Why Kydex????

O

Old 3 Toes

Joined
Feb 25, 2000
Messages
58
Just for the sake of knowing, could someone please tell me what is so special about kydex sheaths? Why do so many prefer it over leather for knife sheaths?

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"Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matt. 10:16
 
I like Kydex for many reasons! The number one reason being that it will retain a knife better than leather using much less space and weight
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I hope that makes sense!
It is also totally weather proof, requires little or no care, doesn't absorb moisture and makes usefull, multi-position sheaths possible. As a maker, a good functional, sheath in Kydex takes MUCH less time to make than a quality leather one.
The negative points I have found is that it will scratch many handle materials and blade finishes. It can be somewhat noisy. Although the smell it creates when working with it isn't too bad, it's probably not good at all to breath!
Neil



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Blackwood Knives
More knives in stock! New Talonite models soon!!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html
 
What Dr. Lathe said.
In addition, there are some sheaths that simply scream "Put me in something tactical-looking" and others that say "If you put me in that plastic crap I will fatally wound you". I have lots of both types of knives! and yes, they really do talk to me. So do my dogs. Different languages, of course. Did I say that out loud?

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My Custom Kydex Sheath page:
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Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels
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Madpoet (Mel Sorg, Jr.) Tribute page:
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Old 3 Toes,

Let me say up front that many people like both for different reasons and different applications (like myself).

I prefer Concealex (much like kydex) because I can make sheaths out of it for carry in any position, and the knife will be secure without straps or snaps that would slow me down in a draw (the sheaths hold the knives and guard tight, no straps or snaps are needed even inverted). Vertical upright, upside down, horizontal, whatever, a sheath can be easily made for any carry position. Although Concealex has the reputation for being noisy, with a little bit of effort I can make a Concealex sheath that is silent in carry, and almost silent in the draw as leather. You can also coat the sheath to silence it still further with various treatments (James Piorek of Blade Rigger uses his Rigger Coat, while I've found other useful coatings). The only disadvantages I've found are big ones, namely that Concealex is hard on finishes, and it's ugly (compared to a nicely tooled leather sheath).

My change in the pile,

Matt

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Waxes Eloquent, Leader of the Terrible Ironic Horde and Mighty Brain Spewer
Waxy's Custom Concealex Page
Waxy's Custom Shirts for Concealed Carry Page
 
Nothing beats a nice functional leather sheath. But, good leather sheaths are hard to find, and given a choice between bad leather and a Kydex (or Kydex like) sheath I would go Kydex. The kydex is far safer, than a poorly constructed leather sheath.
 
Personally, I own leather sheaths, but am looking forward to something made of kydex, since leather doesn't stand up to the elements very well, at all. Leather sheaths soak up water, which degrades the sheath and rusts the knife. Sometimes form must follow function.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
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