I had a kydex sheath made locally and there are many scuffs on my SOD LE. I wasnt aware they were rough on the finish.

I guess it probably depends on how tight the blade fits in the sheath. The sheath I got from Rainwalker only clamps down tightly around the grip, not on the blade, so it hasn't really hurt the finish on my Yard Guard. But if the guy made it to fit tightly on the blade, like the sheath I checked out at the Indy 1500 last weekend (custom kydex sheath maker--makes them while you wait)I imagine it could probably wear the finish off pretty quickly. I didn't buy a sheath at the show.

jbombelli made some good points, a sheath that hugs the blade tightly will probably cause more scratching on the blade, however any kydex sheath will eventually encourage wear or scratching. I say encourage because it's actually any possible debris that might get between the blade and the sheath wall, and it doesn't take much at all. It doesn't show so much on coated blades but on shiny blades like the LE it's almost impossible to avoid some scratching unless you keep both the blade and the sheath super clean. I've come to except a few scratches on a shiny blade it's practically unavoidable. About the only way to avoid scratches is to use a soft leather or cloth lined sheath. Even then there's no absolute guarantees, debris can still get to them too in time without proper care, it's just not quite as likely.

On other point to make satin finishes seem to be the most prone because debris caught between the blade and sheath wall are forced to travel irregularly across the surface, so extra care must be taken. I usually try to discourage the use of kydex on an LE unless my impression is that the blade will be a user an then it really doesn't matter anyway.

The Kydex sheath for my DFLE does scratch the blade however the one for my mud puppy doesn't. The scratches don't bother me in the slightest because I use it. If I was looking at it from a collectors stand point then I would be upset. But from a users view no big deal.

I would use leather on a LE- but if it is a user probably doesn't matter.

they are rough on the finish

Well, the LE I have is a user now. Some pretty good scuffs all up and down the blade on both sides. Kind of upset me but I did plan on using the knife so I guess it doesnt matter much.

That's the nature of kydex sheaths, sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. Just depends on if it's being held by the blade or the handle. Don't worry about it to much.

There was a post not so long ago about a kydex sheath damaging the Res C on a SOD handle....there are some tips I posted in that which might help...the main one I have benefited from is to line the sheath with the rubber from an inner tube from a bike tyre...dirt can still get in...but can be washed out...I mainly do it to protect a sharp edge from rolling if you are running with the knife on your belt... as opposed to the asthetics side of things...but I don't like to see scratches either. In an emergency the inner tube rubber makes great tinder as well...easily lighted when wet.

Here is a link to that thread

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthread...true#Post228558

Kydex is horrible for a good lasting finish on any precious blade. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Leather is ALWAYS the way to go! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Only slightly more expensive and lasts a lifetime plus! You no doubt have seen plenty of leather sheaths posted here in The Yard. Your design and involvement in design open up a whole new world of possibilities for a high quality sheath. It is always worth another 20-40 bucks for leather to grace your most prised blades. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I am by no means a rich man but I always insist on leather for my fine blades. It just makes more sense. You end up with a one of a kind sheath that brings you joy and pride to wear. And also enhances the visible presentation of your best blades when worn in public or when working or playing with other knife knutz! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Demand LEATHER! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

www.RainwalkerCreations.com


The previous is only my opinion and is defiantly a endorsement for Rainwalker Sheaths. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Peace.

Good point POP. I was thinking kydex with my first couple blades- now the MASTER OF PANTS is doing a masterpiece in leather for me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />!! I bet it comes out great and doesn't tear up my LE. Yes- Jeff is the master for sure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> My opinion-Thanks

Kydex gun holsters have a similar affect (effect? I can never remember). I just got one for my Glock and haven't even carried with it yet, just tried it on and drew the gun from it a few times to get the tension adjusted correctly, and it's already scuffed up the finish on the slide a bit. It's a carry gun though, and a Glock at that, so I just chalk it up to added character.