A knife sheath can make a big difference to the way you use your knife. Sheaths can be made from a variety of materials, but one of the most popular is kydex.
Kydex is a thermoplastic material that can be heated up and molded into a specific shape. It can be used to make sheaths that are lightweight, tough, and waterproof.
1. Lay Out Your Kydex
Kydex is a type of thermoplastic, which means that it can be heated up and molded to shape. This allows for a quick and easy way to create holsters and knife sheaths.
When it comes to sheaths, kydex is a great choice because it’s durable, waterproof, and extremely easy to wipe clean. Additionally, it’s a lot cheaper than leather hides, making it a popular choice for hobbyists and small business owners.
Before you can begin forming your sheath, it’s important to lay out your kydex properly. This includes laying the piece of kydex flat on a work surface and putting Vice/C-Clamps and a Foam Press within arms reach.
2. Heat Your Kydex
Kydex is a great choice for a knife sheath. It is cheap and easy to work with.
Unlike leather, it is waterproof and very durable. The material is also lightweight and very portable.
You can purchase kydex in a variety of colors and thicknesses, but it is best to start with a sheet that is slightly smaller than you want your sheath to be.
Once you have a piece of kydex that is the right size, heat it up with your home oven or a heat gun. This will help it to soften and allow you to mold it to whatever shape you need.
3. Mold Your Kydex
Knife sheaths are essential for keeping a knife safe and in a place that can be easily accessible. They should fit the knife snugly yet securely, so that it won’t fall out and cause injury.
A great knife sheath should also be made from a material that can withstand the punishment a quality blade will be put through. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from.
Among these options are plastic sheaths, which are durable and waterproof. However, they’re not as pliable or strong as Kydex sheaths and can break apart over time. They can also hurt the edges of your knife and require resharpening more often than Kydex sheaths.
4. Press Your Kydex
Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is a great alternative to leather sheaths. It is incredibly durable and doesn’t deteriorate when exposed to water.
In this course, Kydex Fabricator Dennis Grisamore teaches you how to make your own kydex knife sheath at home with simple tools and supplies! You’ll learn how to lay out, form, and cut kydex with ease.
To make a sheath, you’ll need two pieces of thick foam and some clamps (depending on the length of your knife/sheath). You’ll want to use C-clamps to help you form the kydex around your knife; do not get ones that are too narrow because they can bite into the boards and damage them.
5. Cut Your Kydex
Kydex is an acrylic-polyvinyl chloride sheet that is popular for knife sheaths and gun holsters because it offers toughness, strength, and durability. It is also easy to clean and doesn’t stain or scratch.
The next step is to cut the kydex into the desired shape of your sheath. This is done with a hack saw or band saw.
You may also need a straight edge and utility knife to do this. Once you’ve finished, your knife sheath is ready to be used!
Once you’ve shaped your sheath, you can start adding rivets. It’s important to make sure your rivets are far enough away from the blade that they won’t pinch the cutting edge of the knife.