I'm sure everyone has their favorite. Kydex or Leather? I'm not sure what I want. I'd like to be able to choose between what's availible.. Recommendations??

I couldn't find a list..

Check out Andy Wayne's Pork Links - he has a bunch of sheath makers listed

http://www.geocities.com/awn98q/Busse.html


As far as leather v kydex - it's always something I battle with. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and I like both. Kydex is generally lighter, less bulky, and more versatile as far as mounting and carry options. Leather, on the other hand, is nicer looking, less likely to scratch up your blade, often more comfortable to wear, and so on...

I ordered a couple hundred bucks worth of sheaths in the last week or two, from several different custom makers, in an attempt to sample some of what's out there. I will probably post my thoughts after I've used them for a while.

MM you beat andy to it!!!

ERIC at OnScene Tactical here in Canada makes some battle tested Concealex sheaths that are quite tough and well made!

We have some great makers out there/in here! If you search a few pages, you will see a few threads about the work of some.

Some of them actually come to the yard and have every or many of the blades so you don't have send in your baby for a custom fit, like my personal favorite Rainwalker creations. Jeff is a great guy and a good friend to many here.

You can also try making your own, it's fun and rewarding! (put not as pretty or easy as made from a pro!)

Good Luck and let us know what you get <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I am needing several sheaths too. So far, the only one custom maker I have used so far is Savage, and I have a couple of his. If you look in my avitar, that is a sample of his work with my SOD LE.

I am thinking about trying some of the other makers out too so I can have an array of styles and materials. I might even try Kydex!

It would be interesting to also get comments on some mass-produced sheaths that accomodate the various SYK models with proper retention. While I don't want to reduce business for our awesome custom producers, the mass market should have some options that are very cost-effective, right?

All of my fixed blades in their custom sheaths but for my folders I'll generally hit Tandy up for one of their sheath or pouch kits. Super cheap but they usually hold up from 2-5 years depending on how much use they see.

Has anyone heard if there will a kydex offering from SY for the S5s in the future?

If you want a sheath for field use, compared to Cordura or leather, Kydex offers better protection for your knife, is usually smaller overall, doesn’t soak up water or snow, and cleans easier. All my field knives wear Kydex, specifically Rainwalker.

But there’s nothing like a good leather sheath for beauty. They’re not as good in the field as Kydex, but you can’t beat them for looks. Leather is also the most expensive.

The other major sheath material is Cordura, which is plain looking and less functional than Kydex but usually the cheapest.

To summarize: Kydex for use, leather for show, Cordura for price.

The best sheaths I make are moodex..
check them out: Martinsheaths









I use ony halftanned leather, which is basicaly veggie tanned, but with a core of rawhide. Therefore halftanned is harder to cut or puncture, stiffer, keeps a better shape and is weather resistant after treatment.


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Moodex sheaths are FANTASTIC. I have one for my BDLE and it's brilliant.