chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2008
- Messages
- 6,422
Universal Kydex Extension 2.0 is an accessory to lower the carry-height of knife sheaths on the hip so that the handle is not above the waist and poking users in the ribs or impeding the belt of a back-pack. Such accessories are common but I've not found one quite as versatile as this.
Here is a link to an album of images: https://imgur.com/a/6P1Bmji
I originally designed the UKE to mount to any kydex or plastic sheath with holes spaced 3/4" o.c. However a lot of sheaths don't include this spacing, so I adapted the extension with a kydex 'bridge' that allows it to accommodate spacings 3/4" - 2" o.c. - this includes sheaths that come with various models from TOPS, Becker, Kabar, ESEE, Ontario, Survive!, Gerber, Boker, Buck, Bradford, Azwelke, Mashed Cat, Buy Brown, 710 Custom Design, Spyderco, SOG, and so on.
The extension works on knife-models as small as the Survive! NeckerII or as large as Busse swords, and it works for hatchet/tomahawks as well. No matter your knife (or sword) model, if you have a sheath that you think might be able to accommodate this extension, you may find it well worth your while to try it out.
My current design is a single-layer 0.125 kydex platform that presents strength and stiffness but also a bit of flexibility.
The bridge comes with two small spacers and one larger one, as well as a screw+pillar:
The UKE is designed to be mounted through holes along the edge-side of your sheath. If your sheath features holes spaced 3/4" o.c., these will match up with the corner-hole in the base of the extension and the angled holes below. The angled arrangement of the holes in the base allows the user to customize their carry-angle such that the knife rides straight-vertical, canted 45', horizontal, and a plethora of angles in between.
Each extension comes with mounting hardware - a long screw + pillar and rubber spacer for the top hole, and another set for the lower holes at the angle of your choosing - simply tighten the the sheath against the lower rubber washer to secure your angle.
The off-set "L" shape keeps the arm thin for easier carry and places it behind the handle of your knife when mounted vertically. The holes in the base of the extension allow the user to mount their sheath vertically, horizontally, or at a variety of angles. You can angle the knife for cross-draw, comfortably scout-carry below the waste-strap of your back-pack while keeping the knife mounted to your person rather than your pack... The angle-adjustment also accommodates oddly-angled or swerving handle-shapes like the Busse Muk.
NOTE: the "L" shape and curved design of the extension demands that users specify a preference for right- or left-hand use. A "right-hand" extension is designed to mount along the edge-side of the knife-sheath but it can be mounted along the spine-side of a pancake-style sheath for left-hand use if desired, and vice versa for a "left-hand" extension.
ESEE sheaths have 1.5" o.c. hole spacing, the 'bridge' is used to accommodate the distance:
Here it is on a Bradford Guardian 4 with stock BuyBrown sheath:
The hole-pattern in the head of the extension is compatible with the leather belt-loop I offer (made for 1.5" belts) as well as the AB-3 belt-clip, a variety of molle-loks, both large and small Tek-Lok, Spyderco G-clip, and many other accessories. The holes are set at different levels to allow for higher or lower carry according to the user's preference. With a bit of paracord, they can also be used to accommodate dangler-carry. This is versatility not found in most designs.
Leg-straps - 3 feet of 1"-wide black light-weight poly webbing with adjustable side-release buckle and slider - are available for $3 each with the purchase of an extension. I highly recommend one for larger blades and dangler-carry - much nicer than a piece of cord!
I also offer a basic firesteel holder for $5 that includes its own separate attachment screws (I usually just mount the holder between the sheath and the extension using the screws from the extension). They are formed to a 5/16" rod (industry standard) and have hole spacing for 3/4" and 1.5" o.c. I can also provide the rod in the form of a Coghlan's 'Firestriker' - the previous version of the Swedish Army firesteel - for $5. Here is an image of those attached to another sheath:
I make leather belt-loops (choose brown or black) for 1.5" wide belts, $5 each with mounting hardware included, I recommend these for dangler-carry using an 8" piece of paracord:
I also stock lock belt-clips ($7 each with hardware, made for 1.5" wide belts, can accommodate 4mm or 6mm thicknesses):
For a less expensive option and easier on/off, I offer the AB3 belt-clip ($3 including hardware):
And I also stock Large Tek-loks ($11 with hardware included):
Here is my full price list of items on-hand:
UKE 2.0 extension (right- or left-handed, with mounting hardware): $10 USD +shipping
Belt-clip (+screws)= +$3
Leather Belt-loop (black or brown) +screws & cord = +$4
Leg-straps: +$3
Kydex firesteel holder (black or brown) +hardware = +$5
Coghlan's Firesteel = +$5
Large Tek-lok (+screws) = $11 USD
Locking Belt-clip (for 1.5" belts) = $7 (specify 4mm or 6mm thickness)
Shipping/fees adds $5 to a US address, international costs extra.
I accept Paypal, cash, Zelle, and MO.
If interested in a purchase, you can send an e-mail direct to chiral(dot)grolim(at)gmail(dot)com and include your shipping address, preferred method of payment, and a list of what you'd like. I'll get back to you as soon as possible with a price quote that includes shipping and payment information. Once an order is finalized and paid, I get the items in the mail and send you tracking information.
If you have any questions about the items when they arrive, do not hesitate to drop me a line. If you are disappointed in the quality of your extension, drop me a line so we can discuss the issue. I've not had many complaints so far, I think you will be satisfied with the investment.
