Fun with Kydex

[Jumpmaster]

Anyone else making their own Kydex stuff? I got frustrated trying to find a holster for my P7, so I made one out of Kydex...

Made a few others for Atwood tools and things like that...I think the stuff I used for this holster was .06"

I read that most people recommend using a heat gun to shape the Kydex, but not to heat it over about 450 degrees (F). I tried that and found it would not form properly, so I just used a blow torch. It is hard to use a torch on light colored Kydex and not singe/discolor it.

[ElectronGuru]

I tried that and found it would not form properly

You want to study this

[Jumpmaster]

I'll watch some more of that tonight...I have most of the tools he mentioned. Maybe I will use the toaster oven next time. I was using it for powdercoating before...I think it should get plenty hot enough.

The heat gun will get the stuff hot, but gives me a headache, even when I work with it outside. Also, there's a fine line between too much heat and just enough for good forming...just barely too much and it'll affect the texture of the Kydex.

Still love that watch in your avatar, btw.

[MikeSantor]

Jump, you want to use an oven over a heatgun especially if you are new to bending. A small oven set to 325* is perfect. Leave ur Dex in for about 8 minutes then it will be good to go.

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[schmart]

I've looked at holsters made with it and been impressed and think it would be nice to make a cell phone holster. What size sheets does it come in? Are you finding the sheets locally or mail order?

[Jumpmaster]

I've looked at holsters made with it and been impressed and think it would be nice to make a cell phone holster. What size sheets does it come in? Are you finding the sheets locally or mail order?

Well, unless you're ok with subjecting your cell phone to 350°F+ temps (depending on who you listen to and/or specs you read), I wouldn't try that.

I haven't found Kydex locally...you can get it at amazon (search for ABS plastic sheet or just kydex) and also at knifekits.com. I usually get 12" x 12", but you can get 12" x 24" also.

[Jumpmaster]

I just ordered $200+ of equipment and materials from knifekits.

Yes, I have a problem. No, I don't need help for it. I figure I'll start selling Kydex holsters and stuff when I am ready in order to supplement this fascination of mine. (My problem is I don't normally wear a bunch of stuff on my belts...I ordered a bunch of .060 so I'll be making a lot of neck lanyards and stuff like that...)

The .080 is fun, but doesn't seem to form as well...the guy in the video said the .060 is just as good as .080 as far as durability. But some of the colors only come in .080...I got some "urban" camo (looks like UCP to me) to use, but it is only available in .080...

I'll post more pictures when I get more sheaths done...I ordered an IR temp gun from amazon too...I did not have one of those. Just an excuse to acquire more tools, I guess. Should help the process work better, according to PhillyEDC...

[ElectronGuru]

The heat gun will get the stuff hot, but gives me a headache, even when I work with it outside. Also, there's a fine line between too much heat and just enough for good forming...just barely too much and it'll affect the texture of the Kydex.

Still love that watch in your avatar, btw.

The temp gun will help with that. But the headache is telling you to stay away from heated plastics...

It's one of the Poljot Aviator 24's

[Jumpmaster]

Ok, well I've finished another holster for my P7. I'll try and post some pics tonight...I do still have a few final touches to finish on it, but it's mainly just smoothing the edges a bit. The P7 fits great in it...can't wait to use it.

Now I need to come up with a few other ideas of sheaths / holsters to make. I'm thinking I will do a few neck sheaths for some Atwood tools I have...and maybe a belt sheath for my one of my multitools...

[shankmasterflex]

Thats a good looking holster how is the retention? Have you noticed any slide or frame ware? Not yet likely but its something I would look out for in the future, felt or a similar soft material lining is a great way to prevent it however a bit advanced for the beginner best of luck.

[Simsmac]

There was a guy on EDCforums that made some super slick looking Kydex wallets/card cases. He talked about selling them, but I don't think he ever got around to it. I can't seem to find the thread now though...

