Custom knife sheath

[TAKtical]

I have a question for the knife guys here. Ive been making custom kydex holsters for a while now and Ive decided to start offering knife sheaths. Do you have any suggestions as to what features I should offer, price, colors, mounting options?

 

[JShirley]

Consider your target audience. That will dictate options you should offer.

John

 

[Sam1911]

When I do sheaths I tend to use TekLock hangers of one type or another.

Everything eles is pretty much up to the customer. But I tend toward only doing custom work rather than stock items. I usually end up using black or OD green for most, though brown, tan, and blaze orange have been occasionally requested.

 

[TAKtical]

Thanks sam. I just ordered some tek loks. What thickness of kydex is standard for sheaths?

 

[JShirley]

Sam is busy revamping his business model. Also bears stating that Sam usually just makes sheaths for his own knives.

In general, there are two ways to go:

Full custom. Customer chooses everything-and pays accordingly;
Most demand: decide what market you're targeting, and provide the options most in demand.

I believe option 2 makes more sense for most.

John

 

[Sam1911]

I've always been fondest of the 0.080" stuff. But for smaller knives the 0.060" works great, too.

Yeah...Sam is trying to decide which one thing he can do at a reasonable rate of progress. So sheath work, except for my own blades, is on hold for now.

 

[TAKtical]

Thanks guys.

 

[saltydog452]

I can't and won't disagree with the previous comments. A carry system that suits is more important. Excaliber, or a rock, isn't of much use if it isn't handy.

salty

 

[hso]

Don't try to scrimp and make hangers from leftover kydex. A local startup tried that after I cautioned against it and 2 have broken right in the bend of the "J" hook.

Look at the sheath making supplies at KnifeKits.com for inspiration.

 

[Sam1911]

Good point. I've made some J-hook stuff from 0.125" Kydex and I've not been terribly happy with its longevity.