Thank you very much for your interest and your support!
Here is a link to an album of images: https://imgur.com/a/6P1Bmji
I originally designed the UKE to mount to any kydex or plastic sheath with holes spaced 3/4" o.c. However a lot of sheaths don't include this spacing, so I adapted the extension with a kydex 'bridge' that allows it to accommodate spacings 3/4" - 2" o.c. - this includes sheaths that come with various models from TOPS, Becker, Kabar, ESEE, Ontario, Survive!, Gerber, Boker, Buck, Bradford, Azwelke, Mashed Cat, Buy Brown, 710 Custom Design, Spyderco, SOG, and so on.
The extension works on knife-models as small as the Survive! NeckerII or as large as Busse swords, and it works for hatchet/tomahawks as well. No matter your knife (or sword) model, if you have a sheath that you think might be able to accommodate this extension, you may find it well worth your while to try it out.
My current design is a single-layer 0.125 kydex platform that presents strength and stiffness but also a bit of flexibility.
The bridge comes with two small spacers and one larger one, as well as a screw+pillar:
The UKE is designed to be mounted through holes along the edge-side of your sheath. If your sheath features holes spaced 3/4" o.c., these will match up with the corner-hole in the base of the extension and the angled holes below. The angled arrangement of the holes in the base allows the user to customize their carry-angle such that the knife rides straight-vertical, canted 45', horizontal, and a plethora of angles in between.
Each extension comes with mounting hardware - a long screw + pillar and rubber spacer for the top hole, and another set for the lower holes at the angle of your choosing - simply tighten the the sheath against the lower rubber washer to secure your angle.
The off-set "L" shape keeps the arm thin for easier carry and places it behind the handle of your knife when mounted vertically. The holes in the base of the extension allow the user to mount their sheath vertically, horizontally, or at a variety of angles. You can angle the knife for cross-draw, comfortably scout-carry below the waste-strap of your back-pack while keeping the knife mounted to your person rather than your pack... The angle-adjustment also accommodates oddly-angled or swerving handle-shapes like the Busse Muk.
NOTE: the "L" shape and curved design of the extension demands that users specify a preference for right- or left-hand use. A "right-hand" extension is designed to mount along the edge-side of the knife-sheath but it can be mounted along the spine-side of a pancake-style sheath for left-hand use if desired, and vice versa for a "left-hand" extension.
ESEE sheaths have 1.5" o.c. hole spacing, the 'bridge' is used to accommodate the distance:
Here it is on a Bradford Guardian 4 with stock BuyBrown sheath:
The hole-pattern in the head of the extension is compatible with the leather belt-loop I offer (made for 1.5" belts) as well as the AB-3 belt-clip, a variety of molle-loks, both large and small Tek-Lok, Spyderco G-clip, and many other accessories. The holes are set at different levels to allow for higher or lower carry according to the user's preference. With a bit of paracord, they can also be used to accommodate dangler-carry. This is versatility not found in most designs.
Leg-straps - 3 feet of 1"-wide black light-weight poly webbing with adjustable side-release buckle and slider - are available for $3 each with the purchase of an extension. I highly recommend one for larger blades and dangler-carry - much nicer than a piece of cord!
I also offer a basic firesteel holder for $5 that includes its own separate attachment screws (I usually just mount the holder between the sheath and the extension using the screws from the extension). They are formed to a 5/16" rod (industry standard) and have hole spacing for 3/4" and 1.5" o.c. I can also provide the rod in the form of a Coghlan's 'Firestriker' - the previous version of the Swedish Army firesteel - for $5. Here is an image of those attached to another sheath:
I make leather belt-loops (choose brown or black) for 1.5" wide belts, $5 each with mounting hardware included, I recommend these for dangler-carry using an 8" piece of paracord:
I also stock lock belt-clips ($7 each with hardware, made for 1.5" wide belts, can accommodate 4mm or 6mm thicknesses):
For a less expensive option and easier on/off, I offer the AB3 belt-clip ($3 including hardware):
And I also stock Large Tek-loks ($11 with hardware included):
Here is my full price list of items on-hand:
UKE 2.0 extension (right- or left-handed, with mounting hardware): $10 USD +shipping
Belt-clip (+screws)= +$3
Leather Belt-loop (black or brown) +screws & cord = +$4
Leg-straps: +$3
Kydex firesteel holder (black or brown) +hardware = +$5
Coghlan's Firesteel = +$5
Large Tek-lok (+screws) = $11 USD
Locking Belt-clip (for 1.5" belts) = $7 (specify 4mm or 6mm thickness)
Shipping/fees adds $5 to a US address, international costs extra.
I accept Paypal, cash, Zelle, and MO.
If interested in a purchase, you can send an e-mail direct to chiral(dot)grolim(at)gmail(dot)com and include your shipping address, preferred method of payment, and a list of what you'd like. I'll get back to you as soon as possible with a price quote that includes shipping and payment information. Once an order is finalized and paid, I get the items in the mail and send you tracking information.
If you have any questions about the items when they arrive, do not hesitate to drop me a line. If you are disappointed in the quality of your extension, drop me a line so we can discuss the issue. I've not had many complaints so far, I think you will be satisfied with the investment.
Thank you very much for your interest and your support!
