How To Make A Kydex Sheath Taco Style | Knife Making

[@RedBeardOps]

Soo... what's better? Tacos or Pancakes!? 😜

[@BCM1959]

I'm thinking taco. At least for knives, guns might be better with pancake. Have to look at some more examples before locking my final answer.

[@joshuamiller8506]

Taco for sure. However I really depends on the type of blade, the and how you want to use it will depend on the type of sheath style

[@ClenioBuilder]

Taco is a excellent idea and one more option to know. In my case i discovered it today. Thanks from Brazil!

[@bhein67]

Pancakes for breakfast, tacos for lunch...LOL

[@RedBeardOps]

Oh... that sounds REALLLL good

[@Aleeknives]

I like how you oiled the blade before adding the tape! You didn't bring attention to it but that is another great tip! Taco for me! Great video man

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks a million man! Good point. I don't like leaving that tape on the blade for extended periods.... It can trap moisture if your not careful and rust! Thanks for your comment as always, sir!

[@sudo_nym]

That little click gives you confidence that your blade is secured. I like it! 🇬🇧🤜⚡️🤛🇺🇸

[@RedBeardOps]

Darn right, Cheers sir!

[@bobbyb7127]

That click when the knife goes in the sheath.....Sooooo nice sounding. :)

[@RedBeardOps]

Satisfying for sure!

[@armadilloforge]

It's all in the details, well done!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you as always sir! Really appreciate your comments.

[@foxbritten]

Thumb ramp is a dope idea and a great detail that makes a big improvement in function

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it! Cheers!

[@EnJeiBee]

Dude, your videos are great. So many people teach people HOW to do things, but they don't explain the WHY behind what they're doing. I've watched dozens of videos on making sheaths and you're the first person to mention the benefits of utilizing 3/4" hole spacing.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Nick, I'm doing my best get get all the details out there that I learn. There is so much to learn!

[@jacobkaltz1958]

Whoa whoa whoa there partner this video quality is way too good for a KZbin. :) lol

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol! Thanks sir! Really appreciate your comment!

[@richcurren6888]

Beautiful … and crystal clear instruction. Bravo.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richcurren6888]

@@RedBeardOps Top notch!

[@josh88113]

You’re making some of the better knife making videos I’ve seen lately.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Josh, I really appreciate that! I'm trying my best. Have a great weekend!

[@GlockmanGG]

I just ordered the hinges to build one of these presses to build eleven sheaths for my three year project , hopefully I will stay healthy enough to get them done this year around Christmas as gifts, getting older has its setbacks, stay young as long as you can , I enjoy your channel and your videos. Thanks

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you greatly sir! Good luck with your sheaths!

[@mgannotti]

Great video and timely as I’m making my first one!

[@RedBeardOps]

Good luck!

[@travisdaniel1880]

This video was extremely helpful for making my first kydex holster

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad I could help!

[@phila1714]

Thanks for the vid about to make my first taco!

[@lw8882]

The arbor press for eyelets must be a massive hand/finger saver. Love the video as usual.

[@RedBeardOps]

1000% yes!

[@johnkennedyswenja]

Taco makes a cleaner look, I like the thumb release idea.

[@RedBeardOps]

Met too! Cheers John!

[@Jim-fr3gr]

Your a good craftsman that worked out good.Have good weekend .

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Jim, you too! Cheers sir!

[@GARBAGEMANBRAD]

Dude! Excellent video.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it!

[@tomtomlin3408]

Great video, love the thumb ramp addition...

[@jcdupuy4809]

You are a beast man. So clear and precise

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey JC, really appreciate the praise! Thanks for the comment and thanks for your viewership!

[@apl949]

Best knifemaker. Ай виш ю 100000 субскрайберс квикли!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@kelleymcbride4633]

Great video thanks. Nice beard friendly respirator! 👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers Kelley! I have a new respirator review coming out soon... it's an expensive one though

[@bhein67]

Excellent video on Kydex. I have made a couple pancake style, but never taco style. I really like the thumb ramp idea, and using an arbor press looks so much easier than a hammer. I think I have to make a kydex sheath now! Cheers from Canada

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah man! Glad you enjoyed this one. Cheers from Texas!

