Knife Sheaths — Types, Differences and Carrying Systems Behind Them
There are different types of carrying systems and their most beneficial sheath, but which one to choose and how? Is there a way to account for carrying the knife attached to a backpack? This article will help to orient yourself in the world of different knife sheaths and carrying systems most beneficial to them.
Knife sheath types out there and their differences
What is a knife sheath? It is important to be on the same page here, as the knife sheath is used to safely transport the knife attached to your hip or belt. Different sheath models may or may not include a holstering system, which can help to protect the blade of a knife.
Why would you need a sheath for a knife? While an open knife is convenient, with its sharp edge it’s much more dangerous to carry it in your hands while moving. During open carry, the blade itself can get chipped, dented or warped on accident. Moreover, sheathed knives are easier to carry and unholster at any given moment, constituting mobility during movement.
At BPS Knives we use nylon-reinforced stitching in our sheaths, which improves overall durability and resistance to breaking. Additional carry ring allows you to strap the knife to the belt.
What materials are used for knife sheath? In some way or another, knife sheath can be made from cardboard, leather, plastic, Kydex, Nylon, Metal, paper-based as well as Micarta. Most commonly used are leather, along with Kydex and plastic.
Types of sheath materials and their properties
Leather sheaths — time tested, silent, weatherproof. Classic and well-known material for the knife sheath, known since ancient age by our ancestors. Properly treated leather is a highly durable material, which can prevent the blade from rusting while not dulling the knife. Looks great, plus soft to the touch and flexible while giving off no noise during movement. Leather sheaths can be made out of natural or synthetic leather-like material, such as eco-skin or leather-reinforced fabric. And the most important part is that leather sheaths won’t dull or scratch your knife, moreover, over extensive use it might actually help to keep the edge sharp. Leather is highly resilient, being resistant to elements, weather, water, beer, wine and other organic or acidic liquids without much damage. Breathable nature of the leather allows liquids to pour out continuously, so you won’t get as much for the blade to rust. Great example of knife with leather sheath – B1 camping knife by BPS Knives.
Kydex sheaths — relatively modern; Sort of a new addition to the market. This is a brand name behind the line of thermoplastic materials, initially designed for aircraft interiors. It was invented in 1965 by Rohm and Haas, and later purchased by Kydex LLC, hence the material name. Kydex sheaths combine layered composition with the added benefit of rigidity obtained from acrylic, along with toughness and chemical resistance from PVC. In some cases it’s even possible to laminate the Kydex, for whatever reason you might want to do that. Usually, such sheaths range within 90 by Rockwell R scale, combined with surface rigidity gives it a special abrasion resistance. Chemical properties of this material also constitute the sheath being inflammable at most conditions while holding the shape under stretching and being waterproof. However, it might also dull your knife and scratch the edge while carrying unless properly oiled.
Nylon Sheaths — not bad, but easily replaceable; Flexible, fibrous sheaths made of nylon are quiet and won’t catch a smell during extended use. They are easy to wash and clean from dirt, durable and offer a good degree of protection.
Plastic Sheaths — noisy. Plastic is a great material with good properties, but most of the plastic sheaths are made to fit one specific knife only. Unlike leather, plastic sheaths are known for dulling the blade such as the case with Kydex without the added durability. If made properly, however, plastic sheaths are good to carry a knife around in most scenarios, but mind the rattling noise. BPS Knives has the knife with plastic sheath – Raven SSH.
Which material is the best for knife sheath? Leather is known to be the most efficient sheath material for a long time, but other options are always present.
