Working with Kydex

The Great Mahoo · February 11, 2010, 02:50 PM

I am looking to make a new sheath for a few knives I have, and figured kydex was a good way to go. These will be for daily carry on my belt, and I am looking to make a horizontal style, rather than vertical. As such, I am looking for a bit of an indentation to secure the knife, rather than a retention strap. I have a knife from Gil Hibbon that uses this style of retention to hold the holster inverted on a strap, so I am sure it can work for a knife with a proper blade style to catch a stop.

Some questions, though:

Does anyone know of a good place to buy kydex sheeting?

How difficult is it to get nice finished edges with kydex? I expect some proper sanding ought to do the trick, but any insight would be welcome.

How hot do you have to heat the kydex in order to shape it readily?

Thanks!

HiBC · February 11, 2010, 03:47 PM

Kydex is an Acrylic/PVC alloy.I have vacuum formed it before.It works pretty well,its a little harder to pull down than some other materials.

Look in the yellow pages for Plastics outfits fabrication,vacuum forming.

You might be able to use wood forms and a heat gun or heat lamps.

Tommy69Z · March 16, 2010, 08:59 AM

I bought some at knifekits.com that was pretty reasonable

February 11, 2010, 02:50 PM	#1
The Great Mahoo Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,269	Working with Kydex I am looking to make a new sheath for a few knives I have, and figured kydex was a good way to go. These will be for daily carry on my belt, and I am looking to make a horizontal style, rather than vertical. As such, I am looking for a bit of an indentation to secure the knife, rather than a retention strap. I have a knife from Gil Hibbon that uses this style of retention to hold the holster inverted on a strap, so I am sure it can work for a knife with a proper blade style to catch a stop. Some questions, though: Does anyone know of a good place to buy kydex sheeting? How difficult is it to get nice finished edges with kydex? I expect some proper sanding ought to do the trick, but any insight would be welcome. How hot do you have to heat the kydex in order to shape it readily? Thanks! __________________ “There are three reasons to own a gun. To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face.” - Krusty the Clown

February 11, 2010, 03:47 PM	#2
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,287	Kydex is an Acrylic/PVC alloy.I have vacuum formed it before.It works pretty well,its a little harder to pull down than some other materials. Look in the yellow pages for Plastics outfits fabrication,vacuum forming. You might be able to use wood forms and a heat gun or heat lamps.

March 16, 2010, 08:59 AM	#3
Tommy69Z Member Join Date: December 18, 2009 Posts: 36	I bought some at knifekits.com that was pretty reasonable