Thanks BD. Chemically formulated for low memory artifacts with durability to last longer. Basic Knife History Moving up to a 10 inch blade doesn't really require extra materials, just a little extra work, 2) Sitting on it would work, if you had 10 or 15 minutes to kill. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. More foam. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. Im using a bandsaw, but for those of us who are power-tool challenged, a coping saw would work just as well. Start with the half you did the layout on, and make the holes using a 1/4" brad point drill bit. It's a vice with jaws that are padded in order to hold lumber without denting it. *saw/sander/grinder *drill *Kydex sheet *sharpie marker Ask Question Step 2: Preparation. Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. With the KYDEX still hot, sandwich the knife between the two foam molds and clamp the entire unit down tight. Luckily, we have a few tips to make your second press perfect! Again, making a Kydex sheath is a lot easier than you may think. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. Once youve found a good spot, mark it. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee . (no stitching required, I suck at that.) This to say, the outside of the sheath will have all the curves. The KYDEX Taco Holster press is similar in design to a book press. If you are using an armored leather such as Kydex or a more rugged leather such as tup Olive Dras then it is recommended that the leather is thicker to provide more support. You need something to cut the kydex. Thanks Tracy for the tutorial. A kydex press is a great way to make some extra money as a skilled make-yourselfkydex sheaths. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. 9. It should flex easy, under its own weight. Alrighty, now that everything's stuck together, time to bring the sheath down to size. If you're not careful, you might end up scorching more than just the plastic. Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Put an eyelet in the second hole, then proceed to drill the rest. To make a kydex sheath you really only need 7 ingredients: A section of Kydex sheeting Some rivets and rivet punch A Belt fastener (for carrying your knife on a belt) An oven or toaster oven A drill with some bits Hobby saw or Band Saw A foam press for pressure molding the heated/soft kydex around your knife (homemade) Specifications Master Series Flaring Press 22 LBS Pre-Tapped Set Screw = Yes (for holding top die) While the back side with the belt loop is fairly flat. Yours doesnt look that way, did the kydex not properly take the shape of the knife? Im sure most of the people here know of KYDEX and many of you probably own a KYDEX sheath or holster that was either sold with a blade or purchased for a hand gun. Before we get into the how, let me first answer the why. To form this stuff, use a paint remover heat gun, around $20. If its a large knife I would recommend using two pieces of KYDEX riveted together on each side of the blade to allow for more stable mounting options, but for medium and small knives one piece of KYDEX wrapped around the blade is sufficient. Doing the first 2 holes like this helps to keep everything lined up like it should be. Not too shabby, eh? A hand drill would work just as well. Kydex Press. What I do is cut two pieces of Kydex sheet, then attach them together to form the sheath. I really recommend this one in particular, it works better than the others ive tried, 4. A quick how-to on building your own press for making Kydex holsters, sheaths, and mag carriers. To start, you can preheat your oven to between 200-250 degrees. To begin, start by measuring and cutting your sheet. The hardest thing to come by was the foam ,I found some knealing pads at a farm co-op near my work they sell them for milking cows they were $2 each but you could get some at any store with a garden center at a higher cost. 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. Notice the Aluminum is sandwiched between for rigidity. The top is assembled in the same fashion but with only one 2x4 centered for a clamping point. If it is wider or thinner, add more material to make it match. Official Simple Little Life video of a simple DIY Kydex Press.Subscribe to Simple Little Life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSzWatch More Simple Little Life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSzFollow Simple Little Life:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplelittleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplelittlFollow Homestead Knives:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hsknives/Official Website: www.simplelittlelife.caKnife Store: www.homesteadknives.comWatch More Simple Little Life:Latest Uploads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwPJJPopular Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwPJJKnife Making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aXywDIY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_2eyAbout Simple Little Life:This channel has sort of turned (inadvertently) into a knife making channel. Once this is done, place the wrapped item in the molding press and apply pressure (chain locking optional). It really depends on the thickness of the Kydex your working with. *razor knife *oven/heat gun *foam padding (medium stiff) *large, flat, stiff object (book, board, etc.) Im using a toaster oven, but a regular over or a heat gun would work as well, 7. Dont skip this part, its a lot easier to find out a piece is undersize now, rather than when its hot and floppy. Now you just need to get them in exactly the right place. 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. 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. Most are quite expensive, coming around $80-$120. Our KYDEX press foams are used in every level of holster making, from professional kydex presses all the the way to DIY kydex presses, and even homemade kydex press designs. Kinda like spagetti, but, you know, not. After that, it should be floppy. To begin, start by measuring and cutting your sheet. You dont have to spend a lot of money to find a sheath that fits your knife anymore. Official Simple Little Life video of a simple DIY Kydex Press. I was not real sure about the hinge part but that is a simple awesome way. It consists of a hard, disk-like material that you place inside your hand and where the pressure is applied against. Rounded over the corners, beveled the edges, got rid of anything that could snag, made sure the knife slid securely. Use your heat gun to heat the KYDEX until it becomes pliable. I also countersunk the screw heads so they are flush with the plywood. Okay.I'm making a new rig for my CCW piece. There are many ways to use the press, and only a little woodworking experience is needed to make one yourself. It works, just not that great. Share it with us! If you want you can substitute the Aluminum for another sheet of plywood 3/4". Now that you have 1 side drilled, use some squeezy clamps to clamp the 2 halves together with the knife inserted, to keep everything lined up. Nor do you have to leave your knife out in the open, exposed to all the elements. Ive seen that. 2.0 1" neoprene foam 11.5 x 11.5 usaknifemaker.com. Knife. 