[Jumpmaster]

Thats a good looking holster how is the retention? Have you noticed any slide or frame ware? Not yet likely but its something I would look out for in the future, felt or a similar soft material lining is a great way to prevent it however a bit advanced for the beginner best of luck.

The retention is really good on the tan one and even better on the second one I made. I am a long, long way from home right now so can't post pictures of the second one, but I'll try to when I get back. I ended up having to loosen it a bit because the retention was too good.

As far as wallets or card cases, if anyone has an idea in mind, I'll try to make a few prototypes up when I get home also. I've been using a toaster oven (which is never used for food, btw) and it works much better now.

Right now, I'm working twelve-hour shifts and tired, so...I will try to make sense when I post. Conditions here are...ummm...sparse, at best. Sometimes I have internet and sometimes the internet has me...oh wait...I mean, sometimes I don't have internet.

[SilverRain]

I think it would be a good idea to have some kind of kydex case that you could slide your phone into but would also hold your knife or multitool.

[Sherlock19]

I think it would be a good idea to have some kind of kydex case that you could slide your phone into but would also hold your knife or multitool.

Wow love that idea, also really like the idea of just a simple kydex phone holder!

[mcs101]

Great thread, I now have some Kydex and related parts on order!

[Jumpmaster]

I don't think I would use my phone for a mold for a kydex sheath for it...maybe it would be ok if you could find one of the dummy phones like they use at cell phone stores. I don't think the temperatures present when molding kydex would be a good idea to expose a real phone to...

[recklesstryg]

I used my iPod as a mold for a holster kydex pouch. I didn't get a error warning yet.

[recklesstryg]

Well, unless you're ok with subjecting your cell phone to 350°F+ temps (depending on who you listen to and/or specs you read), I wouldn't try that.

I haven't found Kydex locally...you can get it at amazon (search for ABS plastic sheet or just kydex) and also at knifekits.com. I usually get 12" x 12", but you can get 12" x 24" also.

Mcmaster Carr has Kydex as well. Much bigger sheets. Prices are comparable but Knifekits.com has a much bigger selection.
Has anyone made anything with the Holstex Clear material?

[remat457]

I've looked at holsters made with it and been impressed and think it would be nice to make a cell phone holster. What size sheets does it come in? Are you finding the sheets locally or mail order?

This is a cool idea, you could make it like a thin mag pouch!

[Cheung421]

I've got to watch that video later tonight. Been looking to buy Kydex holsters for my firearms never knowing I could make it myself. Just gotta find myself a decent priced x300!

[VincentG]

What a great thread. I am going to try working kydex, I think I may have a local supply house that will sell scraps. I will post if they do. I buy all type of acrylics, delrin, aluminum alloys and steel. They cater to hobbyists and small shops. They have big suppy houses in Tampa and Jax.
Thanks again.

[Garythegunnut]

I have done some neck sheaths with good 1st time results in a small toaster oven, I would encourage anybody interested to get some and try it out.

[Dietz]

Did my first kydex work a few weeks back.

[user73]

Do you deliver your holsters to Europe?

[Chris762]

Some mag holsters are tough to find in kydex. Wish someone would make a pd32 kydex holster!!

[Thunder Adventure Co]

You want to study this

Very cool. Been thinking about getting into this for some time. Gonna get into this video tonight. Thanks.

[minibear453]

Here's a kydex wave and a neck sheath that I did for my Spyderco Endura.

Also, a kydex wallet that I made. The cutout on the front was bent all the way back to form a money clip.
http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/x...g/P1060059.jpg

[allgrain]

never worked with it but have a ESEE-4 with kydex sheath. Love it. Would like to play with some someday.

[HaloGlow]

Here's a kydex wave and a neck sheath that I did for my Spyderco Endura.

Has the wave seen much use & held tight so far?

[beckman]

That came out very nice. It looks very professionally made.

It looks as though it has good retention, too.