Stinger sheaths

[999]

I've been getting quite a few people asking about sheaths for stingers. I've been looking around at the different designs and thought, just for a laugh, I'd have a go at making my own. ZDP-189's tutorial has prompted me!

I'm going to try several versions-with eyelets, without eyelets and with a mini Tek-Lok.

Could anyone recommend whether kydex or concealex would be most appropriate, and which thickness please? Or is it a matter of trial and error?

TIA!

[PS_Bond]

For a Stinger, I'd go for 0.060; whether Kydex or Concealex, I don't feel it really matters. I've seen some neck sheaths done for them, but I can't remember where offhand...

They're quite simple sheaths to make the way I've done them ;)

[999]

I assume you have used eyelets/screws? Mike Sastre did the ones without in 0.093 and the ones with in 0.060

Any chance of a picture the way you've done them? Email is fine if you don't want to post them on here?

The Sastre ones are here (http://www.rivercitysheaths.com/stinger_sheaths.htm). It looks just like a square of kydex folded diagonally. The Mickey Yurco ones on JAK's site have 2 pieces riveted together.

I'm quite good with my hands but what do you reckon the chances are of me coming up with something good enough to sell (unless you want the job;))? Is it really as easy as it looks?

[Ross]

Interested.....

[Dougie]

Many people will tell you about their particular preferences for Concealex vs Kydex but for me it really comes down to easy availability! As far as workability comes I've used both and they seem just as easy to work. The concealex does seem to have deeper black colour and finer patterning but I'm afraid AFAIC that's it!

A tip, thicker Kydex sheet does have many uses but is much more difficult to mould without presses and getting good definition is very hard to achieve.

Doug

[999]

I was going to purchase from Joe and he appears to have both in stock at the moment.

I was going to make a press as I thought that was the only way to go. Dougie, how is it done without a press?

Peter, I've just had a look at your gallery and your 'Kydex Neck sheaths' are really good. The small size is the kind of thing I was thinking of, as it is only needed to grip rather than sheath an edge.

[MotorbikeMan]

I was going to purchase from Joe and he appears to have both in stock at the moment.

I was going to make a press as I thought that was the only way to go. Dougie, how is it done without a press?

Peter, I've just had a look at your gallery and your 'Kydex Neck sheaths' are really good. The small size is the kind of thing I was thinking of, as it is only needed to grip rather than sheath an edge.
I'm going to have a go at making a press, I was just going to back two bits of 12" square 12mm mdf with an inch thick layer of cheap carry mat material, fit a couple of hinges on the back and a couple of bits of 2" by 1" batton top and bottom to give the mdf some more support and also something to clamp onto with a couple of quick clamps. How were you going to do it 999, I'd be interested if you had any other thoughts

[999]

Well, I was going to buy a 12"x12" piece of press foam from Joe and cut it in half. I cannot think of any reason why I would need a press larger than 6" wide unless somebody suggests that I do.
Back it with plywood and have a 2"x6" bit of plywood hinged to the other plywood bits across the back. Two handles coming out the front with a hook to hold them together.
Put softened kydex and thing-to-be-sheathed in, squash down and hook handles together.

I must point out that I have never used kydex or this foam stuff so have no idea if this will work at all!

[Dougie]

I used Kip mat foam (German army surplus) which I had lying around. This has provided masses of the stuff and it is glued & double layered onto thick MDF about 12'' x 12'' in size.
* Be aware that after a using the foam a number of times it does become permanently deformed and will need either replacing or it could be reused as the first piece of the double layer on a new press board*

My home made presses have worked brilliantly on the thinner Kydex but when you start getting to the thick stuff you really need something a bit more substantial.

Doug

[PS_Bond]

Peter, I've just had a look at your gallery and your 'Kydex Neck sheaths' are really good. The small size is the kind of thing I was thinking of, as it is only needed to grip rather than sheath an edge.

The early ones were done using a stack of mousemats backed up with Melamine, clamped with a workmate & G cramps.

Now I use the 1" foam and a 2 ton press :)

[999]

So it needs to be clamped down hard? If I was to use the special foam made for the purpose, is plywood going to strong enough to squash it down do you think? Is there an easier way?

[PS_Bond]

The more pressure, the better the definition. And the better the retention (sometimes *too* good)

If you mean 3/4" plywood to back it up, I can't see that flexing too much... :)

[ZDP-189]

12"x12" very thick neporene is about £3 here. I am not a fan of concealex, and can do you a deal on some of my stock if you want to try it out.

[999]

Will neoprene squash down over time like Dougie's sleeping mat foam? AFAIK only the more expensive kip mats are neoprene.

Thanks for the offer Z - any idea what postage times HK to UK are?

Peter, wasn't quite thinking 3/4" lol. I thought as it was 'floppy' when heated I wouldn't need a huge amount of pressure.

I think this is going to be one of those things where I will just have to try it to find out the variables!

[999]

Right, I took the plunge and ordered a sq foot of each of 0.06 and 0.08 tactical black kydex from Joe.
Could anyone recommend a size to cut out for the first try? Without rivets, I was going to try 1" by 2" to fold over. Thoughts anyone?

[stonehard]

not sure if you noticed but the stinger has a hole in it.
why make a sheath when all you need is a lanyard with a quick release catch.
you know "one jerk and its off" type of thingy, plus it looks less like an offensive weapon if you get pulled. you can hang it from your neck, keys or what ever and saves the aggro

[999]

I have noticed, I sell them! [Look at sig ;)]
Good idea on the quick release catch-know anywhere that sells them please?

A few customers have expressed interest in buying sheaths for the stingers and rather than import them ready-made from overseas or get them made up here, I thought this would be the ideal opportunity to experiment. If I come up with anything reasonable then so much the better. If not then I'll have to investigate purchasing a few.

[stonehard]

I did notice that you sold them but mentioned the hole for every one elses benefit.
I cant give an exact address for Q/R clips but I know they re fitted to ID card holders and necklaces. and things for children to stop strangulation. I bet Ross would know where you could get them as he is the buckle guru.

[999]

Still haven't found anywhere that sells just the quick-release things.

Kydex turned up today so I'm going to have a play in a bit. What kind of saw blade should I use for the Kydex? Do I want the blades with a high tpi?

Also, how stiff is the foam used in a press? I've brought a bunch of different foams home from work to try. I'm going to try the 'standing on it' method :D

[999]

Right. I've been playing with this stuff for a couple of days now and I'm loving it.
I needed much firmer foam than I had anticipated, and I probably need more pressure on it too. I have however come up with some working models that look absolutely crap. See attached pictures. Apologies for picture quality.
The stinger clips in very well and even in the .060 material (haven't tried the .080 yet) is very secure.

Could anyone suggest an easy way to finish the edges? Mine are quite rough from cutting them.

[PS_Bond]

Sand to 320 grit, burnish with acetone.
The foam I use is about kipmat-foam density, perhaps slightly less...
QR clips might be sourced from office supplies places?