1 year ago. Keep the rougher sides on the outside. Now, drill 1 hole, but just one. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press . I used a hack saw for this but a band saw would be ideal. You are using an out of date browser. When it comes to multi-tools there are only two brands to seriously consider the Swiss Army knife (the original multi-tool) and the tools from Leatherman. Attach these boards to a cheap wood vise and you have your Kydex press for under $30. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. Here they are: I do not. You do not need special presses or machines to press your material. If you are using a smooth, soft leather such as peau dorange, then it is recommended that you choose a texture that has some line-work or lining. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. Now, use your cutting implement of choice and cut along that line you traced. So, why kydex? What im planning on doing is the following: the problem you may have with putting weight on the mould, or that I've had using clamps is that you only have several seconds before the kydex cools to the point which it will not form well. I went with it because it seemed to be a material I could work with easily. 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". Step 1: Cut the Kydex Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than you'll need. I wouldnt say that Kydex is better than leather. Seriously though, kydex is a great choice if youve never made a sheath before because of how easy it is to work with. They offer KYDEX in various colors and thicknesses. If you were to drill all the holes at once, you run the risk of mis-drilling a hole and messing everything up. You need a way to heat the kydex to make it floppy. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press (or makeshift press). If you do, theres a chance your cut will end up too small. I see the idea of wood vise. Now that the sheath is roughed out you can sand down the burs. Really though, I recommend clamps. or do you have a kydex stater kit.. Skills we advocate to get you through anything life throws at you. Step 1 Heat the Kydex. These not only allow you to carry your knife wherever you go, but they also protect the steel from the elements.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifepulse_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Unfortunately, not all knives come with sheaths. -------------- Editor-in-Chiefs Note:Please join us in welcoming Justin Spindler as a contributing author on ITS Tactical! This is reasonably low compared to average cooking and is intended to make the Kydex easier to handle sooner post-heating. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. Gallery 481530.jpg 98.2 KB Views: 119 481531.jpg 116.3 KB Views: 64 481532.jpg 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. Bit selection is important, the brad point bit will make a nice, clean hole in the kydex, a twist drill tends to tear it up. Voting on the iOS app is a little weird. What You Need To Craft Your Own Kydex Sheath, link to Nakiri Vs Santoku Knife: The Battle of the Japanese Knives, link to Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences. Standing head and shoulders above all Im James, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. I made my own press out of a few hunks of 3/4" plywood ,I purchased a couple of big hinges I attached the hinges to one end and I use a fast close clamp for woodworking. Take your leather puncher and put holes where you need it. You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. The right foam will be durable enough to withstand the pressure of the press, as well as flexible enough to mold to the shape of your project. When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. One of the few specialized tools you need, but well worth the $10. Maybe $30 in startup costs, $4 a sheath after that if even, and less than an hour of time . I want the special protective taped index finger and thumb vent kind . Now, mark out the spots for the rest of the eyelets. The order is - 1. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. Lay your knife onto your kydex, then trace a line around the profile, leaving about 1.25" between the line and the knife. (For a taco sheath: do the same thing, but put the Kydex on the press, place the blade on the Kydex, and fold the Kydex over the knife so that the crease very closely follows the spine of the blade.) This molding foam is for use in press molding sheet materials, such as KYDEXTM, HOLSTEXTM and BoltaronTM. It only takes 5 easy steps to do this. This impression wasn't all that crisp. And it isnt easy to buy a sheath that fits either since every blade is different. The Aluminum is acting as a skeleton and giving structural support. Dont trim it to the exact size yet. If you stop here, youll have quite an ugly sheath. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013[emailprotected]. Then take your eyelet, eyelet setter, and hammer, and get to work. Hybrid Holster Making Kit w/Cowhide Leather Backer - (KYDEX) - (Black) - (Medium) - (RH), QLH - Holster Molding Prop - for Glock 19/23/32 (Butterfly). JavaScript is disabled. Anyway, move over to your toaster oven and set it to 250 degrees, then pop both kydex pieces in for about 10 minutes. Many popular makers use this simple machine to start making products. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifepulse_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-banner-1-0');But why Kydex? Chosen for its high performance in the fabrication process; not only does it produce more detail in formed parts, it can be used on both sides but of its skin. Im Ahmed, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. Thanks for posting. KYDEX is a forgiving material, should you have any screw ups during the molding process you can always reheat and try again. Now to use them. This is one side repeat for the other side. If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one! Yes, this is necessary. Made right, your knife press will feel like a butter knife in your hand. I connected them this way because I plan on making knife sheaths. Using a knife is the best method for making a kydex press. Here are the parts needed. Drill the holes far enough away from the edge of the blade so that when you add the rivets they will not pinch the cutting edge of your knife. You need to be quick and precise when placing the pistol, Kydex, and spacer into the mold, it might take some experimenting, and don't be afraid to re-heat the Kydex in the oven if you didn't get it right the first time. Make your own Adjustable Kydex Magazine / Handcuff Combo Carrier. JavaScript is disabled.