[@rrd9434]

Great Video.

[@theriversexperience9383]

Good job! Great video as always. You were the one that I got the idea from to start using ulti clips.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah man! Glad you liked it. I love those clips... very strong.

[@stephenelliott8303]

A pleasure watching as always, I’ve only been making knives in the UK for around 4 years, so your experience and knowledge that you show in your videos is very much appreciated. Thanks and look forward to watching more 👌🏻👍🏻

[@RedBeardOps]

Great to hear! CHeers

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

Outstanding 💯

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Great video. I also do the thumb areas but I don't have a heat gun.. now I think I need one. ;-)

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah sir! Glad you got something out of it. Thanks for your comment and have a great weekend!

[@vannigiovannigio8861]

Well executed instructional. Thank you.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vannigiovannigio8861]

@@RedBeardOps Most helpful. Im making my first one this week.

[@AgitpropPsyop]

You did a really great job with this! I love how everything is right to the point. Thanks dude!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jinxjones5497]

No drainage hole? Thanks for the tutorial, I was just wondering how exactly to make kydex items and your vid was the 1st one I picked. Good job. I especially like the foam press

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped! You can put a brass rod in the crease to add a drainage hole; or drill one. Cheers!

[@jorinherde5995]

Awesome video dude. So much to learn from you 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks man! Really appreciate your comment. Glad you liked the video.

[@superkbd2451]

You are really good at making knives man

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Really appreciate that.

[@thezacofalltrades7428]

Great vid! thank you!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it!

[@ChrisJones-uw8mi]

Nice sheath! I also like to hit the sanded edges of the sheath on the buffer. Gives it a very clean look.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Chris! I'm going to need to try this. I don't have a buffer, but maybe some little buffing wheels on my dremmel will do the trick.

[@matthewharetakis]

Nice one

[@manoloramirez6456]

Good video man

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the visit!

[@peterfox6159]

Great video! Thank you so much for his detailed instruction material 🙃👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@antichristxpher3279]

Hey man I made a few knives since I last said something on ur vids but they are turning out better each time. I will be trying this as soon as I can get my hands on some! Appreciate the tutorials

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome sir! Good luck with your builds!

[@mwblades6553]

Thank you for this vid. I have so many issues with Kydex. I went to leather because of it. This helps a lot. I have some things to try.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for your comment man! Leather is hard! But I plan on getting better at it too hopefully in the coming months. Have a great weekend.

[@LanceJoshlin]

I know this comment is a year old, but what issues do you have with kydex?

[@mwblades6553]

@@LanceJoshlin a lot of the issues I had I have figured out. Mainly the spacing of the eyelets from the knife was a main issue. After figuring out spacing, it got much easier

[@musicconnelly]

Excellent tips. Thanks!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@skipwatson5258]

I really enjoy your videos man. Thanks for the content.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks skip! Glad you're like them!

[@roysolis2324]

Muy intructivo.Saludos desde Panama

[@RedBeardOps]

¡Gracias por tu comentario! ¡Saludos desde Texas!

[@MDR-hn2yz]

Great info. You made it look easy 😆

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shepardsforgeh2031]

Dude this was great info thank ypu!

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers sir! Thanks

[@christianyellic3394]

Great video! Subbed!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome, thank you!

[@mikelevalleyknives2045]

thanks for the vid bro looking forward to trying my first kydex sheath, thanks!

[@RedBeardOps]

Good luck!

[@mtiger5]

Nice work dude

[@RedBeardOps]

Much appreciated!

[@donniehopkins8439]

Good job my man!

[@RedBeardOps]

Appreciate it!

[@Osama-Bon-Jovi-01]

Good video 👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@lakesidemfg3552]

Well made video. Thank you

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephengardner6139]

I love your videos keep up the good work

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Will do, sir!

