The Aluminum is acting as a skeleton and giving structural support. I went with it because it seemed to be a material I could work with easily. For those of you that do not know, Kydex is the trade name for a propriety thermoplastic sheet. 6 years ago, 1) Probably. When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. Now to use them. Im always trying to improve my cleaning and sharpening process, and always on the hunt for the next best knife. I use a $20 Walmart griddle to heat the kydex, its easy and cheap. You need a way to heat the kydex to make it floppy. Foam Layer. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! To do this, bore holes around the blade. Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! The order is -. Technology for understanding the digital world and mitigating electronic threats. Bend the wings 9. KYDEX Molding Presses & Kydex Press Foam | Holster Making Press Hole-making device. At its simplest a Kydex press is a rigid board with a thick piece of foam glued to it as a base, with top made the same way. Built your press, and bought a griddle. Its so cheap and easy, anyone can make their own Kydex sheath. Kinda like spagetti, but, you know, not. Luckily, we have a few tips to make your second press perfect! This may seem overly generous, but the materials cheap and while you can always cut some off later, you cant add it. If it doesnt, increase the heat to 275, wait 10 more minutes and try again. Ask Question Download Step 2: I Try to Place Everything Correctly and Close the Press Within 15 Seconds. Seriously though, kydex is a great choice if youve never made a sheath before because of how easy it is to work with. This molding foam is for use in press molding sheet materials, such as KYDEXTM, HOLSTEXTM and BoltaronTM. With a recent purchase of a little piece of the Alberta prairie, we're looking to sell our nice suburban home in search of a more meaningful life beyond chasing the \"American dream\" working for some big company and making someone else rich. Even if you dont have the tools, the other benefit of kydex is just how cheap it is to work with. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. Information on news, history and events both inside ITS and throughout the world. You must log in or register to reply here. More foam. Shop the ITS Store for exclusive merchandise, equipment and hard to find tactical gear. Kit Instructions Editor-in-Chiefs Note:Please join us in welcoming Justin Spindler as a contributing author on ITS Tactical! You can put weights on top to do this, or use clamps to hold it shut. Molding the belt clip is simple. Experiment. Kydex Rotating Knife Sheath : 17 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables Whelp, its a short list: 1. Make sure to get the 8-8 eyelets, as those are just the right length for a double layer of .080 kydex, 3. Start with the half you did the layout on, and make the holes using a 1/4" brad point drill bit. Use your clamps to hold the frame together while drilling the holes. I voted for you I think. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. Gallery 481530.jpg 98.2 KB Views: 119 481531.jpg 116.3 KB Views: 64 481532.jpg if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'knifepulse_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',172,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The concept is the same for whatever you have. Holster Making - Tools | KnifeKits.com For those interested in just making a sheath or two, theres no need to purchase an expensive arbor press and other specialty tools, a lot of the work can be done with some tools that you probably already own. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums, http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/CategoryOverview.aspx?cPath=1496.1506, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42494. When Kydex is heated, it becomes soft and moldable. Contrast this to a 'taco" style sheath, which is made like a taco. Do you sell Tek-Lok belt clips? While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press (or makeshift press). Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. Either way, they must be the same length! Remember that the knife should be in the sheath as you do this. Adding the rivets and using the flaring die is pretty self explanatory just remember when setting the rivets one good tap with the hammer on the flaring die is better than a lot of little taps. 15 Kydex press & Holster Making ideas | kydex, holster, kydex holster This only takes 30 seconds. Duh. The heated Kydex is wrapped around whatever it will sheathe, and then sandwiched between the two pieces and then clamped or weighted heavily until the plastic cools. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifepulse_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');To make a Kydex sheath, you will need: With these, you are ready to start making your Kydex sheath. Having a sheath to hold your knife and keep it safe is a wonderful thing. I really recommend this one in particular, it works better than the others ive tried, 4. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. Thanks to the generosity of our supporting members and occasionally earning money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, (when you click our Amazon links) weve eliminated annoying ads and content. Alrighty, now that everything's stuck together, time to bring the sheath down to size. Kydex needs to be heated up before it becomes pliable enough to shape and mold. Today, we arent going to buy a sheath. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas. All you need is some Kydex and youre good to go! Now that youve got that line laid out, cut to it. Here is the bottom. That is a gorgeous blade with a really cool handle! I have had the wood cut the foam bought and have been going to make one of these for months now but have been kinda stuck on how to put it all togethor. Now you have the location for 2 holes in the right general place. A hacksaw could do in a pinch. Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. If you're not careful, you might end up scorching more than just the plastic. Now, technically, if you work the saw right, this is your last step. I leave it there until it softens enough for me to bend it around. Either I would not add a hinge, or I would make the hinge adjustable. But I don't seem to find any cheap ones like the article says. The important thing to note here is that where you put the 2 fasteners closest to the throat, where you insert the knife, changes how well the sheath will retain said knife. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. Once this is done, place the wrapped item in the molding press and apply pressure (chain locking optional). And it isnt easy to buy a sheath that fits either since every blade is different. General Knife Safety Dont skip this part, its a lot easier to find out a piece is undersize now, rather than when its hot and floppy. You are using an out of date browser. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. Too much sharpening can lead to stuck knives and off cuts. If you don't have any, Harbor Freight is an excellent source, 3 inch C clamps are only a few bucks and are extremely useful, Sorry, that should read "doesn't require buying extra materials than what's listed". The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. All you need is some curved, beveled kydex tubing and you are ready to go. I used a hack saw for this but a band saw would be ideal. Pressing is a great way to make money as a beginner maker. Just make sure you dont burn your Kydex in the process! How to make a Kydex Concealed Holster at Home? - Legionary Instead, Im going to teach you how to make your very own Kydex sheath. Amazon.com : 2 Sheets of Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform I used my bandsaw to make short work of it, here again a coping saw would do. The order is - 1. Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. Now, use your cutting implement of choice and cut along that line you traced. Use your heat gun to heat the KYDEX until it becomes pliable. This will morph the flat sheets into the shape of the knife. The color and texture. If it is wider or thinner, add more material to make it match. Doing the first 2 holes like this helps to keep everything lined up like it should be. If you pick up the KYDEX and its floppy, then its ready to mold. One of the few specialized tools you need, but well worth the $10. Here are the materials youll need: First you will need to make the molding blocks that you will use to form the KYDEX around your knife. Place your Kydex sheets in at 250 degrees for ten minutes. I am using 2ea 1" thick pieces of neoprene for the mold foam. Here are the parts needed. I need to make a simple kydex press out of 2 sheets of MDF hinge and a handle and need to apply foam to one side. The Kydex can be placed either directly on the rack or on a cookie sheet if you prefer. Work on one eyelet at a time. Hold the heat gun about four to six inches away from the KYDEX and fan it over the surface. If you have an oven toaster, you can also use this. Whaddup denizens of the internet, its ya boy guz- wait, wrong intro. Layer of Kydex. (Top 10) Best Foam For Kydex Press in 2023 Based On Customer Feedback Kydex is especially pliable while heated. Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1.5), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x.5), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Mega Form) - (8x12x1), Vacuum Forming Membrane - Commercial Grade Silicone - (49" Width), *Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Mega Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 12), *Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Mega Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 24), *Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Xtreme Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 12), *Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Xtreme Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 24), HolsterMolds - Curved Jig - Large Radius - (w/Xtreme Foam), HolsterMolds - Curved Jig - Medium Radius - (w/Xtreme Foam), KYDEX Taco Press - (6 x 12) - Press Only, KYDEX Taco Press - (6 x 12) - w/Maxx Center Foam, KYDEX Taco Press - (6 x 12) - w/Xtreme Center Foam, Scissortail Custom - Bender Angled Jig (w/Xtreme Foam), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Maxx Form) - (12x11.5x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Maxx Form) - (8x12x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Mega Form) - (12x11.5x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Mega Form) - (24 x 3.75 x 1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x.5), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x1.5), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (24 x 3.75 x 1). Go cut another just like it, and meet me at the next step, Now for the fun part, making the flat sheet of kydex fit your knife. Here they are: I do not. Now that you have the locations marked, time to make some holes. In my case, the piece of kydex i was working off was small enough all i really needed to do was cut it in half at the bandsaw. I had lost some heat taking pictures but it will work just fine. 2009-2023 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. I don't have any foam to sell you today. It is a hard material, one that you cant bend easily. 3. Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany what kind of foam and where can i get it. What the devil is that?!" Instead, find another way to make custom kydex sheaths! Nicely done 'ible, very detailed in the process.I have two questions for you:1) Can this be done effectively to a 10 inch blade on the same budget? This is one side repeat for the other side. Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than youll need. Trim the leather 8. And great sense of humor. You are using an out of date browser. Red shows up best on black kydex. Also, by being connected, it gives me more leverage for clamping. With those 5 easy steps, you can make your very own Kydex sheath. Again, making a Kydex sheath is a lot easier than you may think. See more ideas about kydex, holster, kydex holster. Whats kydex you ask? Hows it going lads and lasses, in a previous instructable i walked you through how to make a simple cord-wrapped tactical knife. Get the stack assembled and get some pressure on it. The KYDEX Taco Press | 1-Piece Holster Presses and Thermoform M Many people use YouTube or Youtube videos to help guide them into the world of making them. Kydex layer numero dos. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. Pushing it down or squeezing it likely wouldnt work, it takes some force. You see? You can buy the presses pre-assembled for a little under $100, or you can do what i did, get some heat-resistant foam and some plywood and make your own. I got mine from Tandy Leather. Step 1 Heat the Kydex. The flaring dies and sheath making foam can be found at knifekits.com, but all other tools (and hardware below) can be found at a hardware store. Aspiring chefs who are getting around to learning more about Japanese knives will appreciate how they can improve your overall culinary skills. Be careful if you do, too much force on the buff will melt the kydex. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee . You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. Why not something like leather? You will love it! Because Kydex does not have a lot of directions, this process can be tricky. For making a sheath by using two pieces of KYDEX the process is pretty much the same as above, you just need to be careful during the molding process because the two pieces will want to shift while you are clamping them together. If they are open, put something over them to prevent air and water from coming in and out. Homemade Kydex Press? | BladeForums.com Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives.
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