5 Tips for Better Kydex Sheaths

Have a Kydex Press and not sure if you're creating the best Kydex sheath? Follow along and I'll show you 5 tips, plus a bonus tip at the end to make the best Kydex sheaths around. Professional knife makers should strive to be the best craftsman they can be, and that should include the knife sheath that comes with it.
Being a professional craftsman includes using the right tool for the job.
One tool that can create success in every shop from DIY to the biggest makers like Alec Steele is knowledge. From Blacksmithing to Knife making we can all learn from each other. Thanks for checking out my channel.
Hugs,
John
If you haven't yet and would like to see more of my uploads please hit this link to subscribe, it's free and it lets me know I am making great videos.
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This video description has Amazon Affiliate links below. Clicking them helps GLG Forgeworks with a small percentage earned of each item sold. Everything I recommend either in video or below is something I find value in. I will never recommend something just to make a buck.
#kydexpress # kydex #sheath #knifemaker
Here is the file card I recommend for making sure your files stay clean, and helping you stay a true craftsman.
Wicked Comfy work shirt.
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I use these over regular pens, they just work better.
Rite in the Rain Pens - amzn.to/3FNdUhM
Clean files work better for you. Get better results and sharper work.
Nicholson MADE in USA File Card - amzn.to/3yiKDZm
Stay on target with these very well made Center Punches.
Starrett Center Punch Set - amzn.to/3rZCbwO

[@latsher2829]

All of these steps are why the sheath for my Bishop is perfect! 👍🏼

[@GLGForgeworks]

I try my very best to create a tool that will be functional and very well made. Thank you as always for the support! ❤️

[@z-ZONDER-z_E15]

@@GLGForgeworks I have a question? If kydex is a thermoplastic, won't it have problems with melting? Like if I left a leather sheath in my car on accident, it might get a bit crispy, but add some leather cream, and it will be fine. If I have my work knife in a baller kydex sheath instead, won't it just melt/loose tolerance? If you could, answer my question, I would appreciate it 👍

[@GLGForgeworks]

@@z-ZONDER-z_E15 the heat needed to have it be pliable is 350° or so. So even left in a hot car and it was 120° you would be fine. I hope that helps answer your question my friend.

[@justinfacer6332]

It's always the guy at the theater that gets me. "Enjoy your movie." "You too, thanks."

[@mattpayne6253]

I was committed at “ thanks, you too…” 😂 great video man, lots of logic and useful info. I’m relatively new in the kydex world but making holsters, sheaths, and everything in between, this video was super appreciated and you got my subscription 👌👍👍

[@GLGForgeworks]

Thank you for the kind words. Hopefully I’ll continue to make great content for you.

[@kallenavn2783]

Thanks alot for the scotchbrite tip, works great with a pad and a sanding block

[@joshhadden1559]

The scotch bright wheel! Great tip thanks!

[@user-jg1bo1eb7z]

Thanks for the tips John !

[@rustytygart405]

Thanks for the video every little tip counts

[@vn5972]

Great tips for those who want a higher quality kydex sheath! Appreciate you willing to share the knowledge to others. Your videos are so helpful. Happy New Year!😊

[@GLGForgeworks]

Thank you for letting me know! I’m trying to really share some of the things that have helped me along the way. Not just for the maker but the client as well so they will have higher expectations of knife sheaths.

[@monstersinktees]

Awesome intro. Has the Garand Thumb touch to it. I love it! Great video man. Thanks!

[@bryanc13]

Thanks for the outstanding tips and info - really appreciate all your insights!

[@GLGForgeworks]

Absolutely any time friend

[@mattknower8073]

Nice tips! Thanks!

[@lianagordian1222]

Great video!

[@DrewCrabb1231]

Good info, and applies to just about anything you need a sheath for. Best belt mounted taco holder I ever crafted!

[@GLGForgeworks]

Thank you so much. It’s some basic info but something that may help someone starting out.

[@samvanderbliek614]

Great video man, love the energy. I have been having some problems getting crisp lines when forming my sheaths. I think pre-heating the foam will give me the results Im looking for, thanks! Greetings from Tortuga Forge in Aruba. ✌🏾

[@jughead8988]

Dude! Amazing video quality for a tiny channel! You'll go far!

[@jodyrowe8166]

Killer video. Thank u alot

[@jdean1851]

Thanks for the great info! newsub from Idaho!