[@REKKnives]

Loved the vid man keep it up! Ps. You should consider some music backgrounds from epidemic sounds 😉

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks man! Thanks for the recommendation, too! I've checked them out for sure and they're at the top of my list. I'm just too cheap right now... LOL

[@MrLuridan]

Very helpful!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christophereddy4517]

Awesome. Definitely subbing after seeing this video. Do you do this for a living?

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Chris! I do not. Cheers!

[@aaronhope8366]

Well that doesn't look too overwhelming. Since I'm in a rare area where I don't have a kydex guy near me or within my network, I guess I'm going to be that guy.

[@RedBeardOps]

Good luck Aaron!

[@MG-hx3ym]

The straps you have pictured on screen at 6:49 where can I find those exact ones? I’ve searched for “knife sheath straps,” and can’t find those. This is another reason I like your videos because they’re concise and that picture is exactly what I’m looking for for sheath straps

[@RedBeardOps]

I have a link in the description with all the items. Cheers man - TekLock - amzn.to/2jZeILM

[@corwinniederer9763]

Thanks. Sometimes it is nice to see someone else's techniques

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Corwin!

[@corwinniederer9763]

@@RedBeardOps I recently got back into making knives after few years away. And watching your videos has been a huge inspiration. You make things look so easy. Haha. I hope to someday be able to produce something like you. Check out Raven Blades on Facebook. That's me. Based out of Ontario Canada

[@RedBeardOps]

@@corwinniederer9763 Will do man. Really happy you found these motivating! Have a great weekend!

[@j.pknifeworks3765]

Taco is better for one-sided blades, pancakes are better for double-sided blades because you don't want one side rubbing on the spine of the taco sheath.

[@RedBeardOps]

Good points!

[@surviveitforbeginner]

Love your videos, wondering about the arbor press what tonnage is it (1/2,1,2)? Link to the dies used? Thanks again for the great content

[@fredb7814]

Really Like your Videos. Btw Stick some foam into the opening to keep grinding Media Out ... Works for me best regards

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tip Fred! Have a great weekend!

[@fredb7814]

@@RedBeardOps thanks.you too

[@kevinmoss1276]

You’ve done it again, another awesome video man! I was just curious about that clip. Does it allow for scout carry of the knife?

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Kevin! Yeah the tek-lok does allow for scout carry. The Ulti Clip is more of a concealment clip.

[@kevinmoss1276]

Red Beard Ops awesome man I’ll have to check it out. Not sure about you, but I definitely prefer scout carry when available, especially for a smaller fixed blade. Just more convenient for me personally

[@tango-bravo]

Well done! How dense is the foam sections you use in the press and what do you suppose the longevity of this foam is before you would need to replace it?

[@RedBeardOps]

I've used the same foam since 2019. I got it at knife-kits . com I think

[@bhein67]

What thickness of Kydex are you using? And what size are the rivets please. I want to order some supplies to try this but, I'd like to order the right stuff...LOL. I know, where's the fun in that... Cheers from Canada

[@RedBeardOps]

Sorry Sir I should have put that information in the video. Check out the description for links on the exact kydex and eyelets I use.

[@charleswalter4907]

Beautiful knife and sheets. Where do you get your respirator?

[@RedBeardOps]

I found it on amazon, but I'm not sure it's carried anymore... "Resp-O-Rator"

[@charleswalter4907]

It’s not carried anymore,, thanks for the return!

[@jkgkjgkijk]

What is the safety device on nose and mouth? Nice video

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man I got it here before it went out of stock for COVID. I love it... great for the bearded - Checkering File - amzn.to/3bg2iER

[@manoloramirez6456]

Wow good video man what measure are the eyelets

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Manolo, I have them linked in the description.

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

I prefer the pancake because of slimness, is there benefits to Taco vs pancake?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Tim, I don't see an advantage other than maybe the thumb ramp is easier to make on the taco. The pancake does have the advantage of mounting holes on both sides for being strapped down easier.

