another kydex question -- grades? types???

M

markmarkmark

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Jan 26, 2002
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i'm looking to start working with kydex...but i was looking at a catalog by the manufacturer and it seems there are different types..i dunno if they're different compositions for different purposes or what, but is there a specific grade or type that is best for making sheaths? or is kydex kydex and any kind will do, as long as it's the right thickness?
 
I use Kydex 100, it's the best/toughest but also the most expensive. (Funny how that works.) Is it worth the extra expense for a little more impact resistence? I think so, many use Kydex T to save some money and I haven't heard any complaints from them.

I get mine in 4' x 8' sheets from a local plastics supplier. They are friendly and helpful, it took a full day of calling plastics places to find the best price and helpful people combination though.

Now that I read through it, it looks like a classic non-answer.

How about this: What kind of knives are you using it for? How will they be used?

After you answer that you should be able to pick your grade of Kydex but 100 and T are the ones I know of being used for sheaths. I think T is about 1/2 the price of 100.

Tom
 
thanks for the info guys...i'm figuring on covering the kydex with leather, so Kydex T is probably the way to go...

btw, Tom can i ask what you're paying for the 4x8 sheets of kydex 100? i'd like to get an estimate of what's a decent price before i start shopping around...
 
Originally posted by markmarkmark
btw, Tom can i ask what you're paying for the 4x8 sheets of kydex 100? i'd like to get an estimate of what's a decent price before i start shopping around...
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I think, but won't swear to it, the last sheet of .060 I got was $112 OTD or there abouts(approx. $3.50 a Sq. Ft.). I waited about 3 days for it to come in, but because of that didn't have to pay any shipping. :)

I like .060 for knives up to about a 6" blade length. Anything over 6" you would be well served going up to .080 IMHO.

HTH,
Tom
 
Tom,

I just got a quote today from Regal plastics for a 4x8 sheet of black, .08 thick for $80, didn't include shipping (I think it was around $10 bucks for UPS) and I didn't know what type (didn't know there were different types). I can give you the name and number of the guy I talked to if your interested. My e-mail is in my profile. My problem is I don't need that much right now.
 
If you're looking only for Black, you can often get "cut-off sheets" from plastics companies in smaller sizes - 12x24 or 24x48.
 
I plan on calling a couple more places to see if they have some scraps. I thought that was a pretty good price, I just have no use for that much right now. Anybody wanna divy some up?
 
Originally posted by CAVEDWELLER
a 4x8 sheet of black, .08 thick for $80
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That price is right in line with Kydex-T pricing around here (Nashville, TN area).

I'm not in the market for any right now, but I bet someone on here will end up going halves with you.

Thanks,Tom
 
Kydex-V (a recycled grade) also works quite well. I've been using quite a bit, and have had no complaints. I learned yesterday of a Kydex-V 100 (?) which is much the same, but has the fire resistance of -100. Hey, it's eco-friendly :D

Currently trying to find a worthwhile source of Concealex in the UK - which I understand is Boltaron 4330, although I may be mistaken.

Also heard about glow-in-the-dark Kydex yesterday - not exactly tactical. I have no idea what I'd do with the stuff, but I want some. Shiny!

Peter
 
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