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- Sep 2, 2008
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Othello's thread reminded me that I hadn't yet shared my own kydex clothed NWA. 
Original Thread (OP pasted below, with a few non-NWA pics removed)
__________________________________
This is a little review on some kydex pants I just received from Mike Billman of Grindstone Cutlery (mbhanzo here on Bladeforums).
First of all, I have to say that Mike has definitely gained a life-long customer in me; his kydex work is absolutely top-notch:thumbup:. I’ve always thought his work looked good from the pictures I’ve seen here on Bladeforums and elsewhere, but one needs to actually handle his work to truly appreciate what a superb craftsman he is. I think he has the art perfected.
Anyway, I just wanted to comment on a few of the things that impress me about Mike’s work. If you want to skip the words, pics are below.
Retention – Simply awesome! This is the first time I've had a fold-over kydex sheath that really snaps the knife into place firmly with a nice "thwack!" I have only experienced this previously with two-piece designs. Furthermore, the pants provide just enough tension to keep the knives securely sheathed, but not enough to make drawing them difficult or annoying. I have had kydex sheaths before that are loose enough in fit to be hazardous, and a few that just refused to let the knife go without a fight. Mike really nailed the balance between blade security and ease of drawing. Both sheaths (Knives: NWA Sierra Scout, JK Handmade Knives Heavy Duty Hunter) are exemplary in molding.
The Thumb Rest - Very well executed. It fits my average sized thumb well and makes drawing the knife easy and fluid. No awkward edges pushing into my thumb, nicely curved/contoured, and it’s positioned perfectly relative to my hand so the thumb falls naturally right onto the rest when drawing the knife. It’s also streamlined - it doesn't stick out much. After experience with a few kydex sheaths without a good thumb rest, I really appreciate how well executed it is on these sheaths.
The Snap Buckle Dangler - I admit I had my reservations about the snap buckle; I usually prefer a one-piece loop so I don’t have to worry about losing my knife to an accident. But I've been tugging on it, and there's no way either knife is coming off my belt with normal use...it probably won't come off even with a good bit of abnormal use. I'm excited to have the option to put the knife on or take it off my belt without having to undo my belt buckle and actually thread it on the belt. The belt-loop is secured well to the kydex with good hardware, and the buckle (ITW Nexus) seems to be of good quality too. It’s also possible to swap out the snap-buckle for an HK clip if wanted. And lastly, Mike designed/constructed the dangler belt-loops so that the butt of the handle rides below or at my belt-line, which perfectly accommodates my wearing a pack with a full waist-belt. A+.
7/17/10 - one more note, the webbing dangler makes sitting and moving while wearing the knife easy. The sheath doesn't get in the way, hamper movement, or snag on stuff like other sheaths I've had with integral kydex belt loops.
Firesteel Loop – It’s nice and tight, with enough room left on the end so I can use shock cord to secure the steel to the sheath. I really appreciate Mike making it on the tight side since steels wear down over time. Again, good secure hardware there: I'm not worried about it coming off and it feels like I won't need to loctite it for a long while.
Extra cordage and ranger bands – The little details like this really sets Mike apart. It’s nice to have some extra cordage and firestarting stuff right there on the sheath, and it makes use of “dead-space.” It’s a nice way to add function to the sheath without sacrificing anything. It’s done well too, the ends are tied, seared, and hidden away on the back of the sheath.
Drain-hole - Always appreciated Users get dirty. It’s big enough to give the sheaths a thorough rinse easily too.
Overall Design/Construction - I really appreciate how Mike minimized excess kydex. He kept the sheaths streamlined and didn't leave unnecessary material. I don’t know if you can notice in the pics, but the bottom edge of the sheath is angled slightly against the belly of the blades, rather than making a box end. This is another small example of Mike’s keen attention to detail. The edges are all smooth and neat as well. Overall, the sheaths have a simple, efficient, functional, and streamlined design and aesthetic. I really couldn’t ask for more: the sheaths function perfectly, ride well, and look good.
Communication – I had an easy time talking details with Mike on the phone. He also updates you on progress, keeps his word, is honest about his schedule, and ships quickly. Good stuff.
So in summary, if you haven’t had one of Mike’s fine sheaths yet, I highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed with his work; it's really top shelf stuff :thumbup:.
