Help a brother out...Kydex startup list?

C_Tanner

C_Tanner

Joined
Feb 21, 2011
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As I have mentioned before, I am currently laid off. This means a lot of time on bladeforums and late nights watching "Battlestar Galactica" (as addictive as The Walking Dead...the ending of the episode hooks you and forces you to watch another...and another...and another).

I am currently at a modding standstill. I have two...no, three options.

1) Get into Kydex. I've done it before, but it's been a few years.
2) Get into Leather. Never done it, but it looks hard.
3) Get into handles. Would require so equipment purchases from Harbor Frieght.

The most logical of the three is Kydex. I'm good at coming up with ideas that haven't been done yet, and kydex has the shortest learning curve.

So what all do I need? What are the best sources to purchase said supplies? I know knifekits...any others?

Thanks!
 
I am wanting to start molding kydex, also.

I am very interested in all the things I will need.

Maybe me and you can learn from each other. :D
 
MrKnifekid said:
I am wanting to start molding kydex, also.

I am very interested in all the things I will need.

Maybe me and you can learn from each other. :D
Click to expand...

Once we get a supplies list....

I already have the perfect "model" kydex sheath design to replicate...
 
If your doing this as a hobby I think kydex sounds the most fun and the easiest way to start having that fun.

If your looking to start a business I think there is a lot of demand for handles right now. I think the BK 16 you love so much would be a great place to start. Everyone wants something besides black and peanut butter. And the classic big becker handles could use some spice too. More colors of micarta are asked about alot... maybe some G 10. I want some G10 with that cone dremel attachment look myself.
 
Kydex press, eyelet press and dies, bandsaw, belt sander, knives you don't use (it's pain to tape the same knife over and over again), heat gun for tweaking, pancake griddle, drill press and correct bits for plastic. uhmmm yea that should get you started.
 
B.Mauser said:
If your doing this as a hobby I think kydex sounds the most fun and the easiest way to start having that fun.

If your looking to start a business I think there is a lot of demand for handles right now. I think the BK 16 you love so much would be a great place to start. Everyone wants something besides black and peanut butter. And the classic big becker handles could use some spice too. More colors of micarta are asked about alot... maybe some G 10. I want some G10 with that cone dremel attachment look myself.
Click to expand...

Too many tools to buy on limited funds (right now), don't have the counter space. Besides, I like making my own stuff, and I have some ideas that haven't been done yet.
 
1. HF has their 1x30 belt sander. Look in pop-sci magazines for 20% off one item.
2. Heat gun from same place.
3. Hand eyelet setter. Go slow and keep a steady hand and they come out alright.
4. Wally world cheap blue camping mat and a board you can sit on to press it all in to the floor.
5. Utility knife to get the Kydex as close to the right size before you press / eyelet it. Belt sander will get the final touches.

Obviously the Kydex and eyelets. Chicago screws are good for attaching other items.
This is what I started with on a budget. It won’t exactly get you perfect sale quality sheaths but it will get you something you can be proud of.
 
Skystorm said:
Kydex press, eyelet press and dies, bandsaw, belt sander, knives you don't use (it's pain to tape the same knife over and over again), heat gun for tweaking, pancake griddle, drill press and correct bits for plastic. uhmmm yea that should get you started.
Click to expand...

Do you cook pancakes while making sheaths? Do you use the griddle in place of a toaster oven that I've seen and heard of most people using?
 
Build a press (should be free, scrap wood u have laying around)
Find some foam (I use the puzzle-piece shop floor-mat foam)
Buy a rivet setter (hand setter is ~10$, setter die kit is ~35$) MAKE SURE UR SETTER IS FOR THE SIZE RIVETS U NEED (they come in at least 2 sizes)
Buy some kydex and rivets (I like .80 kydex...will be 1/4'' #8-10 rivets)
Buy a heat gun (I use 25$ Wagner)
Get a cheapo toaster OVEN (or borrow cooking stove when SWMBO isn't looking)
Buy a Large TekLok for marking/measuring holes

Jigsaw (best way Ive found to cut kydex)
Drill
Masking tape (I like white)
Scissors
Marker
Straight-edge (ruler, level carpenter's square ETC)

kydex temp matters

Dont unclamp it til it has plenty of time to cool

measure 5 times, cut once

if u screw it up, reheat kydex, press it flat and do it again

I use masking tape to hold pancakes together while I drill holes...and to draw on, so I can figure out exactly where I want the holes without markering all over the kydex itself.

