What sheath material would you choose?

Silas

Silas

Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
2,628
I'm in the market for a couple of sheaths for a couple of Busse(BM-E + NO-E).
I was just wondering what type I should get, Leather, Kydex, cordura+kydex.
From the experiances that you've had or heard, which material would you want for dependability? I know they each have their benefits and drawbacks.

Iv'e heard kydex will break in cold weather. At what temp would this be a concern?

I understand leather will mold and is not as easy to clean as kydex. Any other concerns?

I know that there are some AWESOME sheath makers here for BOTH of the materials I've listed. Their sheaths are works of art and I eventually plan on puchaseing one of each material for my knives. I would just like to know the ins and outs for both types.
 
It really depends on how you're using the knife. Leather has worked and worked well for hundreds of years, it doesnt like being soaked in water though, and if you put a knife away dirty you'll play hell getting the gunk out without damaging the leather. Kydex is my favorite, since it's no biggie to soak it in most household cleaners to loosen up dirt, sap, small bits of meat, etc. Cordura/kydex may be my new fave though, I have one on the way from Skunk and should be great, since it adresses the two things I don't like about kydex (hard plastic, scratching stuff like furniture, and looking a bit too weaponish). Plain Cordura is a big no for me, it just holds moisture against the blade if it ever gets wet, picks up dirt inside easily, and if cold steel's are any indication fall apart rather quickly.

Kydex for me is tops, as long as you aren't using it regularly in freezing temps. If it does get cold alot, then moisture or no leather would probably be the best choice.
 
If you want something cool and pleasing to the eye, get leather. However, be aware of the drawbacks. You should not store your blade in a leather sheath, and leather is much more difficult to clean.

If you want something cool and versatile, and easy to maintain, get kydex. You can safely store your knife in a kydex sheath, it cleans up real easy, you have more options for carry, and you have more options for color and design.

If you made me pick one, I couldn't. They both have their niche.
 
i use leather about town and in the woods.

i use kydex when they are packed (glove box, camp box, etc) and when i'm on the water.

for me it's fifty/fifty, i need one of both for my outdoor knives.

i have hiking boots that are leather and get wet all the time, they last for years, good treated leather works well.

kydex is noisier but bullet proof.

i wouldn't leave a knife in either material if all is wet.

here are a few of mine, i have others in vehicles, 4x4's, boats and bags.




pileoscabbards18.JPG
 
Thanks for the replies. Idaho, That picture is great. There are some beautiful sheaths in that pile.
 
Got me to thinking again..... I know, its dangerous ;):p....... what about a waxed leather/kydex fusion with a drain hole toward the bottom?
 
Hey Skunk... I like that pic.... :) Although it looks like you got a mess there on yer hands... why don't you just dump it all in a box and send it to me and I'll sort it all out for you.... :D
 
I like both.. Leather and Kydex, and like Scott I have different uses for either material..

Leather can really last if looked after with leather dressing. Here is a picture of a leather sheath I purchased around 1960 and was worn daily for many, many years and in all kinds of weather .. I also have a saddle that is over forty years old, cared with leather dressing and kept in a Hessian bag when traveling it has remained in excellent condition..

Sorry about the knife. :D I wouldn’t be seen dead without a Busse or a Rat these days. :D

The keeper has been nicked a few times over the years, that’s why I love Dwayne’s pin locks. My next will be to try his leather/kydex combo for my HOFSH

Ian.

34173330-56b1-02000182-.jpg
 
idahoskunk said:
nice set up! i have a few old ones like that, ones you learned to walk with :)
Click to expand...

That was the best money could buy around here in the 60's.. No Busses in those days. :D
Ian.

This ones my Sunday best. Going to town sheath.. :D:D

36274068-6669-020001EA-.jpg
 
The Marine Corps phased out the black leather boots last year. I was still using my pair from boot camp, 13 years ago. The soles had been replaced a few times, but they were still in good shape and waterproof. Mink oil and saddle soap can do wonders for leather.

I like cordura sheaths with inserts for just about everything. However, I will say that leather sheaths are nice for keeping everything streamlined. I'm really interested in a leather sheath with a kydex insert.

Plain kydex worries me with its brittle factor. I have had one and, sure enough, managed to crack it.
 
well i guess i've never tried a leather sheath so i can't comment towards them but kydex has served me well for a long time now. i have kydex sheaths by normark and oku and they are all about performance. very secure fit for rough terrain.

another plus for kydex is less bulk. i carry a bm-e with me when i go hiking in an okuden sheath with tec-lock. this knife has some weight to it but the very trim kydex doesn't add that much more to it like the factory sheath did.
 
Hey, I just bumped the thread up from middle of 2003 about a kydex-kevlar
sheath that Andrew Lynch posted. Whatever happened to that?

The kydex-leather fusion sheath sounds great. I saw the picture of the one for the EU-17, Are there any other pictures floating around?
 
Thanks Skunk

Silas: Methinks young Mr. Lynch went to university to consume beer, introduce himself to the ladies and maybe learn a bit. Busy guy.

Cheers,
BJB :D
 
BillyJoeBob said:
Thanks Skunk

Silas: Methinks young Mr. Lynch went to university to consume beer, introduce himself to the ladies and maybe learn a bit. Busy guy.

Cheers,
BJB :D
Click to expand...
bjb, i think you got that mixed up a little...

Mr. Lynch went to university to consume ladies, introduce himself to the beer and maybe learn a bit. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top