Kydex Thickness, Retention, and Wrapping Question

[RatDrall]

I posted about this Bravo 1 sheath I recently made from 0.08" kydex:

...And how I added extra material around the handle, because on my previous attempts, using less to grip the handle, there was a lot of rattling around. This sheath is rock solid, with room around the blade (2 layers of masking tape when molding) and excellent retention. I also have no trouble getting a 3 finger grip when drawing, thanks to the shape of the Bravo 1 handle.

I was told that I should try 0.093" kydex because I could get similar retention, with less material over the handle.

I just wanted some more information from you guys, about what thickness kydex you use, how much you cover the handle, and how you wrap the blade when molding so your knife doesn't get all scratched up from the sheath itself?

 

[Mike Sastre]

RatDrall,

I'm the one that suggested using .09. You will get a bunch of different opinions on this here - to each his own, and if it works for you, it's all good. I've got at least 20 years experience doing this, and .09 works very well for me. Check out some of the pics on my site and you can see what I'm talking about with less material on handle. All my sheaths have a no movement, no rattle lock-up, with "freeplay" built into the sheath to eliminate drag on the blade.

 

[RatDrall]

RatDrall,

I'm the one that suggested using .09. You will get a bunch of different opinions on this here - to each his own, and if it works for you, it's all good. I've got at least 20 years experience doing this, and .09 works very well for me. Check out some of the pics on my site and you can see what I'm talking about with less material on handle. All my sheaths have a no movement, no rattle lock-up, with "freeplay" built into the sheath to eliminate drag on the blade.

I looked through your site, thanks for the advice I will be buying some thicker kydex and the right sized eyeletts the next time I place an order.

Thanks!

 

[Mike Sastre]

Your eyelet size looks fine - #8, but you'll want them a little longer. Works very well for mounting TekLoks or Spyderco G-clips through the eyelets, instead of a raw unreinforced hole.

 

[u812]

I have not had any problem with retention using .80 kydex,I have only made sheaths for Busse and Swamp Rat knives.I think they snap in better than other knives because of their handle and tang shape.I want to try out some .93 but I will need to also get the longer eyelets.