MAKE SURE shiny side is IN (lol)

MAKE SURE u tape the blade...I usually go 4 layers thick on each side....but that's not an exact science yet

When grinding/cutting the handle area..remove TINY bits..then test...u have to play with it until its the perfect level of retention without being TOO tight. Go slowly, test OFTEN ( u cant put kydex back on)

tacos have better retention/snap...but more blade-tip play, pancakes have perfect blade fit but less handle retention (or thats the results Im getting)

If u use a hand setter...do urself a favor and do about 20 for practice..its a knack to get them correct. Im buying a Die set SOON

The pre-made side of the rivet goes on the OUTSIDE or ''Dress'' side of sheath (trust me, the side u set will NOT be as pretty as the premade side)

You can use a belt sander to shape it..but I use a handgrinder or benchgrinder...works well and kinda melt treats the edges.


just make a few...I get better with each one...just takes practice and fiddling with technique to get it right. U can always reuse the kydex.

and thats about all I know about it. I may do a pictorial how-to one of these days...but Im no expert LOL by ANY means
 
This video might help you out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVVj1gjkCjU

Also check out Gavkoo on youtube he has some videos on homemade presses and other things. You don't really need any power tools when making Kydex sheaths, it can all be done by hand mostly but will take more work!

1. Note Pad
2. Pencil / marking device
3. Heat Source (oven, toaster oven, heat gun)
4. Some type of Gloves
5. A Press
6. Some type of clamps
7. Ruler / scale
8. Exacto knife / box cutter
9. Sand paper / sanding block / dremel
10. Drill
11. Drill bits that match the size of the rivets you will be using
12. Flaring die for rivets and alignment guide
13. Cutting / layout mat
14. Clips to hold kydex together
15. Brass Black
16. Steel wool / scotch brite
17. Snap Caps for magazine carrier's
18. Wooden dowel's
19. Palm Sander
20. Some type of square
21. Drafting compass
22. Arbor press
23. Scroll Saw
24. Table top belt sander
25. Multi-tool

Hope that helps out!
 
rokclmb said:
Do you cook pancakes while making sheaths? Do you use the griddle in place of a toaster oven that I've seen and heard of most people using?
Click to expand...

Doesn't everyone?

Griddle works better, faster and is larger than any toaster over you can buy.

If you want to make sheaths to sell then get an arbor press and dies for the eyelet setting so they will come out professional looking. The hand set ones, while doable do not come out near as nice looking on the off side.
 
So you just set the kydex on the griddle? Interesting....

Have the heatgun, can make a press, and can use the worksharp in large tool mode for the belt sander. Should make it easier to polish the edges too. Will do some google-fu on the press.

It was my friend at the knife shop that made me want to do it. They make great kydex, but man do they charge! Plus I just like tinkering with new ideas. My latest will require a sewing machine as well. I want to go to the junk yard, get a couple black seat belts, and use that for belt loops. Much tougher than your run of the mill nylon strap....
 
C_Tanner said:
So you just set the kydex on the griddle? Interesting....

Have the heatgun, can make a press, and can use the worksharp in large tool mode for the belt sander. Should make it easier to polish the edges too. Will do some google-fu on the press.

It was my friend at the knife shop that made me want to do it. They make great kydex, but man do they charge! Plus I just like tinkering with new ideas. My latest will require a sewing machine as well. I want to go to the junk yard, get a couple black seat belts, and use that for belt loops. Much tougher than your run of the mill nylon strap....
Click to expand...

Gavkoo has a video on a homemade press on his YouTube channel which is pretty great! It is what I used to make my press! Some wood, door hinges, foam and a few towels and you are good to go!
 
Chris,
I have new jig saw, I used once on a project and has been sitting in my tool box for a year. Your welcome to it!, if I get the first 9 sheath you make.:D
PM me, I don't bite.....................
 
Kydex foam, no need for a fancy ass press, if you have a large bench vise it works well enough.
Flaring die/rivet setter, best one is from knifekits but its like $40...Well worth it though.
Belt sander/bench grinder, sanding down the kydex.
Tin snips, good for removing large bits of exess kydex.
Heat gun/toaster oven/heat scource, toaster oven is my favourite as it generally gives you a nice even heating. Heat gun is a pain in the ass if your doing large sheaths. Any other scource of heat: Not my fav, I've moulded kydex sheaths by using the kitchen stove and its no way near as nice as the toaster oven.
Probably missed alot of stuff but who cares...Let me know.
 
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