Kydex equivalent?

[AB]

Seems noone sells the Kydex brand in my neck of the woods (Norway), are there any equivalent products I could use for rolling my own sheaths?

The dealers, wholesalers and manufacturers I've contacted in Norway all just ask "what's in it?", "what's the non-brand name of the material?". It doesn't seem to help when I tell them the intended use ... :grumpy:

 

[blackeye4you]

Here are a couple of links to kydex suppliers I got from another fourumite.I dont know what the story is with international shipping is but these are larger company's and you would probably have a better chance with them. Good luck I hope it works out just remember kydex is addicting as hell.Soon all you can think about is what you can make sheaths or holders for.http://www.polymerplastics.com/formingrade_kydex.shtml and http://www.lairdplastics.com/Welcome.htm and fasteners http://www.fastener-supply.com/nav.htm ...........R

 

[AB]

I contacted Jens Anso of www.ansoknives.com, the closest to home custom maker I found who does Kydex sheaths for his knives. He very generously offered to sell me some of of his own imported Kydex. Shipping from Denmark to Norway is signifcantly less hassle than from the US. Nice guy, and he makes some beautiful blades, too ...

Now, let me see: Sheath for my Leatherman Wave, assorted folders, SOG Pentagon (old version with leather sheath). SureFire holder. Magholders for my competition guns. I've got work to do!

I've found a lot of threads on Kydex work, so I think I've got the basics down. Heatgun on the shopping list. Any particularily good links you would like to share?

 

[blackeye4you]

You did see Anso knives Kydex tutorial then I take it? http://pub42.ezboard.com/fcustomknifedirectoryforumfrm39.showMessage?topicID=113.topic There is another one where he puts leather on the Kydex. Then Texas knife makers supply has a short one.http://www.texasknife.com/TKS_Mainframe.htm?TKS_Projects2-kydex.htm~main....R

 

[blackeye4you]

And here is the laminated kydex tutorial:http://www.usualsuspect.net/forums/...d=11636&highlight=kydex+knife+sheath+tutorial Have fun.................R

 

[Epsilon]

The dealers, wholesalers and manufacturers I've contacted in Norway all just ask "what's in it?", "what's the non-brand name of the material?". It doesn't seem to help when I tell them the intended use ...

Polypropolene + PVC = Kydex

Some advice:
Buy a toaster oven for your work. 300°F. Needs only a few minutes. Use the gun for details. Don't try to conserve material, use enough to do the job, cut off the rest and finish the sheath. Trust me on these.

Good luck.

 

[AB]

Thanks blackeye4you! I had not seen any of those, actually

Thanks for the clarification, Epsilon! Feels safest to work with what I know makers use, but there could be alternative products which would do just as well. I don't think there are many manufaturers working with Kydex in Norway, at leats not for sheaths and holsters. We cling to our trad knives and trad sheaths. Which are good, but Kydex seems to give great freedom.

And for now, a heatgun and my regular kitchen oven will have to do. Living in a small city flat unfortunately doesn't allow much of a "workshop" ...


Should anyone know of Norwgian knifemakers who work with Kydex, please let me know!