I hear wonderful and terrible things about klydex
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The only negative of properly made kydex is that, when stuff gets inside the sheath or is on the blade, it will scratch the knife. Sometimes very deeply, requiring sanding to get rid of the scratch. Even one tiny bit of sand can do it, because the flat inside of the sheath pushes it against the flat steel of the knife blade.

I will not be quitting kydex anytime soon on my user knives, but I've moved away from smooth sided knives (that scratch easily) to coated or stonewash finished bare steel knives. The stonewashed finish, or coating, gives sand or dust or whatever a chance to get caught up in the low spots, so it isn't sandwiched between the flat sheath and flat steel.

NeverMore1701 said:
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What is this knife, please? Looking at the handle, I need one...
 
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LINED Kydex!
A good friend makes these sheaths and they are the best I have ever seen. He lines the Kydex with the wooly Velcro.
rolf
 
MatthewSB said:
Another vote for kydex and a Teklok.



The only negative of properly made kydex is that, when stuff gets inside the sheath or is on the blade, it will scratch the knife. Sometimes very deeply, requiring sanding to get rid of the scratch. Even one tiny bit of sand can do it, because the flat inside of the sheath pushes it against the flat steel of the knife blade.

I will not be quitting kydex anytime soon on my user knives, but I've moved away from smooth sided knives (that scratch easily) to coated or stonewash finished bare steel knives. The stonewashed finish, or coating, gives sand or dust or whatever a chance to get caught up in the low spots, so it isn't sandwiched between the flat sheath and flat steel.



What is this knife, please? Looking at the handle, I need one...
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It's a Hankins Slim Chance fighter. Very nice knife.

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+1 for kydex.
I have one for my Ka Bar 7" and love it. Secure lock, snaps nicely. The ease of cleaning the sheath is what is great. Leather is a bit suspect with water. Best shealth I've ever had. no question.
 
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