[@bobbyb7127]

The press doesn't compress at the hinged end. Does that matter? I have some materials on order and planning on making the press before they get here, but don't know what to do at the hinged end, maybe pre-compress it at that end. what do you think?

[@RedBeardOps]

While I think a better solution would be even pressure... I haven't had issues using the hinged design.

[@TheRandomAdventurerVeteran]

When you're grinding, what kind of respirator are you using? I've never seen anything like that before.

[@RedBeardOps]

amzn.to/2M6PMN7

[@MerleCastillejo-n7f]

Crist Locks

[@RedBeardOps]

Christ Locks?

[@74crazyscout]

Great video from start to finish! I also noticed the blade oiling before taping and like that touch. Especially liked the “thumb-ramp” tutorial as well. I’m about to make my first sheath and this video has my confidence high! Is that .06 or .08 thickness and do you change your heating method depending on which you use? I noticed you go high heat to 285°. I’ve seen others do slow and low to 350°. Any pros and cons? Thanks man. Sorry if this has been answered elsewhere. 🤘🏻

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks! I put a link to the kydex I'm using in the description of this video. Not sure about the pros and cons of the heating cycles. I think this stuff gets dangerous to breath at a certain temp

[@loboowens5929]

What are you using to clamp down your 1 2 3 blocks? I'm new to making sheaths and I'm getting my supplies ready.

[@RedBeardOps]

Those are just some cheap hold downs clamps I use on my mini mill

[@Felkins]

Why did you put balistol in the blade before the tape? Thanks!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey John, I put that stuff on all the time. May be a little parinoid. If tape is left on there for a long time it can attract moisture

[@lilchirp4846]

What thickness kydex are you using in this vid? Is it the 0.060? What would be the downside in using 0.028?

[@RedBeardOps]

That sounds about right... I think you'd get weaker retention

[@djebat88]

Pancakes are easier, Tacos more esthetic. Anyways, just do what you like. It will come out beautiful. Thanks, RBO.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers Kerry!

[@bensnyd]

What's that respirator/PPE you're wearing during grinding?

[@RedBeardOps]

Resp-O-Rator - amzn.to/2M6PMN7 - Cheers!

[@memphis0]

can i send you 2 knives to make sheaths for hahahahaha man thats nice

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol, thank you sir! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@prodbybabygod7411]

How do you think you'd go just using a heat gun to heat the sheet?

[@RedBeardOps]

I think it would be touch an go without an oven. Maybe possible.

[@ProfessorJimm]

Don't wanna sound like a complete dope but I'm getting a small arbor press and those dies but how does the top die stay? Is there a hole or how does that work? Thanks!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Jimmie, I drilled and tapped the arbor with a set screw for holding the top die.

[@ProfessorJimm]

@@RedBeardOps ahhh gotcha, I can do that! Thanks for the info and for responding 👍🏼 excellent video by the way!

[@SS-qf2po]

Very nice!... Do u take orders?.. I have a KOA BUSH CAMP.

[@RedBeardOps]

Sorry sir, I am not taking any orders. Cheers

[@Highschoolcreations-in2yh]

What is the style of the knife in the video?

[@RedBeardOps]

Small EDC Droppoint?

[@jeffreyschmidt6608]

Is it possible to use a tension screw to determine and set the sheath retention (like is often done w/ kydex gun holsters) instead of the method you used?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Jeffrey, I haven't tried it, but I'm sure you could! I'd put it at the top hole.

[@scottjonello7973]

I really like this video. You definitely take your time, and look for the best possible finish. I just purchased at Fox European hunter, very small knife for small game. I was wondering if I could commission you to make a sheath for me?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Scott, I'm not taking any customs. Thanks though!

[@eheritage21]

Nice video! I want to make kydex sheaths for a lot of knives and multi tools I have. I don’t know if I missed it or not, but which thickness of the kydex do you think works best? Thanks

[@RedBeardOps]

The stuff I use is 0.060" . I think I have a link to it in the description. Cheers!

