Kydex Sheaths

Discussion in 'Knives, Gear, Guns And Other Tools' started by Sam Wilson, Aug 23, 2021.

  1. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    Hey guys, been away for a bit. Moved out of Portland, OR and a few other things, but getting the new shop set up soon. Down to the matter at hand, I may be in a position to start producing kydex sheaths in the near future, and possibly have some help in the shop.

    All that being said, I will be looking at production work in the beginning, as opposed to custom work. Is there much interest in more kydex, and if so, what production models would most want? If not, that works too, save me some time and money, lol. Interested in any and all thoughts. Thank you!

    Sam
     
  2. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    Glad to see you back Sam.... still in OR ?
     
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  3. RocketmanDane

    RocketmanDane Member

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    @Sam Wilson

    IMO, Kydex is a difficult market.

    There are some good companies that make a decent variety of sheaths for “common” knives.

    So I think making sheaths for “common” knives might be a waste.

    Making sheaths for less common knives could be a good business. BUT that might require clients to send you their knives etc.. That could make for a messy business..

    I have read to many people complain about the "condition" they received their knife back in to recommend it either...

    There may be a very few incidents where "damage, marks, etc" might have occurred as accidents do happen.

    BUT IMO the internet can be unfairly brutal to makers/ businesses and a lot of times I think people just don't want to pay for many different reasons. PLUS no one ever seems to have "proof / Photos etc." of a knives condition before it is sent either way in a transaction which makes the argument/ claim a " he said she said" finger pointing disaster...

    And to many times I see the manufacture/ maker having to give in to the customer to preserve or restore their credibility....

    Probably not a simple answer but that’s at least been my experience.
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2021
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  4. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    Thank you! Glad to be getting back to it. Moving equipment into the shop in the next week or so.

    Yep, still in Oregon, about 20 minutes away from the biggest fire in the U.S. right now. Out of the frying pan...:):D

    Sam
     
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  5. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    @RocketmanDane I agree with you 100%, I do not want to get into sending and receiving nice knives from people. I know all too well how difficult it is to keep a knife in "perfect" condition in a shop filled with fine metal dust from hardened steel.:eek:

    I am planning to implement kydex for some of my own knives and if it is feasible, offer it to others as a way to offset shop costs and additional labor. I am of the same opinion as you, don't know what to expect. I also know a good clean product usually sells, though. I guess we'll see how it plays out. Thanks for commenting.:)


    Sam

     
  6. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    If you end up making one for the Kephart let me know.
     
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  7. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    Id say go for it. If it helps defray costs and could help support the knives then its worth it. Not sure what the investment costs entail but id imagine it to be reasonable.
     
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  8. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    Good points, I'm of the same mind. I'm going to offer it for my knives for sure, will start small and see what the demand winds up being. I'll definitely make one for your Kephart.:cool:


    Which ESEE models would you guys like to see kydex for? I may buy a couple of them and do some prototypes and see what we come up with.

    Sam

     
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  9. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    ....so I am guessing you went south....if i am reading my maps right..... :D
     
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  10. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    Yes indeed, but let's be honest- you can't actually read.:D
     
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  11. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    True......but maps are picters rite ? I can look at picters gud !!!
     
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  12. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    Next week we'll get hooked on phonics together.
     
  13. RocketmanDane

    RocketmanDane Member

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    @Sam Wilson

    If you did decide to make ESEE kydex I would love to see a practical holder for the AH1 arrowhead. Specifically one that could be easily attached to other sheaths. Also would love to see what could what could be done with the ESEE fire steel.
     
  14. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    10-4, I will definitely report back. I was hoping to see some feedback about which ESEE knives people would like kydex for, but maybe it's saturated. Thank you!

    Sam



     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2021
  15. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    There are a ton of options out there. Some are great and some are not so great. Unless you came to market with an innovative design or quality that others dont have it may not be worth it. Id buy one for some knives that id need a kydex for just because its you but not all buyers would be that way.
     
  16. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    Good points, my friend. I guess we'll see what we see.

    Sam:)
     
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  17. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    Will you make "sock sheaths", they need to be black not brown of course ????? :D :D
     
  18. Sam Wilson

    Sam Wilson Member

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    Yes, of course. The "Gaston Concealment Model" will be offered in black athletic sock variations, utilizing Ulticlips and copious amounts of blowhard stupidity.
     
  19. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    Brilliant !!!!!!!! Just what I was looking for.
     
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  20. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    Doesnt look like anyone makes a mask for the Gibson axe. Maybe a good start?
     
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