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mluikey
09-18-2012, 09:44 PM
I have been messing around with kydex making some holsters and knife sheaths. I thought I would show some of the things that I have made.

http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/FC257500-3886-4FA4-9F85-0CE2F7D73A06-4386-0000046EEDDE2DCF_zpse32fe428.jpg
http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/0436C420-57DC-419D-8C35-E86852BCF3F5-4386-0000046ECBC8DAA2_zps8f31f08a.jpghttp://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/2BD99D41-08A0-471F-8AE2-690050CF2E63-4386-0000046DEAFC8821_zpsb90d2577.jpg

mluikey
09-18-2012, 09:50 PM
http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/5E8AC44B-0008-4C64-8DC2-AF3E51DEFB1A-4386-0000046EC40C69AF_zpsb1dd51d8.jpghttp://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/51C86E54-75DF-47FA-A9DE-80B398372278-1106-00000114A5069A13.jpghttp://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/tdisheath.jpg

muggsy
09-18-2012, 10:12 PM
I like the fact that you didn't scrimp on the rivets. Looks like you've been busy.

Bawanna
09-18-2012, 10:45 PM
Is that second to last one that new material that looks the same on both sides? There was a sheet in with the last piece I ordered and it looked kind of nice.

I just made a knife sheath last weekend myself, I'll go take a picture.

Bawanna
09-18-2012, 10:59 PM
A little crude compared to your quality work but it works for me.
I use that stretchy para cord to attach to the belt, saw a firearm instructor that did it and tried it myself. Works great. Allows the knife and sheath to flex if you bump something or moving around.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hopke5/DSCN3642_zps4f3e780b.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hopke5/DSCN3641_zpsa37fd46f.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hopke5/DSCN3640_zps88129c13.jpg

Don't laugh at me too much, it's only my 2nd or 3rd sheath and I'm a wood guy ya know. An sensitive to ridicule too.

muggsy
09-19-2012, 05:46 AM
You keep opening the door, don't you Bawanna? Jock itch makes me sensitive. :)

JFootin
09-19-2012, 07:52 AM
Where is this?
http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/0436C420-57DC-419D-8C35-E86852BCF3F5-4386-0000046ECBC8DAA2_zps8f31f08a.jpg

mluikey
09-19-2012, 07:59 AM
Bawanna, the second to last one is the "carbon fiber look" material. It is not my favorite to work with as it curls up when heated and I can not use as high of a heat setting I can with the regular material. In regards to your sheath, I like the attachment method. Making belt loops out of kydex is a pain in the butt. I'm still trying to perfect my technique. I have learned a lot through trial and error, I have a nice "scrap" box that I tell my wife the scraps can still be used lol (not sure for what yet). The very first time I worked with kydex, I let it sit in the oven too long and I had a black glob. LOL

mluikey
09-19-2012, 08:03 AM
JFootin, that is in the trunk of a Goldwing motorcycle. One of my friends had an idea and came over and we went to work trying to figure out how and where to mount a pistol in the trunk. We ended up finding the two locations. I have since made a template for the outside position (if you are standing behind the motorcycle, it would be right at your waist) and made a couple for a few of his riding buddies. I have done one for a Sig 232 with a spare magazine and also one that held two guns, a J frame and a Glock 26. They turned out pretty cool.

jlottmc
09-19-2012, 09:24 AM
Nice Chive reference BTW.

megamanfan
09-19-2012, 10:12 AM
Where do you order your kydex from?

Bawanna
09-19-2012, 10:20 AM
Bawanna, the second to last one is the "carbon fiber look" material. It is not my favorite to work with as it curls up when heated and I can not use as high of a heat setting I can with the regular material. In regards to your sheath, I like the attachment method. Making belt loops out of kydex is a pain in the butt. I'm still trying to perfect my technique. I have learned a lot through trial and error, I have a nice "scrap" box that I tell my wife the scraps can still be used lol (not sure for what yet). The very first time I worked with kydex, I let it sit in the oven too long and I had a black glob. LOL

I did the black blob thing too. I just use an old toaster oven and just let it set till it seems about right and then go like heck before it cools down. It's a very small oven so I can't do anything too big.