[@eheritage21]

@@RedBeardOps thanks for the help. I got the kydex and built the same setup you did. Trying to figure how hot and long to heat it up. Trying to do a taco style. I’ve learned a lot off your channel. Thanks 🙏

[@RedBeardOps]

@@eheritage21 I use a cheap temp gun and get mine up to around 280F

[@bazzzker]

You need to add water drain hole near the tip

[@RedBeardOps]

Always a worthy addition via a pin added during pressing or drilling a hole! Thanks for point it out.

[@AustinRich-k8b]

Nyah Orchard

[@RedBeardOps]

You may have the wrong video

[@TheAsianOfChaos]

Could you just tap the eyelets in with a rubber mallet?

[@RedBeardOps]

No sir, I doubt that would do it

[@sergejsblinovs3369]

What thickness of kydex do you use? Thank you

[@RedBeardOps]

I put a link to the kydex I use in the description of this video .Cheers!

[@sergejsblinovs3369]

@@RedBeardOps Thank you. You are the best!

[@hayworth.handmade]

At 4min 30 sec, you point to the retention spot of the sheath. Have you found that this will leave scratch marks on the finished blade over time? Is this normal or do I need to do something to prevent this?

[@RedBeardOps]

Dirt, grit, grime will get into kydex sheaths and scratch your blade for sure. It's tough to stop this.

[@hayworth.handmade]

@@RedBeardOps I tied a clean rag to a long string and pulled it through like a bore snake a few times before setting the eyelets, but it's still rubbing the etched finish a little. Maybe this is just normal, but it still bugs me

[@RedBeardOps]

@@hayworth.handmade This is one reason I learned leather work

[@kenneththornton4597]

What was that belt clip at the end of the video? Does it pinch onto the belt to not allow slipping?

[@RedBeardOps]

Check the video description for a link to the cilp

[@chrisrickey8952]

How long do you keep the kydex in the press?

[@RedBeardOps]

about 10 min

[@Rcdeserttrucks]

What kind of foam do you recommend ?

[@RedBeardOps]

stuff like this - www.knifekits.com/vcom/holster-making-tools-molding-presses-foam-c-1072_524.html

[@untukmamapapa]

Hi, what kind of spon material to press?

[@RedBeardOps]

These guys used to sell foam - www.knifekits.com/vcom/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=foam&osCsid=aebd34888f0679e7df4677ce659ee439

[@nobackhands]

Rather than rivets what about CA or epoxy glue

[@RedBeardOps]

I wouldn't trust the sheath to be robust without rivets.

[@ivanchavez7434]

Do you do custom sheaths i have a custom knife

[@RedBeardOps]

Sorry sir, I do not. Cheers

[@Mack_Dingo]

Late to the party, What kind of Foam is it?

[@RedBeardOps]

Basically stuff like this - amzn.to/4f3zctk

[@alyssacatanese7222]

What did you turn the oven on for

[@RedBeardOps]

1:50

[@geraldszaal7791]

I’ve been doing pancake but like the taco option. BUT I’m not having much success. They are coming out really loose and looking all wavy. Any suggestions?

[@geraldszaal7791]

I think I figured out what my problem was. I don’t think I was getting the kydex hot enough. On my fifth attempt I heated it up to 315 degrees. Had the consistency of a lasagna noodle. Layed the knife on it an folded. Than clamped the crap on the press. (Copied your press.). After 25 minutes took it out and looks great.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah Gerald! Glad you found a solution.

[@Drifting_Ghost]

Which is better .06" kydex or .08" kydex?

[@RedBeardOps]

depends on your application and desired retention

[@Drifting_Ghost]

@RedBeardOps so the thicker it is the better the retention?

[@RedBeardOps]

@@Drifting_Ghost that is correct. the whole sheath will be more rigid as well

[@RedBeardOps]

that being said.. I use the 06 and it works great for knives...