Kabar Kydex vs Leather Sheath?

[MTFD17]

Which is better the Kydex or leather sheath for the Kabar? Im leaning towards the kydex, although more expensive, I think it'll hold up better, and it think it's more sturdy. Experiences or thoughts? Thanks!

 

[lifter4Him]

It really depends on where you're gonna be and what you're gonna do.

For instance, if you'll be in a hot humid place that gets alot of rain,and it gets wet alot, like Viet Nam, most leather will rot or fall apart fairly soon. There are some treatments you can use and maintenance that will prolong it but in this kind of scenario kydex would hold up much better.

However, if you're gonna be in any kind of situation where stealth and silence is important, kydex is awful. It makes noise removing and replacing the knife, it bangs into things, etc. It makes no sense to me that they use if for so called sentry removal knives or other sneaky tasks.

If it's just for general use in a friendly environment where you can take reasonable care of it, then I think go with whichever you like better. Theoretically of course the kydex will last forver, but I've also seen 20 year old leather sheaths that were in good shape, that werent subject to very hard use.

 

[rev_jch]

for most people its usaully a preference. Kydex is more durable, better for wet conmditions. Leather is quiet, better if you want to make lesss noise walking around. As far as rotting in the jungle it does happen, but not that quickly. personally I prefer leather. I have a couple of the D-2 extreme kabars and I bought the leather even though they came with nylon sheaths (with the plastic liners). Ive been using the leather for over a year with very little wear (of course I do take care of my knives though).

 

[Tzvi]

Not ALL kydex rattles, if it is properly molded it will be Silent, safe and secure for anything other than exreme Artic or Desert Environs.

However, I was so P.O.'D at spending 120 bucks to get a new Second Gen. Kabar, and having the Darn Sheath rattle like an alarm bell on a silent night that I called up the factory, and after dealing with a b%&*hy sales rep, convinced her to send me a leather sheath in exchange for the poorly made Kydex. As soon as the new sheath arrived, the kydex went back to kabar.

My advice, get it in the leather First, then look into making Your Own Kydex sheath...its easier than leather, can be done with a toaster oven PVC Glue and some trial and error. Do a search on making your own Kydex here and you'll be surprised.

 

[lifter4Him]

Tzvi is correct, just want to add the caution to make sure it is well ventilated where you heat the kydex, the fumes can be toxic!

 

[collecter]

The leather sheath that comes with the knife is perfectly fine. I've used mine in wet weather for over 15 years and it's still perfect. Better that perfect because it has a nice dark patina now.

Kydex is overrated. It costs more, it makes a loud echo in the quiet woods (deer especially enoy the sound it makes!) and it's larger and heavier than the leather sheath.

Stick with the stock leather sheath!

Collecter