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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Aug 2, 2011 18:15:56 GMT
Hey guys Some of you know the tactical sword I recently finished (well, mostly anyway, it's still waiting for handle scales). For those who don't here's a pic with the temporary hilt: I'm now about to make a sheath to let me carry it around in the apocalypse. There has been a lot of talking about sheaths on the back and all that but I'd prefer it to hang on my right side, the back pack should go on the back, including with everything else I might carry around. My requirements for a sheath are comfort, a secure way of carry that allows me to run, jump, etc without fear of losing my blade or accidently killing myself with it, not necessarily a fast draw but nothing to hard and slow to draw either. So far, the best I could come up with is a knife like leather sheath on my right side (so I can draw my bow) with a belt loop and a strap that goes around my thigh (think like on a western colt). To keep the blade from falling out I'd add a removable cross strap that goes over the integral guard, just the way some hunting knives sport it on their sheaths. I know there are materials like kydex, etc out there but I still like leather best, for both looks, feel and function. So what do you guys think, any better ideas, improvements, etc? Thanks
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Aug 2, 2011 18:25:28 GMT
You've pretty much got down everything I was going to suggest, so I don't think there's anything you could do to improve it. Although, how long is the blade? If it's longer than your thigh (and even if it's not), I'd suggest a soft leather sheath so you could fall on it (the sheath) without breaking anything; also, if it's longer than your thigh, put the thigh strap just above the knee, however far from the point it is.
Of course, those are both things you've likely thought of.
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Post by chrisperoni on Aug 2, 2011 19:14:31 GMT
Yep, you described every feature I was thinking of suggesting.Only thing missing is a pocket for your beef jerky- a must in any survival kit.
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Aug 2, 2011 19:39:00 GMT
The blade 22" long. Yeah, I was going with a soft sheath without wooden core anyway. Right above the knee? OK, sounds good.
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Post by steelhound on Aug 2, 2011 19:58:11 GMT
Man, that's a wicked looking blade, and you deserve a karma just for making it.
I'm wondering if the shape of the blade may require something a bit stiffer than just leather for a good sheath. Maybe leather with Kydex, either as a Kydex insert or maybe Kydex over the leather to help it keep it's shape, and provide an outer shell for belt attachment? A classic leather-over-wood-core scabbard would also work with this.
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Aug 2, 2011 21:17:38 GMT
Yeah. That way it'll stay closer to your leg when empty as opposed to putting it around mid-thigh; putting it near the tip could be a bad idea, I'm not sure. I just have visions of it being impossible to run when the blade is sheathed if the leg strap is below the knee, so, put it above the knee and we cover all bases, even if they didn't need to be covered, eh?
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Aug 3, 2011 9:52:23 GMT
Thanks for the karma! Thick leather is pretty darn stiff, especially if it's not that long. Kydex would work, with wood I fear it would break if I fall on it. A wooden plank with no give at all could also be quite awkward to carry around all day and get in the way, especially with the blade drawn during a fight when you need to move without being hindered. vincent: Yeah, I also imagine it to be impossible to run if there's a stiff object restricting knee movements. Thanks for pointing that out again. Would have sucked to complete the scabbard only to find out you can't bend your leg when wearing it
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Aug 3, 2011 10:36:28 GMT
Not a problem. I've considered leather tactical sheaths as well, mainly because, while kydex works, I feel it's been done to death in tactical knives and such. It's just boring, whereas leather has a classic feel. Plus, while I don't know much about kydex, I look at it this way: maintenance in the long run. With kydex, you have almost no maintenance, but what if you get a crack? How do you repair it? With leather, something tears, you sew it up.
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Post by ineffableone on Aug 3, 2011 17:18:52 GMT
I would go with the idea of leather sheath for this for one main tactical reason. Kydex is loud, leather is quiet. Personally I really don't understand the kydex craze. I think it is a fairly poor sheath material. It gets brittle in the cold, makes too much noise, softens and looses shape in heat, and well to me just looks like cheap plastic. I think kydex has been pushed on the blade community as a good thing by people who found it is easy to make a cheap sheath with it. A quality leather sheath is something that will last generations if taken care of. Also if your thinking of going leather take a look at www.hedgehogleatherworks.com/View-All-Leather-Sheaths-s/128.htm for some inspirational tactical extras. Yes those are knife sheaths but they are some high quality leather sheaths designed for serious bushcrafters with fire steels, tender pockets, sharpening stones, MOLLE attach straps, etc. *edit oh and hedgehog leather works has their patented rapid release strap. Which is such a cool and simple idea. A bit of shock cord on the retention strap that moves the strap away when undone so you don't draw the knife and cut through it. Pretty cool idea!
