Making Kydex Holsters

[Smokin Joe]

For a short while now I have been kicking around the idea of making my own kydex holsters for lights, guns, knives, cell phones, and other EDC stuff, plus I like the idea of not having to wait 4-8 weeks for production of said holsters. I have been in contact with my favortie Edged Angel and she has given me a ton of help on finding resources. However, I'm still looking for a how-to guide or tutorial. Any of you out there have a good source you wouldn't mind sharing?

Okay my google skills are coming back to me....and I found a good tutorial here (http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_kydexsheath2.htm)

Anyone have any other tips?

[Bill Harsey]

By the time you get good at Kydex work, that wait time will have been nothing...That said, jump on in, the waters warm.

[Smokin Joe]

By the time you get good at Kydex work, that wait time will have been nothing...That said, jump on in, the waters warm.


I did just that this weekend. This stuff is EASY to make (once you get everything). Pics in tow.

Granted I need to do some more shaping because it looks like hell, but it functions very well.

Thanks for all the tips and tricks FS.

[Smokin Joe]

Not bad for a first attempt.
What thickness did you use?

Have you allowed for kydex holding any and all abrasives, like dust, against your pistol and scratching it? This material has a bad tendency to do this.

Pay attention to your edges.

.08 thickness

I have not allowed for kydex holding abrasives....I did shove a wedge of scrap kydex where the chicago screws are. This seems to keep it at an acceptable tension as well as allow for some movement, but it does not have as big of a gap or varaince (sp) tolerence, as production model kydex holsters have. I am going to try and tinker with it some more today.

All edges get a healthy dose of DREMEL. :)

[eggroll]

definitely radius them corners! ;)
now you know why I started making my own gear too :)

With this most recent pistol class under my belt I have become a dyed in the roll believer in Kydex for defensive pistol holsters.

EGG

[Smokin Joe]

For the past 2 weeks I have been screwing around trying to figure out a good holster for my Surefire L2. This is an everyday carry light for me (off duty). It is my primary off duty light.

I have to turn the light a quarter turn inside the holster inorder for it to come out. (This was intended to aid in security)

I had 3 miserable failures prior to coming up with this design. I know it looks off (or out of square) but I wanted it that way, it contours to my body better this way.

Other than it being out of square I would appericate some feed back, critiques, and criticisms.

How can I make a better one?

Thanks for the feed back, I appericate it.

[The Reaper]

I like it.

Oriented the right way as well.

How do you like the L2?

TR

[Smokin Joe]

I love the L2!

[Peregrino]

That's an original "proud papa piece". :D I like how thin (not incredibly bulky) it looks. The SureFire and the Blade-Tech holders I have for my G2Z are much thicker and consequently more suited to a "Batman Utility Belt". How did you form the beltloop without crushing it in the press? Did you even use a press? Peregrino

[Smokin Joe]

That's an original "proud papa piece". :D I like how thin (not incredibly bulky) it looks. The SureFire and the Blade-Tech holders I have for my G2Z are much thicker and consequently more suited to a "Batman Utility Belt". How did you form the beltloop without crushing it in the press? Did you even use a press? Peregrino


The belt loop have been my biggest pain in the ass.

But, I finally figured it out. I got a 2in hinge from ace hardware and cut it right at the hinge (see pic). I taped the plate to the kydex, heated, and folded. I backed up the 1st plate with a second plate then placed it in the press. Once I got the general shape, I finished it off with the heat gun and some hand shaping.

The plate is the only way I have been able to make belt loops.