Fun with kydex

[mluikey]

I have been messing around with kydex making some holsters and knife sheaths. I thought I would show some of the things that I have made.

[mluikey]

[muggsy]

I like the fact that you didn't scrimp on the rivets. Looks like you've been busy.

[Bawanna]

Is that second to last one that new material that looks the same on both sides? There was a sheet in with the last piece I ordered and it looked kind of nice.

I just made a knife sheath last weekend myself, I'll go take a picture.

[Bawanna]

A little crude compared to your quality work but it works for me.
I use that stretchy para cord to attach to the belt, saw a firearm instructor that did it and tried it myself. Works great. Allows the knife and sheath to flex if you bump something or moving around.







Don't laugh at me too much, it's only my 2nd or 3rd sheath and I'm a wood guy ya know. An sensitive to ridicule too.

[muggsy]

You keep opening the door, don't you Bawanna? Jock itch makes me sensitive.

[JFootin]

Where is this?

[mluikey]

Bawanna, the second to last one is the "carbon fiber look" material. It is not my favorite to work with as it curls up when heated and I can not use as high of a heat setting I can with the regular material. In regards to your sheath, I like the attachment method. Making belt loops out of kydex is a pain in the butt. I'm still trying to perfect my technique. I have learned a lot through trial and error, I have a nice "scrap" box that I tell my wife the scraps can still be used lol (not sure for what yet). The very first time I worked with kydex, I let it sit in the oven too long and I had a black glob. LOL

[mluikey]

JFootin, that is in the trunk of a Goldwing motorcycle. One of my friends had an idea and came over and we went to work trying to figure out how and where to mount a pistol in the trunk. We ended up finding the two locations. I have since made a template for the outside position (if you are standing behind the motorcycle, it would be right at your waist) and made a couple for a few of his riding buddies. I have done one for a Sig 232 with a spare magazine and also one that held two guns, a J frame and a Glock 26. They turned out pretty cool.

[jlottmc]

Nice Chive reference BTW.

[megamanfan]

Where do you order your kydex from?

[Bawanna]

Bawanna, the second to last one is the "carbon fiber look" material. It is not my favorite to work with as it curls up when heated and I can not use as high of a heat setting I can with the regular material. In regards to your sheath, I like the attachment method. Making belt loops out of kydex is a pain in the butt. I'm still trying to perfect my technique. I have learned a lot through trial and error, I have a nice "scrap" box that I tell my wife the scraps can still be used lol (not sure for what yet). The very first time I worked with kydex, I let it sit in the oven too long and I had a black glob. LOL

I did the black blob thing too. I just use an old toaster oven and just let it set till it seems about right and then go like heck before it cools down. It's a very small oven so I can't do anything too big.

Megaman, I get mine from knifekits.com. Comes in a 12" x 12" sheet. They got all kinds of stuff, blank knife blades and handle materials, the kydex and grommets, everything you might need.
I found the knife I just got (in the photo) the guy got the blade from them. He did a great job on the stag handles and made a nice leather sheath even though I don't use it.
I won't be getting any Carbon Fiber Look, sounds over my head and capability.

[mluikey]

megamanfan, as Bawanna said knife kits.com has a nice selection of kydex and parts for holster and sheath making.

Bawanna, I too use a small toaster oven, I need to eventually get a larger one but so far this one has worked out ok. As far as heat goes, I like the .080 kydex the best and the optimal heat is 355 degrees. I use a digital thermometer checking the temperature every 15 to 20 seconds or so. If you go too long it will start to shrink and smoke. Some people "eyeball" it looking for it to start to curl, I prefer watching the temp. I also like the knifekits press that they have, it gives a nice impression of the item that I am using/making the holster or sheath for.

[Bawanna]

megamanfan, as Bawanna said knife kits.com has a nice selection of kydex and parts for holster and sheath making.

Bawanna, I too use a small toaster oven, I need to eventually get a larger one but so far this one has worked out ok. As far as heat goes, I like the .080 kydex the best and the optimal heat is 355 degrees. I use a digital thermometer checking the temperature every 15 to 20 seconds or so. If you go too long it will start to shrink and smoke. Some people "eyeball" it looking for it to start to curl, I prefer watching the temp. I also like the knifekits press that they have, it gives a nice impression of the item that I am using/making the holster or sheath for.

Excellent info. I'm just an eyeballer and if anything go too soon. I just use cotton gloves with leather over that (this crap is hot) and a bunch of spring clamps and finger forming. I am using the .080 stuff, just a middle of the road guess so I guess I got that part right.
My son has one of them digital thermometers, next time I make something I'll borrow it and see if that helps.
I'm still working on perfecting grommet smasher too, they sell a nice one but I don't use it enough to justify buying it.
I was buying the little kits with a belt loop and chain and a few grommets but last time I just ordered a sheet and 100 grommets, didn't need the other stuff. I'm set for awhile.
I should try to build a press maybe too, that might speed things up. I like my knife to snap in and snap out and that usually takes some tinkering to get right. I think a good heat gun might be in my future too. For the fine tuning rather than reheating the whole black blob.

[mluikey]

Excellent info. I'm just an eyeballer and if anything go too soon. I just use cotton gloves with leather over that (this crap is hot) and a bunch of spring clamps and finger forming. I am using the .080 stuff, just a middle of the road guess so I guess I got that part right.
My son has one of them digital thermometers, next time I make something I'll borrow it and see if that helps.
I'm still working on perfecting grommet smasher too, they sell a nice one but I don't use it enough to justify buying it.
I was buying the little kits with a belt loop and chain and a few grommets but last time I just ordered a sheet and 100 grommets, didn't need the other stuff. I'm set for awhile.
I should try to build a press maybe too, that might speed things up. I like my knife to snap in and snap out and that usually takes some tinkering to get right. I think a good heat gun might be in my future too. For the fine tuning rather than reheating the whole black blob.

Thanks. As far as gloves go, I use the Mechanix gloves, they are thick enough to protect my hands but thin enough for dexterity. Having a press makes a big difference. Since you are a wood guy, there are a few videos on youtube showing how to build one. If I had that know how, I would build one, but I lack those skills.

I use one of the arbor presses for the grommets, it presses them perfectly. You can also go to Tandy Leather and get one of their grommet setters for $12.00.

Before I press the knife, I cover the blade with painter's tape to make sure there is enough room for the blade without too much play. It also protects the blade during the manufacturing process.

I use a bench grinder to create the shape of the sheath.

I do have a heat gun for fine tuning but I try not to use it if I don't have to.