How to make a Kydex holster Picture Tutorial

[streck]

Damn fine post....

I progressed from thinking that some Kydex holsters are just to expensive to understanding that they are pretty fairly priced...

I learned a lot..Thanks!

[SeriousStudent]

This is very nice. I really do appreciate the time and effort you put into creating this thread.

I've given a lot of thought to making some kydex sheaths for some of the fixed-blade knives I have. Have you run into any differences in the process for a knife?

Thanks again for your time.

[Rezarf2]

A. how strong are the belt loops and B. are you taking orders yet?

A) The belt loops shown are from .080" kydex, I have since stepped up to .120" for the loops and it makes them MUCH stronger. Like anything though, they will eventually wear out.

Nope, not looking to start any kind of business. I make a few for others here and there if I have their gun or access to one. Other than that, I just do it for fun.



B_C[/QUOTE]

This is very nice. I really do appreciate the time and effort you put into creating this thread.

I've given a lot of thought to making some kydex sheaths for some of the fixed-blade knives I have. Have you run into any differences in the process for a knife?

Thanks again for your time.

Yes, add two layers of masking tape to the entire blade to give it enough clearance to draw/insert without scratching the blade. The key to a good fixed blade sheath is dialing all the retention into the handle. If its going to get a lot of use, add a thick wire (think coat-hanger) straight off the knife tip and out the bottom of the sheet to make cleaning easier... DAMHIK

[Irish]

Great thread! When can we start placing orders?

[Black Jeep]

thanks.. awesome post.. but i am better off buying one than making one..

i will end up spending more if i tried...

Yup...been down that road too. I convince myself that I'll be saving money in the long run when realistically I never do. That and I'd end up getting pissed about messing something up and wasting the whole project.

Great tutorial. I always dig learning how that sort of stuff is made and have a profound appreciation for the craftsmen who do this well. I don't mind paying for quality work, especially when I have understand the effort that goes into the process.

[MookNW]

What's the scoop on that foam for the press. Any good sources?

[RogerinTPA]

Excellent tutorial with great info. Awesome job!

[PRGGodfather]

Having worked with Kydex, it is very labor and time intensive.

To be sure, working with Kydex is fun, therapeutic and often, we can make things not readily available on the market. The downside is, unless one is set up for mass production -- there is almost no profit margin per unit. As a hobby, it's great for making friends some great handcrafted gifts -- but don't expect to make any money one unit at a time.

Kydex holsters aren't cheap because a lot of work, e.g. time, effort and human handcrafting skills go into them.

Working it myself and seeing this tutorial makes me appreciate my favorite Kydex manufacturers: Comp-Tac and Raven Concealment Systems even more.

[DragonDoc]

Great post. Thank you for sharing.

[Mark71]

Great thread! Thanks for taking the time to post this. The finished holster looks great.