protecting knife handles from kydex molding heat?

[Juramentado]

How do you protect synthetic and wood handles from the heat coming from soft kydex during the molding process? I've seen some tutorials that suggest using masking tape but I'm not sure if the tape is to add some space on the blade for a better fit or its really to protect the handle and blade from the heat.

Also, has anyone tried molding kydex onto a polymer framed handgun like a glock or a HS2000? How does the heat affect the frame? What do you suggest to protect the frame from the heat?

 

[AcridSaint]

I've never had trouble with kydex heat and handles. The kydex gets workable around 300F and cools extremely quickly. I can pull it out of the oven with my bare hands (although it is hot to touch).

A glock will handle heat up in the 700F range from my understanding. Firing a lot of rounds probably get some parts of the glock hotter than your kydex will be.

 

[Ed Caffrey]

Taping an object before molding kydex to it is more to provide some space than anything. The very first time I attempted making a kydex sheath, was for a damascus EBK. I didn't use any tape on the blade or handle.....the kydex cooled, and molded so tightly to the blade that I had to literally cut the kydex off the knife. When I got it off, and looked at the inside, the kydex had the damascu pattern molded into it....no way that would have come out! After that I learned quickly to use masking tape to provide a little space inside anything made of kydex.

There are few things that will not tolerate the mild heat of kydex molding. I don't think I would do it with pearl, ivory, or other heat sensitive materials, but for most it's no problem.

 

[silver_pilate]

Agreed. Kydex isn't worked hot enough and will not transfer heat fast enough to damage most materials. Micarta or G-10 is absolutely no problem, and your wooden handles are also mostly ok. I usually wrap about 1-2 layers of painter's tape on my blades to get a little clearance within the sheath, but have never wrapped the handles, as I usually want a snug fit there. I use a heat gun to adjust the fit on the handle for retention/release.

--nathah

 

[jll346]

The heat will do nothing to your handles. I have done sheaths for 100+ knives with rubber type handles with no problem at all. Micarta and wood will not be affected what so ever.