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 New Pants!
#223895
05/20/08 11:31 AM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 161
Gideon
OP
Mutt
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OP
Mutt
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 161 |
Well, I received my Rainwalker sheath a while back, but thought I'd post a pic. So, here goes: ![[Linked Image from overlandrover.net]](http://www.overlandrover.net/Rainwalker_Kydex.jpg) It's my first kydex sheath, and I like it very much - very well made. I just think I like leather more as a material and that's why I ordered leather from Jeff for the ASH-1. My thinking is that leather: 1 - Is more gentle on the edge 2 - Is silent when drawing the knife 3 - Will not crack when it's cold 4 - Looks less "tactical" and therefore draws less attention What do you guys think - Kydex or leather?
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: Gideon]
#223896
05/20/08 12:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26
David E
Lap Dog
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Lap Dog
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26 |
1) Kydex is what, a 7 or 8 on the Rockwell scale? Compared to 59-60 for the SR-77 ? I don't think you need to worry about it. Evenso, if a sheath is made properly, the edge never contacts it anyway. (and no, not all of them are made properly, but Rainwalker's look just fine in that regard) 2) Again, a properly designed sheath can be extremely quiet. 3) Kydex is thermally stable to well below zero, especially if worn on the body. 4) Sheeple's eyes will go wide, no matter what, so why bother about that? Do you think their thought process goes like this: Hey, that guy is wearing a knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> Oh, wait, he's got it in a leather sheath, so he's ok....." It is more a matter of location on the body and your attitude than sheath material. Leather is hard to clean, especially on the inside. For example, I make my kydex sheaths so they can be cleaned the entire length of the interior. I've never seen a leather sheath that allows the same thing. When leather gets wet, your sheath integrity suffers. The sheath may even be permanently compromised as a safe way to carry the knife. It retains the water, making rust on your knife a very real concern. In jungle environments, leather and nylon do not hold up nearly as well as kydex. Speaking of safe carry, if you fell head first down an incline, the knife could go right thru the leather. The term "jump safe" comes to mind. Kydex scoffs at water and it's "jump safe" (again, proper design required) Leather has many good points. Kydex does, also. Overall, I prefer the performance of a properly designed and executed kydex sheath. .
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: David E]
#223897
05/20/08 12:47 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297
Rainwalker
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297 |
Thanks for the pic, Gideon. I like the paracord wrap. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
David made some very good points, and for the most part I can agree, however I really prefer leather myself. Both materials have their strong and weak points.
The one thing that I might add is that depending on the requirements leather can be made to be water proof, I have a real nice and very useful all leather Canteen, that works quite well. Although if I knew I was going into an extreme (wet) environment kydex or nylon or a combination of both would probably be preferable.
Kydex is much easier to clean, if really dirty.
JYD#35 Dog Walkin in the Rain
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: David E]
#223898
05/20/08 12:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,861
J33psr0ck
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,861 |
Nice sheath. For me it depends on the knife and method of carry. Here in the desert, kydex works well for blades that are worn close to the body. Sweat is no problem for Kydex and I will be doing alot of that for the next 6 months. I tend to conceal my sub 5 inch blades in a high ride style kydex rig. For this style of carry, which I use most often, I prefer Kydex.
For more casual carry (camping, hiking etc), and when it's not 110 degrees like it was yesterday, I prefer leather. Leather looks better to me and generally there is more cfratsmanship involved in the build process, which is something I appreciate.
In certain environments I can see how Kydex would look more scarry to people. If it's black, it's tactical. I like tan and OD kydex myself. Around here, I don't have to worry about that too much with concealed carry. I tend not to open carry "in town" although it's legal and I do so from time to time.
JYD # 19
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: David E]
#223899
05/20/08 12:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688
MRpink
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688 |
David, I really like the "slim nuclear" sheath for the RMD you made and had for sale in BF. Any plans to make something similar for the Mud Puppy? Keep up the great work.
JYD #56
Scrap Yard Sword Club #00
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: MRpink]
#223900
05/20/08 01:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,795
pitman
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,795 |
Nice work there ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I have got to contact Mr Rainwalker about a couple of sheaths for my new blades !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: Gideon]
#223901
05/20/08 01:45 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 47,374
Private Klink
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 47,374 |
Nice sheath Gideon! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Jeff - great work as usual! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Junk Yard Dog #1
Moderator/Leader of the Pack
Good night Mrs. B, wherever you are!