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Aug 3, 2011 17:36:11 GMT
Cool link, thanks!! Thinking of adding a stone to my sheath, too. Only problem is that I never use a stone for sharpening but sandpaper and leather strap. The fire starter would be neat aswell. Any other idea what I could include? I don't want it to look overloaded, despite the whole tactical approach, asthetics are still an issue.
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Post by ineffableone on Aug 3, 2011 17:52:24 GMT
A mini flashlight holster maybe? Mini mag or surfire or fenix or other such. A small utility knife sheath? For a small skeletonized handled knife maybe? MOLLE straps, to attach the sword sheath to a molle pack but also on the front side to attach a MOLLE compatable pouch if you so feel the need? Just a few ideas, take them or leave them, alter them as you see fit etc. Just make sure to keep us updated as your project progresses. It sounds interesting.
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ghost
Member
Posts: 1,323
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Post by ghost on Aug 3, 2011 18:36:30 GMT
I think you hit it on the dot - production knives w/ leather sheaths are abysmal. it won't be long before you slice off the retaining straps, canvas or leather. Kydex on the other hand have no need -they got the retention but a loud rasp coming out of the sheath. Add in the low upkeep, no water absorption, and cheapness of the material - people are pretty much raving about it. A downside is that kydex can be uncomfortable compared to their leather companions.
However, most of the custom knife makers create awesome friction fit sheaths - none of those nasty straps. I like the hedgehogs a lot but they ride high so I've put off buying one for now.
Your beautiful blade cheness is kinda big - it could be done all leather but I can only see you needing to use a thin wood core - leather by itself could shift/move around under stressful situations so that sheath could eventually be difficult to use. Also the blade can catch on pure leather -making the draw slow and difficult. I cannot see kydex being used for this long of a blade. How about a katana spinoff sheath ?- wood core plus some Rhinoliner (bulletproof stuff used in truck beds) - mine's got some - REALLY COOL! Wacking a zombie with the sheath is all game and it's really grippy stuff. Note: you can sand down the Rhinoliner - makes it smoother but still just as hard.
I think a shoulder harness - like the gladius carrying styles would suit this sword very well. (just have a clip so it can be popped off real fast) I think frank just put one on his custom zombie KC26III
If you can't use a stone - how about a ceramic rod? They sell some awesome ones and they really give a sharp edge. Only need a strap/ring to hold it to the sheath. some examples are the Bear grylls knives (UGH...hate em), some Sogs (they go into the handle)
can't wait to see what you cook up
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Aug 4, 2011 21:37:56 GMT
Hmm... I will stick with the belt/leg strap carry I think. I've worn a roman baldric once and while it was alright for walking when worn up high, it still hit my legs when running. I don't think baldric or belt loop would make any difference, it's the leg strap that really makes the whole thing secure. Or so I envision it, never having worn a scabbard with leg strap.
Regarding flexibility, I will have to do some testing with leather of the needed length. I don't mind stiffness but it mustn't break and should have at least some give/flexibility or it might hinder movements. I'm sure there is some artificial material that could stiffen the leather without risk of breaking while still keeping it flexible to some degree. Some kind of plastic... Any idea?
I also though about lining the sheath with something. Not fur probably (I'd love to use goatskin, the traditional stuff for scabbards but expensive nowadays) but maybe felt? That lining would always be lightly oiled for maintenance. What do you think?
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Aug 5, 2011 9:11:55 GMT
I just did some testing with an old pure leather sheath and a leg strap. Result: AWESOME. The sheath is flexible but not overly so and with the leg strap the sword sits very securly on your hip, it's comfortable and there's absolutely no chance of having it fall out. In short, I think I'm pretty much set on the construction. Still have to decide on color, shape and details like lining but that will have top wait until the sword's completely done.
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