Why are sheaths so expensive?

Oku said:
I understand totally what you want (and wouldn't mind finding it myself for some things), but have to point out that the fit, which is indeed pivotal, is what takes the most work.
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A big +1 to that. I suck at sheath making, but with kydex, the toughest part is getting the fit just right, so you get good retention without gouging or scraping anything, and where the knife slides smoothly, while being reasonably easy to draw. I've hit this target very well on a few sheaths, and missed on many others.


If you want cheap sheaths, I think the Scrap Yard model is the way to go. A simple folded piece of kydex, which can be made tighter or looser with a hair dryer, and a single set screw, all contained inside of a sewn nylon pouch. A bunch of offerings of these, done with as few frills as possible, should be cheap to mass produce and sell, and I would buy a bunch of them. In fact, if Scrap Yard offered five or six sizes of the nylon sheaths they sell, I'd buy one of every size, just to have on hand.


I am SURE there is someone out there who makes this sort of thing in bulk, but I've not had much finding them. There are the super expensive versions like spec-ops, but I know it can be done more cheaply, because there are entire knives with these sorts of sheaths included, which cost less than a spec-ops sheath.


EDIT: What makes these kinds of sheaths cheap is that the kydex insert is just there to prevent rattling or cutting the nylon, and retention is handled by a simple snap loop. That makes a huge difference, and takes away much of the work of getting a perfect fit and snap-in retention like on a riveted kydex sheath.
 
Your sheaths are a heck of a lot nicer than mine, Tom. I haven't dared venture into leather yet.
 
I am not familiar with working on Kydex, but I can tell anyone who is interested, that Okuden, Mashed Cat, and Buy Brown all make great sheaths. I am sure their work took many many many hours to perfect. My dad is a Pipefitter, and just because you are a fitter doesn't mean a whole lot. Focus on detail and quality work is what separates the ok work from the exceptional work.

I am not a fan of paying $60 for a sheath after I spent a couple hundred on a knife, but ultimately such a high quality knife benefits from a great sheath. It keeps her tight, safe, and easy to dispatch. High end sheaths are a match to the high end knives they hold. I feel for ya, but hey...the guys who make and sell the quality knives need to make a few bucks, and I appreciate the fine work they produce.
 
To the original poster: Do you get paid minimum wage?

Just asking because I used to work in a similar industry and experience, skill, and education meant the difference in what a person gets paid.

Just wondering.
 
ok, had some more time to think on this and here's some analogies:

Have a Cadillac and get bias ply tires on it.
Better yet a Corvette with them. ;)
HD television, with basic cable

Ever gone with the cheapest mechanic to work on your engine or tranny? I did, got stranded in the middle of nowhere. No fun.

I am in no way going to disparage someone for wanting a cheap accessory for their expensive toy, but...........

I've worked sheaths that were a mere fraction of the value of the knife, then on the other hand I've worked sheaths for knives that cost less than the sheaths I put on them. The point is if you value the tool you will value the thing you carry it in just as much. If the sheath fails, then so does the knife.

Sorry, I tried to avoid this thread because my profession is my passion. But sometimes your passion needs to be defended. Apologies to Mustardman, drama is me. :p
 
I was looking for these pictures! Save a few bucks... do it yourself :p


Andy'sLeatherHouse said:
Pic is from this GREAT post by moonwilson:D

scrofasheath.jpg



and this one from Cobalt :thumbup:

PT5Lock.jpg
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leatherman said:
ok, had some more time to think on this and here's some analogies:

Have a Cadillac and get bias ply tires on it.
Better yet a Corvette with them. ;)
HD television, with basic cable

Ever gone with the cheapest mechanic to work on your engine or tranny? I did, got stranded in the middle of nowhere. No fun.

I am in no way going to disparage someone for wanting a cheap accessory for their expensive toy, but...........

I've worked sheaths that were a mere fraction of the value of the knife, then on the other hand I've worked sheaths for knives that cost less than the sheaths I put on them. The point is if you value the tool you will value the thing you carry it in just as much. If the sheath fails, then so does the knife.

Sorry, I tried to avoid this thread because my profession is my passion. But sometimes your passion needs to be defended. Apologies to Mustardman, drama is me. :p
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How about a $4,000 rifle with a $300 scope.:confused:

I'm with you Leatherman . . . don't cheap out on your sheath unless you really know how to make a sheath. And I think your name would have to be Dwayne or Dave or Scott or Brian and don't forget Eric.:D
 
Something else to consider is this........ I've bought sheaths from Leatherman, MickeyMoto and Mashed Cat and haven't had to send one knife in to them yet and I've had a variety of Busse's in odd thicknesses these last few years. They have spent big bucks on knives partially to make sheath buying easy and fast for customers but mainly because they are Busse nuts like us! I believe David Brown and Chuddy Bear also has many Busse's in house. Every sheath I've recieved has fit perfect and i'm very picky on fit.
These guys do this for a living and are pro's and are all good guys. I'm happy to support them and give them my business and I know they appreciate that I do.
In Chicago, a nice sheath equals a tank of fuel in the SUV or a carton of smokes.
I see photos here of pristine $$$ Busses propped up against single bottles of booze that cost twice as much or more as a nice sheath, and then hear complaints about spending $60 for a quality sheath that'll out live them.

Just saying :confused:
 
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leatherman said:
To the original poster: Do you get paid minimum wage?

Just asking because I used to work in a similar industry and experience, skill, and education meant the difference in what a person gets paid.

Just wondering.
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Not since I was 16, so no, no I don't. I also chose a profession that would pay a lot more than minimum wage.
 
Now which sheath maker haven't I ticked off? I'm going to be needing a couple of sheaths soon. I'm gonna have to order it from a fake email address or get a proxy. :D I was going to get a leatherman sheath, but now I think it might explode and kill me when I get it.

Just kidding of course.
 
I love where this thread is going!!!!! lol!
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I especially like the 4,000.00 rifle with a 300.00 scope. :D

Exploding sheaths, nah, I just lock the knife in place with a few strategically placed cams. Its amazing how solid a knife can be held in a sheath.
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230grains said:
Now which sheath maker haven't I ticked off? I'm going to be needing a couple of sheaths soon. I'm gonna have to order it from a fake email address or get a proxy. :D I was going to get a leatherman sheath, but now I think it might explode and kill me when I get it.

Just kidding of course.
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I would still order one, they are awesome sheaths, I have one for my CGFBM and it's a 1st class sheath in every way. :thumbup:
 
By the way 230, I dont have the knife in shop so you'll have to send it in for fitting.
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