[@GLGForgeworks]

Thanks for the sub!

[@kjwtr3100]

Funny Guy! Good Tips.

[@DansFriendDan]

Well done video, I would like to have seen a sheath being made using these tips so I could see them in action. I'm brand new to using Kydex so maybe this was more geared towards someone who already knows what's going on, but still good info and helpful.

[@GLGForgeworks]

I am happy to answer any questions. I didn’t want it to be too boring to non makers. I utilize a t shirt press as it heats the Kydex evenly. I started with a $20 toaster oven and that worked for the most part. You want your Kydex to be soft like a wet lasagna sheet. 365-390° for me is the sweet spot. I heat the foam up if it’s cold in the shop. The tape allows a barrier so the blade is not touching the Kydex. Once it’s fully cooled you outline the Kydex with a white charcoal pencil. I use those since it washes off easily. Drill your holes with a Brad point drill bit. 1/4 inch for the Kydex eyelets. I use .80 Kydex for what I do. The .60 is too thin IMHO and the .93 is more for holsters and heavier stuff. I’d recommend looking you Phlster for very in depth tutorials and anything you can in Dark Star Gear. I’ll do a full tutorial in the future as well. Thank you for the support friend.

[@gregoryblake3377]

Do you also make holster for guns? And if so do you use the same thickness kydex?

[@ridehi8083]

good video. I like that you called them eyelets and not "rivets". this is the first time Ive heard of using acetone. It would have been cool to see an example of one used with acetone.

[@gomezfun8247]

great video bro!!!!

[@GLGForgeworks]

Thank you bud!!! More coming next week

[@gomezfun8247]

Kydex Belt loops and clips would be a helpful one for me lol

[@CryptoMatrixMC]

Nice video 👍👍 thx 🙏

[@GLGForgeworks]

You’re welcome and thank you. 🙏

[@CryptoMatrixMC]

@@GLGForgeworks thx bro 👍👍

[@GLGForgeworks]

@@CryptoMatrixMC of course, anytime!

[@johnsanford3596]

Second time watching, like Gilligan's Island, each time I watch I catch more. A question on your bandsaw, which I see is in a totally awesome bestest ever SWAG stand. What blade are you using? And do you know if those wee portable bandsaws can use anything other than a 1/2" blade?

[@dickgozinya9228]

Link to the Scotchbrite wheel?

[@Charles-tj8ol]

Hello, thanks for the tips. Question: I am making my first kydex press and purchased the extreme foam you suggested. I am wondering if the gap between the surfaces of the press should be made equal to the combined thickness of the two foam panels or should I shrink that gap a hair to account for foam compression? Thanks in advance!

[@trainwon5699]

Well done friend! Where do you purchase the scotch bright wheels…thanks

[@GLGForgeworks]

I think I grabbed mine off eBay

[@DirtyDirtbath]

I'm the 420th like. Nice

[@GLGForgeworks]

Legend!

[@BlindDude]

I need to make one or 2 sheaths. A 24x36x3" piece of high density foam from walmart wont work?

[@GLGForgeworks]

It could. The trick is to get the Kydex warmed up enough that it’s floppy like cooked lasagna and get it into the foam and pressed down.

[@dillonthompson304]

Hey man im about to start doing some kydex sheaths. And was wondering what thickness you go with. Amd what size eyelets

[@GLGForgeworks]

Sorry just saw this. I go .80 and get eyelets from knife kits. It’s. A little thicker than .60 it’s sturdy and holds well.

[@Adrian-rv5xn]

Hi i have a holster that came with my handgun the bad thing is that is right handed, i was wondering if i could bend the kydex to fit my left side.

[@GLGForgeworks]

You would probably lose a bit of retention. I’d reach out to who made it and see if they make a left sided versions

[@Adrian-rv5xn]

I already talked to them (canik), and they don't make a left-handed one.

[@utubepunk]

Dumb question maybe... can a kydex sheath be made for a folded pocket knife? 🤔

[@GLGForgeworks]

Not a dumb question. Yea it could, it would give you the option to carry it outside of your pockets.

[@oliverschlotfeldt7865]

Somebody watches Garand Thumb.

[@GLGForgeworks]

Yessssh

[@johnhubbard6262]

My ears are not what they used to be, was that Dark ??? Gear

[@johnhubbard6262]

ahhhh Darkstart, got it never mind