Megaman, I get mine from knifekits.com. Comes in a 12" x 12" sheet. They got all kinds of stuff, blank knife blades and handle materials, the kydex and grommets, everything you might need.
I found the knife I just got (in the photo) the guy got the blade from them. He did a great job on the stag handles and made a nice leather sheath even though I don't use it.
I won't be getting any Carbon Fiber Look, sounds over my head and capability.

mluikey
09-19-2012, 10:41 AM
megamanfan, as Bawanna said knife kits.com has a nice selection of kydex and parts for holster and sheath making.

Bawanna, I too use a small toaster oven, I need to eventually get a larger one but so far this one has worked out ok. As far as heat goes, I like the .080 kydex the best and the optimal heat is 355 degrees. I use a digital thermometer checking the temperature every 15 to 20 seconds or so. If you go too long it will start to shrink and smoke. Some people "eyeball" it looking for it to start to curl, I prefer watching the temp. I also like the knifekits press that they have, it gives a nice impression of the item that I am using/making the holster or sheath for.

Bawanna
09-19-2012, 11:01 AM
megamanfan, as Bawanna said knife kits.com has a nice selection of kydex and parts for holster and sheath making.

Bawanna, I too use a small toaster oven, I need to eventually get a larger one but so far this one has worked out ok. As far as heat goes, I like the .080 kydex the best and the optimal heat is 355 degrees. I use a digital thermometer checking the temperature every 15 to 20 seconds or so. If you go too long it will start to shrink and smoke. Some people "eyeball" it looking for it to start to curl, I prefer watching the temp. I also like the knifekits press that they have, it gives a nice impression of the item that I am using/making the holster or sheath for.

Excellent info. I'm just an eyeballer and if anything go too soon. I just use cotton gloves with leather over that (this crap is hot) and a bunch of spring clamps and finger forming. I am using the .080 stuff, just a middle of the road guess so I guess I got that part right.
My son has one of them digital thermometers, next time I make something I'll borrow it and see if that helps.
I'm still working on perfecting grommet smasher too, they sell a nice one but I don't use it enough to justify buying it.
I was buying the little kits with a belt loop and chain and a few grommets but last time I just ordered a sheet and 100 grommets, didn't need the other stuff. I'm set for awhile.
I should try to build a press maybe too, that might speed things up. I like my knife to snap in and snap out and that usually takes some tinkering to get right. I think a good heat gun might be in my future too. For the fine tuning rather than reheating the whole black blob.

mluikey
09-19-2012, 11:21 AM
Excellent info. I'm just an eyeballer and if anything go too soon. I just use cotton gloves with leather over that (this crap is hot) and a bunch of spring clamps and finger forming. I am using the .080 stuff, just a middle of the road guess so I guess I got that part right.
My son has one of them digital thermometers, next time I make something I'll borrow it and see if that helps.
I'm still working on perfecting grommet smasher too, they sell a nice one but I don't use it enough to justify buying it.
I was buying the little kits with a belt loop and chain and a few grommets but last time I just ordered a sheet and 100 grommets, didn't need the other stuff. I'm set for awhile.
I should try to build a press maybe too, that might speed things up. I like my knife to snap in and snap out and that usually takes some tinkering to get right. I think a good heat gun might be in my future too. For the fine tuning rather than reheating the whole black blob.

Thanks. As far as gloves go, I use the Mechanix gloves, they are thick enough to protect my hands but thin enough for dexterity. Having a press makes a big difference. Since you are a wood guy, there are a few videos on youtube showing how to build one. If I had that know how, I would build one, but I lack those skills. :)

I use one of the arbor presses for the grommets, it presses them perfectly. You can also go to Tandy Leather and get one of their grommet setters for $12.00.

Before I press the knife, I cover the blade with painter's tape to make sure there is enough room for the blade without too much play. It also protects the blade during the manufacturing process.

I use a bench grinder to create the shape of the sheath.

I do have a heat gun for fine tuning but I try not to use it if I don't have to.

Bawanna
09-19-2012, 11:41 AM
GB Greg gave me some good help and the painters tape was one of those tips. That helps much.

I'll look into that Tandy Grommet setter. For 12 bucks I can probably get one if I save up ya know.

Why do you avoid the heat gun out of curiosity? Just get it right the first time or is there a downfall to the heat gun?

mluikey
09-19-2012, 01:30 PM
No downfall, but the direct heat leaves the kydex shiny where as getting it right the first time gives an even look. I would be lying if I said I don't use a heat gun because I do at times.

Bawanna
09-19-2012, 01:51 PM
What effect does a propane torch have on kydex? Thought about it a few times but never applied it. Probably just makes it ugly and burned looking?

I usually get the bulk of the sheath looking pretty good but need to adjust the opening for my desired click in / click out. That usually has a negative impact on the good stuff I had already accomplished.

I often times put it back in the oven with the spring clamps still on to keep things close but it's kind of a battle.

Course I have not done it much and even though the urge is there to make kydex holders for everything including the salt and pepper shaker on the kitchen table I try to fight the urge and stick to wood.

jocko
09-19-2012, 01:59 PM
convicts have 5 digit i.d. also. Just sayin

mluikey
09-19-2012, 02:29 PM
What effect does a propane torch have on kydex? Thought about it a few times but never applied it. Probably just makes it ugly and burned looking?

I usually get the bulk of the sheath looking pretty good but need to adjust the opening for my desired click in / click out. That usually has a negative impact on the good stuff I had already accomplished.

I often times put it back in the oven with the spring clamps still on to keep things close but it's kind of a battle.

Course I have not done it much and even though the urge is there to make kydex holders for everything including the salt and pepper shaker on the kitchen table I try to fight the urge and stick to wood.

I have never tried a propane torch on kydex. Give it a try and report back to us. :)

Alfonse
09-19-2012, 04:04 PM
What effect does a propane torch have on kydex? Thought about it a few times but never applied it. Probably just makes it ugly and burned looking?

If a soldering torch works, you might as well try a weed burner. It should be even faster.... ;)

Bawanna
09-19-2012, 04:07 PM
If a soldering torch works, you might as well try a weed burner. It should be even faster.... ;)

I like your style my friend. If a weed burner works we'll try an F16 with napalm.
Here hold this piece of kydex while I go get more grommets.

I love the smell of warm kydex in the morning. I didn't get that quite right.

mluikey
09-30-2012, 09:07 PM
Made this trigger guard holster today for the p380.
http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/15FA3C7A-B640-4D49-937C-25B3DEE9D72D-7898-00000AA2AE025F8E.jpg

socialwork911
09-30-2012, 09:59 PM
nice work...if(when) my 380 returns from mother..and if it shoots well through 500 shots...maybe we can talk about making me a holster...looking for a combo type IWB and OWB type?

yqtszhj
09-30-2012, 10:06 PM
I wish you all hadn't posted that about knifekits.com. I see a lot of things there I would like to do......

mluikey
10-01-2012, 01:09 PM
Socialwork911, I would definitely make a holster for you, just let me know. Yqtszhj, sorry it does get addicting. I think I would have been better off buying holsters from retailers instead of making them because it would have been a lot cheaper, but oh well it sure is fun. Plus if I get a wild hair at 11:45pm and want to experiment on making a holster, I just need to go out to the garage and fire up the toaster oven. :)

mluikey
10-09-2012, 10:28 PM
Glock 26 finished tonight.
http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t483/Mluikey/250423_348238458600950_258335763_n.jpg

aKahrt_and_p2KT
10-13-2012, 12:46 AM
JFootin, that is in the trunk of a Goldwing motorcycle. One of my friends had an idea and came over and we went to work trying to figure out how and where to mount a pistol in the trunk. We ended up finding the two locations. I have since made a template for the outside position (if you are standing behind the motorcycle, it would be right at your waist) and made a couple for a few of his riding buddies. I have done one for a Sig 232 with a spare magazine and also one that held two guns, a J frame and a Glock 26. They turned out pretty cool.
Ha! I too was looking at it thinking, I know what that is but it's way to small to be a car. My parents have a Goldwing, looks like the thought you put into the location paid off, there are other options there as well.

Planedude
10-13-2012, 07:01 AM
I have one of these from Harbor Freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-heat-gun-with-digital-temperature-settings-97114.html
It would not live a year at my job (aircrafting) as it is too light duty, but I expect will last a lifetime at home.
My old one got run over with a riding lawnmower (beer+Lawncare=dee-saster);). It was another HF gun and it was 7 years old...
Careful though, these suckers get HOT. For long life, use the cool down mode of running the fan for a bit after the heat is off.
Guess I'll have to go to the Knifemakers site now, but I'm sure it'll cost me...
Thanks guys, Thanks alot.:rolleyes:

mluikey
10-13-2012, 10:02 PM
Ha! I too was looking at it thinking, I know what that is but it's way to small to be a car. My parents have a Goldwing, looks like the thought you put into the location paid off, there are other options there as well.

Not owning a GW myself, I'm not familiar with other places. That is where my buddy wanted to put it. I'd be open to making holsters for other locations too.

7shot
10-14-2012, 04:15 PM
That's some pretty impressive homemade gear there fellas. Keep it coming...

socialwork911
10-14-2012, 04:29 PM
Socialwork911, I would definitely make a holster for you, just let me know. Yqtszhj, sorry it does get addicting. I think I would have been better off buying holsters from retailers instead of making them because it would have been a lot cheaper, but oh well it sure is fun. Plus if I get a wild hair at 11:45pm and want to experiment on making a holster, I just need to go out to the garage and fire up the toaster oven. :)
can you do a felt lined kydex, so the removal is stealth for my p380? and how much

mluikey
10-14-2012, 08:22 PM
I've never used two materials when creating any of my holsters, I'd need to investigate what it takes before I can commit. Give me a couple of days and I will let you know.

Mike

socialwork911
10-14-2012, 09:24 PM
I've never used two materials when creating any of my holsters, I'd need to investigate what it takes before I can commit. Give me a couple of days and I will let you know.

Mike
thanks..

jacam2002
11-08-2012, 02:07 PM
Nice work everyone!

I've also gotten into making some holsters recently after not being able to find a holster for a gun I got. Here's a couple of ones I've done lately:

Purchased my CW40 a couple of months ago, immediately made a holster for it and it has been my daily carry ever since. Comfy, light, reliable, powerful....All I need. I just need to make an extra mag carrier for it.

My Kahr CW40

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7657002596_f18eb7973d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jason_roth/7657002596/)
Tan and Black (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jason_roth/7657002596/) by Jacam2002 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jason_roth/), on Flickr

Springfield XD

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8141852488_eb95e5775f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jason_roth/8141852488/)
xd2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jason_roth/8141852488/) by Jacam2002 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jason_roth/), on Flickr

Glock 26

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8080108175_8b3f93fb7c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jason_roth/8080108175/)
Glock 26, 27, 33 Hybrid Holster (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jason_roth/8080108175/) by Jacam2002 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jason_roth/), on Flickr

There's some more on my flickr if anyone is interested.

Thanks,

Jason

mluikey
11-08-2012, 02:20 PM
very nice Jason!! Did you know that there are rivets that you can use to connect the two pieces instead of screwing them together?

jacam2002
11-08-2012, 02:37 PM
Thanks Mluikey,

Yeah, I know about the rivets, but one of the things I like about this way is that as the leather breaks in and forms to the gun you can adjust the tension. I've also noticed that it took me a little while to get to that "perfect" draw. I fiddled with the tension trying to find the right point where it was held tight but slipped out easily (which I found can change depending on how tight your belt is).

I've thought about possibly doing one where the kydex is sewn to the leather. Not sure how I feel about it, but I do like the look....kind of a classic holster look with new materials. Maybe if I ever move on to making a clamshell and buy the rivet press I'll try one.

Jason