Recently I received a couple kydex sheaths from a well known custom maker. These are for my 911 and 411. They are top notch, but the fit is a little snug around the knife handle on the 911 sheath. I really have to yank on the sucker to get the knife out. I have heard of the hot water treatment but am worried about getting rust on my blade. How long do I need to leave the knive in the wet sheath? Should I be concerned about my sykco getting rust from this application?

If you are careful, a hair dryer or a heat gun can be used instead of the hot water treatment.

I have used the hot water method when fitting a leather sheath to a knife. I first coated the blade in Vaseline and then wrapped it in plastic wrap. Even when left overnight, the blade did not rust.

Good tips. Thanks Ray.

Ray is spot-on! I did the hot-water treatment on one sheath, but a heat-gun or hair dryer is what I prefer. I just heat the kydex and insert the knife with a slight wrapping for a hair more space. It works very well.

I've used both methods as well. I had a Cupidvore once that was VERY tight in the sheath, I mean I had to pull on it HARD. The Fix: About 2 hours setting on the dashboard of the truck in the hot sun. BUT be careful, it can loosen up the whole sheath if you are not real careful. I actually had to "Hand finish" the sheath's mouth to get a bit more retention.

When I used the hot water and hair dryer I used a large rubber band to get the tension that I wanted on another sheath.

Another good suggestion!

Try not to use the hair dryer while standing in the hot water.

I use an embossing heat gun instead of the industrial, paint removing, heat gun.

I stand in cold water...

I use the heat gun method.