Kydex And Leather sheath making.

[Aka Zero]

I Have a few knives and a gun that I would like to make new sheaths for. I like both kydex and leather and want to eventually try my hand at both types.

But what kind of tools do I need for working with both of them. And what is a good place to buy them. Also looking for a good online source for leather, I have yet to find one.

Want to start with one, and probably make a new sheath for my razel first. I like the knife alot, but the sheath it comes with needs some improvements.

 

[Aka Zero]

Anyone have any experience with knifekits.com?

They have good prices on some materials. I just have never dealt with them.

 

[JTW Jr.]

get the Chuck Burrows sheath making DVD for leather sheaths. It will save you a lot of time learning by trial and error.

 

[Aka Zero]

I know how to make them. I just need the equipment. And need a good source.

 

[Souris]

I was satisfied with knifekits.
I ordered from their scratch and dent section. The material had some scuffs and scratches but nothing that would impair its function for field use.
Shipping was fair and IIRC rather quick.

 

[Harlan]

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/
They have quality leather great service and all the tools you need.

http://www.midwestknifemakers.com/
This place has more than taken care of me for various supplies, great guy to deal with.
I get my concealex from him most of the time.

knifekits.com has done alright in the past if they have what you need in stock that is.

Good Luck

 

[Aka Zero]

I think I will start off opposite most people.

I will make sheaths first. Then maybe get into the knife making game. But recently All my "I have spare money, I could buy tools" has went to my recent handgun obsession.

CZ a few months ago. p-22 today, put a HP on hold for tuesday. (my bank takes awhile to put direct deposit into the account)

 

[hso]

Get THR member Mike Sastre's video and the supplies from Knifekits. You'll have pretty good success with them.

 

[toro]

You can not go wrong with this DVD . I made many holsters and sheaths from using it.
Toro

http://rivercitysheaths.com/dvd.html

 

[Tom Krein]

Here is a big thumbs up for Mike Sastre's video set. They really are worth watching. I have made literally thousands of sheaths and recently watched them and learned a bunch of useful stuff.

Most of the knife supply companies have kydex building equipment. I would recommend Ann @ Sheffield Knifemakers Supply.

Tandy is one of the best sources for leather working equipment.

Good luck and enjoy the journey.

Tom

 

[Mike Sastre]

Like Tom said, "enjoy the journey"! Kydex is fairly easy to work with, but " the devil's in the details", so pay attention to them. Your prep work and getting a molding that pleases you are the most important steps. After that it's more or less by the numbers. I'd recommend my DVD set too.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Is there anything that can be done to tighten up loose Kydex sheaths?

I've a couple Cold Steel products here in Kydex sheaths that depend on a tight fit. One has loosened from use and the other was too loose from day one.

Both are neck knives and supposed to hang upside down.

Thanks...

 

[Leadhead]

I've tightened plastic sheaths by gently heating with a hot air gun and then clamping lightly with the sheath empty to decrease the inside diameter.....would like to hear of some tricks for tightening a leather sheath tough!
Just got a new knife and the sheath is a little loose...

 

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks....