Kydex? is it stealthy

[Don-S]

Ok so I'm playing around with getting a new knife. Something like a Ritter fixed blade or a Barkie Fox River... just an all around bush craft knife. I am probably going to get a Kydex sheath because I like the fact that it snaps in securely and I think I will work out some type of clip etc so that I can rotate the sheath in 360 degrees and wear it on belt or as a boot knife or on chest.

I have 2 questions #1 does Kydex mess up the finish of a blade? not that I am afraid to abuse a knife but just curious if the in and out wears on it? Question #2 is do you BTDT types use Kydex? seems like the clicking into the sheath would be a no go in a situation where you are trying to be quiet? or maybe you answer is just not play with your knife when you hiding? or maybe you have some other tricks? And if you don’t like Kydex is there a sheath you do prefer?

[chuterigger]

1. Don't worry about your blade's finish, thats what airsofters do. The finish on everything wears, except Glocks;)

2. Not BTDT myself, but I do know that almost everything is or has kydex in it these days, from holsters to certain mag pouches etc...

Basically, when BTDT guys decide to kill you, if you hear anything, its already too late:cool:

Personally, I would not worry about "stealth" with a knife. Because unless you really know what you are doing, the second you stab someone they are going to start screaming like a bitch, I know I would.

A lot of the better knives (barring little knives) on the market have cordura nylon sheaths with a kydex insert so that the nylon doesn't get cut up.

Depending on blade length, you may want to consider the spec-ops brand sheath, its OK, although it will not comfortably allow for ankle or chest carry.


If you don't mind me asking, why would you want to carry a knife on your chest, Gonna pull an OJ or something?

[B 2/75]

LOL

Seriously, all you need to worry about is that:

1) The knife is secure in the sheath... it won't poke you

2) The retention is good... so you don't loose yer knife (I'm not going to ask if you would use a dummy cord on it)

3) The sheath is secure on yer gear... so you don't loose everything (ditto dummy cord thing...)

Don't bother to waste time with bits of esoteric who gives a crap such as 'does the snap make noise when opened,' or 'can I mount the whole thing upside down on my forearm, or sideways across the small of my back.'

I carried a Kbar for 25 years in its original leather sheath on my webgear. When it finally rotted away, I switched to a WWII grey fiberglass scabbard that was made for Kbars and toted it for another five.

Both sheaths did their job very well... still have the knife, which has absolutely no parkerization left on the blade, and if I ever had to attempt a sentry removal, I would likely have backed up and gone around him.

Enjoy your new knife. There have been four dozen times when I wanted to get a new knife to replace my ratty old Kbar, but as it never let me down, and I wouldn't hesitate a second to whip it out and chop through a tree root four feet down in a foxhole dug in rocky soil. So, I kept it at my side for three decades. Hopefully it (your knife) will do likewise.

[Don-S]

Personally, I would not worry about "stealth" with a knife. Because unless you really know what you are doing, the second you stab someone they are going to start screaming like a bitch, I know I would.

Well maybe I should clarify I'm not worried about it. I doubt i will ever have the opertunity to sneak up on something with my knife lol. It is more curiosity....

as far as the finish... if its messing up the finish its messing up my edge putting burs wire etc in the edge.

If you don't mind me asking, why would you want to carry a knife on your chest, Gonna pull an OJ or something? I am not sure what putting a knife on my chest has to do with OJ? I can attach it to my Load bearing vest this way when I am bending left right etc I dont have to worry about my handle or sheath constantly poking be getting hung up on brush etc..

[Don-S]

B 2/75... I must be using my knife wrong lol I have had some good blades and when I try and baton through a root the end up looking like a serated knife :)

Fair enough... sounds like its not that big a concern. I was just curious. Thanks for the answer B 2/75

[chuterigger]

For any considerable sized blade, "I" would just hang on my belt at 4:30, behind your right hip, but so you can still sit down. Some people see a knife as a weapon, I primarily see it as a tool and it is placed on my gear accordingly. I don't think you are going to have problems getting it stuck in brush mounted there.

You plan on putting it on the chest of the LBV? How are you going to attach it, I hope not upside down? I ask because the LBVs we had had no place to attach but perhaps upside down, which is a good way to lose your blade.

I have heard it been said that the size of your blade is inversely proportional to your level of BTDT.

For example, a lot of times the new guys will be running a Rambo knife (me, lol) and the Old Crusties will just be running good folders...:)

Do you have a GOOD folder?

For a fixed blade, you may want to look at the SOG SEAL pup, I don't have one myself, (Strider guy), but I have heard nothing but praises about them, they are also very inexpensive for what you get, and "just the right size", and come with a kydex sheath lol

[yojinbukai]

Kydex is as "stealthy" as you will likely ever need. It certainly beats carrying that blade between your teeth.

Leather is still a great choice. FWIW, if you buy a great knife, it will likely come with a sheath recommended by the manufacturer. My Chris Reeve is in a kydex lined sheath.

FWIW... Glock finishes WILL wear off in a kydex holster. Yes, I know, the Tennifer is still in the metal but is sure does get shiny.

[chuterigger]

I was kidding:p about the finish,

I have taken showers with mine and sweated my ass off on it and drawn from kydex and it is still mostly black,

amazing stuff.

The M&P's ergos are giving it a run for the money though.