Long Live the Brotherhood of the Yard!
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: pitman]
#223902
05/20/08 01:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297
Rainwalker
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297 |
Nice work there ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I have got to contact Mr Rainwalker about a couple of sheaths for my new blades !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I bet those new Swamp Rats are just begging for a new pair of pants too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
JYD#35 Dog Walkin in the Rain
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: David E]
#223903
05/20/08 06:17 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 161
Gideon
OP
Mutt
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OP
Mutt
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 161 |
1) Kydex is what, a 7 or 8 on the Rockwell scale? Compared to 59-60 for the SR-77 ? I don't think you need to worry about it. Evenso, if a sheath is made properly, the edge never contacts it anyway. (and no, not all of them are made properly, but Rainwalker's look just fine in that regard) 2) Again, a properly designed sheath can be extremely quiet. 3) Kydex is thermally stable to well below zero, especially if worn on the body. 4) Sheeple's eyes will go wide, no matter what, so why bother about that? Do you think their thought process goes like this: Hey, that guy is wearing a knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> Oh, wait, he's got it in a leather sheath, so he's ok....." It is more a matter of location on the body and your attitude than sheath material. Leather is hard to clean, especially on the inside. For example, I make my kydex sheaths so they can be cleaned the entire length of the interior. I've never seen a leather sheath that allows the same thing. When leather gets wet, your sheath integrity suffers. The sheath may even be permanently compromised as a safe way to carry the knife. It retains the water, making rust on your knife a very real concern. In jungle environments, leather and nylon do not hold up nearly as well as kydex. Speaking of safe carry, if you fell head first down an incline, the knife could go right thru the leather. The term "jump safe" comes to mind. Kydex scoffs at water and it's "jump safe" (again, proper design required) Leather has many good points. Kydex does, also. Overall, I prefer the performance of a properly designed and executed kydex sheath. . I stand corrected <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I guess it all comes down to personnal preference and what you use it for. I know I have use for both. Thanks for all the feedback. Best Regards, Gideon
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: MRpink]
#223904
05/20/08 07:58 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26
David E
Lap Dog
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Lap Dog
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26 |
David, I really like the "slim nuclear" sheath for the RMD you made and had for sale in BF. Any plans to make something similar for the Mud Puppy? Keep up the great work. Thanks for the kind words ! I'm still awaiting my pair of DMDC's, that were in the second batch. Have they been sent out yet? IF I can get a Mud Puppy, I will make sheaths available for it. .
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: J33psr0ck]
#223905
05/20/08 08:06 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26
David E
Lap Dog
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Lap Dog
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26 |
Leather looks better to me and generally there is more cfratsmanship involved in the build process, which is something I appreciate. With all due respect, the craftsmanship is dependent upon the maker, not the material used. I've seen crappy leather sheaths and I've seen REALLY crappy kydex sheaths. What I have observed is that someone buys a cheap kydex sheath/holster because "everyone has kydex!" but find their particular one is ultimately crap. THEN they make the mistaken ASSumption that ALL kydex is crap, regardless of who made it. Happily, this is not true, as some of us are true craftsman. In my case, World and National Champions, who can use any brand holster they want, won those titles using MY holster and gear. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> You don't see the top guns using Fobus or Uncle Mike's. But to get the better grade, it'll cost more. .
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Re: New Pants!
[Re: David E]
#223906
05/21/08 01:07 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,586
Horn Dog
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,586 |
I like both kydex and leather. I really don't have a problem with Cordura, either, if the sheath is well made. I really like Jeff's kydex sheaths because they are compact and ride close to the body. They are great for discreet carry. Of course, NOTHING beats the feel and look of a well-made custom leather sheath.
For big knives, I like leather or Cordura. For knives with 7" or shorter blades, I prefer kydex or leather. Big kydex sheaths just don't seem to carry as well to me. My Kershaw Outcast has one, and I just don't like it. My DFLE rides well in Cordura or leather.
Horned, dangerous, and off my medication.
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