What Thickness Kydex? Sheath Materials Questions

Guyon

Guyon

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Okay, so I've just about talked myself into ordering some kydex bending materials, including the kydex itself.

Since there's not a dedicated sheath forum (yet) and since a lot of the folks here bend their own plastic, I'm posting here.

Could I get some input on the best size to use for sheaths? Does it get a lot more difficult to work with as you move up in thickness?

At knifekits.com, I'm seeing .06, .08, .093, .125 and the different colors tend to all be .08. At texasknife.com, I'm seeing .06 and .09.

Is .08 a good place to start?

Also, I'm assuming that the 1/4" rivets/eyelets are the standard. Correct? I notice too that the rivet size is based on the kydex size, so I need to commit to a particular thickness of kydex, I suppose.
 
You STILL haven't started yet??! Sheesh! :D


.06 is good for smaller knives and items. I generally use .08 for most things. If you plan on using tek-loks and other attachments via binding posts (chicago screws), then yes, you need the 1/4 rivets.:thumbup:

-Dan
 
I use .093 for big blades and .080 for smaller stuff. The bigger tube fasteners works fine for either. There will just be a bit more of a rolled edge since there isn't as much material to sandwich between it. I am getting closer to getting all my stuff in the garage together so I can start pressing some for a few users. No sense in getting crazy since everyone and his brother is making sheaths now.
 
I guess it is all a matter of preference... but I prefer the .60. It heats up faster, and shows greater detail along the handle and lines of the knife, and it is tough as hell and lightweight. I will take some pics tomorrow and post them. Here is one... This one actually has the smaller 3/8 rivets.

If I were to offer advice, I'd say try them all and stick with the one you like. Personally, I think the .93 is overkill.

IMG_1707.jpg
 
I bought some .093" stuff a while back and I personally think it is to thick. I haven't started bending it yet but it just looks to thick.

I would much prefer .08" or .06" stock.
 
I like the .093 even for small knives, It warps less in the press for me.
Some colors only come in .08 from knife kits, now I am matching them to .093 backs.
Picture206.jpg
 
steelnut said:
I like the .093 even for small knives, It warps less in the press for me.
Some colors only come in .08 from knife kits, now I am matching them to .093 backs.
Picture206.jpg
Click to expand...

Very cool idea there Steelnut! I like the orange back.... it's almost like a reversible hunting jacket... :cool:
 
I'mGatMan! said:
Kd...

I'll Take It! :d
Click to expand...

Heehee... not for sale my friend... I really dig the old school style of this one. I don't mean to speak blasphemy or anything... :eek: but the sharp edges/backs on the 'tac' series and 'fusion' series tend to poke the ribs a bit at times when carried all day. Good thing I had that Titanium liver installed! :eek:;)That being said... I really dig them too!:D aw... dammit... I guess I am just an INFI junkie! :D
 
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