Original Thread (OP pasted below, with a few non-NWA pics removed)
__________________________________
This is a little review on some kydex pants I just received from Mike Billman of Grindstone Cutlery (mbhanzo here on Bladeforums).
First of all, I have to say that Mike has definitely gained a life-long customer in me; his kydex work is absolutely top-notch:thumbup:. I’ve always thought his work looked good from the pictures I’ve seen here on Bladeforums and elsewhere, but one needs to actually handle his work to truly appreciate what a superb craftsman he is. I think he has the art perfected.
Anyway, I just wanted to comment on a few of the things that impress me about Mike’s work. If you want to skip the words, pics are below.
Retention – Simply awesome! This is the first time I've had a fold-over kydex sheath that really snaps the knife into place firmly with a nice "thwack!" I have only experienced this previously with two-piece designs. Furthermore, the pants provide just enough tension to keep the knives securely sheathed, but not enough to make drawing them difficult or annoying. I have had kydex sheaths before that are loose enough in fit to be hazardous, and a few that just refused to let the knife go without a fight. Mike really nailed the balance between blade security and ease of drawing. Both sheaths (Knives: NWA Sierra Scout, JK Handmade Knives Heavy Duty Hunter) are exemplary in molding.
The Thumb Rest - Very well executed. It fits my average sized thumb well and makes drawing the knife easy and fluid. No awkward edges pushing into my thumb, nicely curved/contoured, and it’s positioned perfectly relative to my hand so the thumb falls naturally right onto the rest when drawing the knife. It’s also streamlined - it doesn't stick out much. After experience with a few kydex sheaths without a good thumb rest, I really appreciate how well executed it is on these sheaths.
The Snap Buckle Dangler - I admit I had my reservations about the snap buckle; I usually prefer a one-piece loop so I don’t have to worry about losing my knife to an accident. But I've been tugging on it, and there's no way either knife is coming off my belt with normal use...it probably won't come off even with a good bit of abnormal use. I'm excited to have the option to put the knife on or take it off my belt without having to undo my belt buckle and actually thread it on the belt. The belt-loop is secured well to the kydex with good hardware, and the buckle (ITW Nexus) seems to be of good quality too. It’s also possible to swap out the snap-buckle for an HK clip if wanted. And lastly, Mike designed/constructed the dangler belt-loops so that the butt of the handle rides below or at my belt-line, which perfectly accommodates my wearing a pack with a full waist-belt. A+.
7/17/10 - one more note, the webbing dangler makes sitting and moving while wearing the knife easy. The sheath doesn't get in the way, hamper movement, or snag on stuff like other sheaths I've had with integral kydex belt loops.
Firesteel Loop – It’s nice and tight, with enough room left on the end so I can use shock cord to secure the steel to the sheath. I really appreciate Mike making it on the tight side since steels wear down over time. Again, good secure hardware there: I'm not worried about it coming off and it feels like I won't need to loctite it for a long while.
Extra cordage and ranger bands – The little details like this really sets Mike apart. It’s nice to have some extra cordage and firestarting stuff right there on the sheath, and it makes use of “dead-space.” It’s a nice way to add function to the sheath without sacrificing anything. It’s done well too, the ends are tied, seared, and hidden away on the back of the sheath.
Drain-hole - Always appreciated
Users get dirty. It’s big enough to give the sheaths a thorough rinse easily too.Overall Design/Construction - I really appreciate how Mike minimized excess kydex. He kept the sheaths streamlined and didn't leave unnecessary material. I don’t know if you can notice in the pics, but the bottom edge of the sheath is angled slightly against the belly of the blades, rather than making a box end. This is another small example of Mike’s keen attention to detail. The edges are all smooth and neat as well. Overall, the sheaths have a simple, efficient, functional, and streamlined design and aesthetic. I really couldn’t ask for more: the sheaths function perfectly, ride well, and look good.
Communication – I had an easy time talking details with Mike on the phone. He also updates you on progress, keeps his word, is honest about his schedule, and ships quickly. Good stuff.
So in summary, if you haven’t had one of Mike’s fine sheaths yet, I highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed with his work; it's really top shelf stuff :thumbup:.
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