[Kaylee]

I've been thinking about getting some of the stuff at knifekits.com (http://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pages/kk_store_1mainframe.htm?kk_products_sheath_main.htm~smain) to make a custom sheath and holster. Anyone else try this? Have you got any advice? What's the best way to cut and smooth the edges?

[VWTim]

Interesting site. I've been thinking of making a couple more sheaths for my HAK. If you find any more info please post it up here as a followup.

[Catshooter]

Kaylee,

I live about two miles from Blade Tech and picked up some Kydex from them a while back. I cut it on a table saw. Trim it with either a razor knife and/or file/sandpaper.

Pretty easy to work with, actually.


Cat

[Kaylee]

Thanks!

I think I'll give it a try shortly, when I get my Mountain Gun back from the shop..


VW -- found lot's of tutorials here -
http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_kydexsheath.htm


I also found while nosing around (can't find the link now) that as kydex can shatter when cold, some custom makers have taken to layering kydex and kevlar:
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000172

Looks like an interesting project or two.. :)

[Catshooter]

Your welcom, Kaylee.

I use a heat gun, not a hair dryer. If you get one, be aware that some of them put out air at 700 to 1000 degress. Hot! Just keep the nozzel back from you (don't touch it) and the air flow directed away from you.

I wear leather gloves while working the kydex. Welders glooves protect you from the heat the best, but they are kinda stiff.

Have fun.


Cat

[VWTim]

If your welding gloves are too stiff, get a nice set of gloves setup for TIG, they're very soft and pliable.

[Caryd]

I did some kydex work for www.rangermade.us on one of their custom knives. I can tell you that it is easy to work with and fairly forgiving if you take your time to think through what you are doing. There is a fair bit of doityourself info on the web or you can visit the sheathmechanic.com. Also Tim Wegner out of WA does some great work with Custom kydex.

[Valkman]

I buy stuff from knifekits.com and have the kydex press and rivet press to make knife sheaths. I use a toaster oven to heat it up and thin cotton gloves to handle the hot kydex. If it doesn't come out right, stick it back in the oven and it'll flatten back out and you can try again. Kydex is available in many colors and some guys really do alot with it. I'm a leather guy myself and have only made a few sheaths.

To make one holster it wouldn't be worth it to buy all the stuff, IMHO. I'd buy one from someone who does it for a living like www.buybrownholsters.com :D

[Valkman]

To cut it just score with a box cutter knife and break off. I grind the edges to where I want them then rub with a mixture of acetone and WD-40. Shines it right up! Also wrap some tape around whatever you're making a sheath for and it won't be too tight.