Conceallex Sheath Problems..HELP!

[kannonfyre]

Hi there!

I recent bought a conceallex shoulder sheath for the SOG Tigershark. It came and I was blown away by the workmanship but problems started when I tried to sheath the blade.

Basically, the fit was too tight and I had problems trying to unsheath my knife. It only came out with significant effort and when it did, I noticed that the blade had deeply scratched the inside of the sheath as conceallex shavings were found on the top and cutting edges of the blade.

I took the sheath to a friend who makes his own kydex sheaths and using some kind of heat treatment, he managed to loosen the top of the sheath so that the Tigershark would be easier to draw. However, there is still the problem of conceallex shavings being scrapped out every time I unsheath the knife. I am afraid that I may prematurely wear out my sheath.

Anyone have any suggestions as to how I may solve the problem of the blade scratching the interior of the sheath? Would greasing the blade with silicone grease be the answer? Will silicone grease affect conceallex?

 

[Jim March]

Two things:

1) In my opinion, the best way for somebody inexperienced to apply very controlled, limited heat to a kydex/concealex/whatever sheath to make minor adjustments is to use the steam from a common tea kettle. You need the old-fashioned type with a narrow spout...too big a spout bore (2" or so on a "post-modern type) and you won't get enough heat/steam "focus". A half-inch spout tip is perfect...start with 3/4 full o' water and keep it at a full boil as you work it.

It sounds weird, but it really works. Wear gloves, and you'll be able to "very gently re-mold it" without burning it as a heat gun or open flame is prone to do without a lot of practice. The edges won't go all weird on you just with steam, the rivet-holes in the kydex won't warp, etc.

When done, remove and dry the knife, then let the kydex drip-dry just like a dish, on end, open end down. Your wife will wonder what the heck kinda new dishwear that is .

2) If the knife is shaving plastic on every draw/insertion, it's the knife's fault. Take your sharpening stones and UNsharpen the guard metal or whatever is scraping. If you're feeling very bold, use a Dremel tool - but with soft cloth/felt polishing bits and grit compound only. PUT DOWN THE GRINDSTONE BITS AND STEP AWAY! But seriously, the issue is the knife, not the plastic.

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys...

kannon...

Jim is correct, this would be a good way to adjust..

However...

Your problem, can easily be made worse, if you are not careful.

Sheathing a knife in synthetics is a fine balance to get the fit just right.. Some knives are extremely hard to do, especially when there are sharp edges on guards, and plunge lines.

This should have been addressed as the knife was being sheathed,, however,, if you keep working at it,, ,the knife will find it's "seat" in the sheath (hopefully) and the shaving should slow down or stop...

It would be wise for you to rince the sheath out every once and awhile to get the shaving out...

If the problem persists,, you may want to send it back to the sheath maker for either a fix or a Redo.

Unfortunately, this sometimes happens, and doesn't mean it's a bad sheath, or a bad sheath maker, some knives just do this...

If you have any questions, Please feel free to contact me...

ttyle

Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical

 

[kannonfyre]

Hey there Eric,

I sent you an email asking whether you still have the B/S solution belt sheath and the Al Mar Sere Operator shoulder sheath available for shipment to singapore. Is everything still available? Is the price still US$82 or 83 including shipping?