Who else thinks the Basic 8 LE is super lightweight ?

David Brown

David Brown

Kydex Sheath and Holster Artist :)
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 4, 2001
Messages
14,987
Hi Everybody,

When I first go the Basic 8 LE I was really surprised how light it felt in the hand.
It just feels super light

well it is :)

12.6 oz in fact :)

IMG_3687_zpskhf6yeuk.jpg


I also have a coated one

13.1 oz
coating weighs .5 oz ?

IMG_3686_zpso84kifsv.jpg



So that set me on an idea.
A light knife needs a super light sheath.

first sheath or proof of concept
made of .09" kydex
with a geometric cut out shape

3.5 oz with no tek-lok

IMG_3682_zpsaufas4kz.jpg


Tek-lok adds
1.9 oz

IMG_3681_zpslow5ly2e.jpg


and a full non cutout sheath weighs

4.6 oz with no tek-lok

IMG_3692_zpsubpbpifh.jpg


and weighs

6.3 oz with tek-lok

IMG_3693_zpsv2uzwoxm.jpg



pretty nice weight saving :)


so on to the evolution of the light weight sheath

made with .06" kydex and a honeycomb cut out pattern

weighs

2.4 oz with out tek-lok !!!!!!!!!!!!!

IMG_3683_zpsnolajeim.jpg


add a tek-lok and it is only

4.1 oz that is lighter than the full sheath with no tek-lok !!!!!!

IMG_3685_zpspwctghxa.jpg


Knife and sheath only

14.9 oz

IMG_3688_zps3c8yjc6x.jpg


cool pics :)

IMG_3689_zps4m3ailea.jpg


IMG_3691_zpsexecwyf1.jpg
 
Nice innovation Dave, you continue to impress. The light weight of the B8 has made it a favorite to have in my hunting pack.
 
Stunning sheaths! Wow!

BTW, the coated B8's are thinner stock. The coating is actually heavier.

But sheaths! You continue to amaze, David.
 
HOLEy Kydex....That is Super Cool (get it? - Built in ventilation?), I crack myself up.

Oh and YES, I think the B8LE is light.;)

Cant wait to see what you come up with for the heavy wEIGHT!!!:D
 
Have you had a chance to see how well the thin kydex that separates the honeycombs holds up under some use? Any issues with dirt or debris getting trapped in there? Definitely different.
 
Last edited:
That is a very cool design! I'm guessing with that many honeycombs that it would be pretty fragile?
 
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
What a BRILLIANT idea! The designs are also very cool. The "venting" will allow better cleaning and quicker drying (but also allow collection of various debris).



Yes, I thought the same thing when I first held the B8LE. It feels very light compared to something like a NMSFNO.
 
David-

I am surprised you didn't do a 'taco style' sheath for the ultra lightweight version... it would probably shave off almost another ounce
 
Thank you everybody for the kind words.

Yep it is a bit more fragile. But it is not for hard use.
A taco sheath would not work as well and be even more fragile.

More decorative than anything.

As far as debris again more decorative and proof of concept than "Hard Use". :)

With that said it is pretty easy to clean out :D



In reality for the ounce or 2 you would save with all the cut outs, I would go with a solid body sheath in .06" to save on weight.

with that said it holds the knife very secure.

Thank you again for all the kind words.
 
Thank you THT
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top