Working Kydex, finding Concealx

S

Sidewinder

Joined
Jun 2, 2001
Messages
887
Well I'm going to try my hand at sheath making. Nothing against the pros here, just that I like working with my hands and hate having to send stuff in the mail only to wait for a sheath.

So any FAQ's or tips for working with Kydex?

Also, I tried calling Blade-tech for Concealx but they said that they do not carry it anymore. Is there another source that your guys have found?

Any input is appreciated,

S.
 
K & G Supplies - www.knfeandgun.com and Texas Knifemakers Supply and I don't have their web site handy. Both have the .062 kydex. It usually runs about $4.00 a square foot.
Kydex is flexable but will not stretch. I found out the hard way when I went to make a sheath for a curvy skinner :).
Hope this helps. If you want a large quantity, there was a thread about it and you may use search to find it.
 
I have only worked with kydex, but they are both heat sensitive materials. I had bought a 4 x 8 sheet of some sort of heat forming plastic once so I could save some money on sheaths. I gave it away for a cutting top for leather. The concealx has been used a lot for sheaths so it should be about the same.
 
I find Kydex easier to work with than concealex, it has less tendency to roll up when heated and is easier to finish the edges on.

For a while I was buying my Kydex from Texas Knife Makers Supply for about $5 for a 1x2 piece. Once I started making sheaths for other people I found a local supplier and bought it by the sheet (4x8).

It's possible that Blade-Tech just stopped selling it to people. I know they were having a hard time keeping enough on hand for their own demands. I can't believe they don't get it in any more because that's what they make thier sheaths from.

There is no easy way to get started other than just doing it. You need to experiment with different clamping methods, foam materials for clamping between and temperatures.

The biggest hurdles for doing Kydex/Concealex are:

1. Time in the oven vs. Temperature to cook it at
2. Getting a nice tight fit
3. Trimming and finishing

Everything else is pretty easy ;)

I made about 30 sheaths before I ever thought one was good enough to sell and about the first 10 went in the trash all together. I guess it depends on how picky you are, I'm less picky with sheaths I'll keep for myself.

Let us know how it goes and have fun :)

Here's my web page if you want some ideas...
http://home.neo.rr.com/thepirtles/
 
You guys are the best! I love this place. Ask a question and get the info you need!

Always grateful,

S.
 
Thanks again for all the help, I could not have done it without your valued advice:


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Now I need to find a source for better screws.


S.
 
Sidewinder,

I'd never believe that was your first one if you hadn't said so. Great looking rig!!! I like the radiused cutout on the belt loop to leave the screwheads accessible. Nice touch. :cool:

Greg
 
I agree, very well done!

Here is where I have been getting binding posts (Chicago screws).

Their prices on the web page are in quantities of 100 but you can get less, talk to the owner because his wife will tell you no.. Real nice people to work with too. They have offices in the US and Canada so they can ship from either.

Oh yeah, they also have numerous colors available, he sent me some samples of blue and red which look great but I don't want to use them on Kydex. The black ones are very well done..

Are the ones you used plain aluminum or brass? If you like the aluminum look and only need a few then I would go to Sears Hardware and in the area where they sell loose fasteners they have them. A little more pricey this way though.
 
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