Kydex sheath for Golok

[Freightdog]

I got a Martindale Golok for Christmas and would like to have a go at making a kydex sheath for it. The supplied one is very basic and doesn't lend itself to being carried.
Any hints on what thickness kydex I should use and the best way to go about making one?

 

[Buckshot]

We had Kydex sheaths made for our goloks when we went into the jungle.
We used 2mm thick i think and bright orange.
Not sure i have any photos of them, we gave them to the tribesmen when we left.
we carried them using the fairly loose string around the waist method and letting them hang down on the side - like an Hollywood cowboy except on the off side so it's a cross draw. It's the classic way of carrying a parang in Borneo. the locals could draw the knife, slice the branch or vine in the way and re sheathe all in one movement and without breaking step!
Worked brilliantly.
Lots of videos on YT about how to work Kydex.
Make a pattern from cardboard or something to work out the kinks.
Kydex is quite forgiving as you can have another go if you don't get it right, just keep on heating it up and trying again.
I used my cooker grill to soften normally. works fine but it can make the plastic bubble if it gets too hot so watch it.
Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Freightdog]

Thanks buckshot, I'll order some 2mmm and have a go. I didn't realise you could reheat/reform it, that gives me some confidence knowing that if I mess it up, I can have another go.

 

[Buckshot]

Yeah it's quite forgiving in that respect.
It might be an idea to have a go at something smaller to start with though. trying to mold a piece big enough to round a golok might be a challenge as a first project

 

[TeeDee]

I'm always surprised that the makers out there don't advertise upgraded sheathes for generic main stream blades - Mora , Golok , Leatherman etc

 

[Stew]

I'm always surprised that the makers out there don't advertise upgraded sheathes for generic main stream blades - Mora , Golok , Leatherman etc

They do, at least for moras and leathermans.

 

[C_Claycomb]

Alternative to moulding Kydex.

Polycarbonate Parang Sheath

Finished this to house a Condor Eco Parang for an upcoming trip to Brunei (little sultanate on the island of Borneo) where I will be doing three or four days of jungle hammock camping with a friend who lives and guides out there. Having used a Penan parang and made my own copy along with wooden...

bushcraftuk.com

This is something I did with some UK sourced orange Kydex, an A3 size panel. Not the bright orange that is sold in the US for sheaths, pity!

Project complete: Finnish Billhook Jungle Tools

Nine years ago Stuart showed me a tool that he had acquired on a trip to Sweden, which he thought was possibly the best jungle blade he had seen or used. It was a Finnish military issue billhook. These were out of production then, and those that are now in production are missing one of the key...

bushcraftuk.com

Regarding direction of the edge, having used the polycarbonate one in the jungle, I realised that it needs the blade edge down if used with pack belt with pockets. Too easy to slice a pocket with edge up carry, even if that is how the locals do it, and it works better when you don't have a pack on.

 

[C_Claycomb]

I use a cheap hot air paint stripper. Two pairs of cotton gloves from the pharmacy to protect hands and allow adjustment of hot Kydex.

 

[Freightdog]

Thanks for all the hints, I'll order some kydex this weekend. The Golok has a fairly straight blade so hopefully won't be too difficult to form round.

 

[TeeDee]

They do, at least for moras and leathermans.

So does anyone produce a Kydex sheath with Firesteel holder gizmo for a jaakaripuukko ??

Terävä Jääkäripuukko 85, Carbon Steel - Varusteleka.com

 

[Stew]

Looks like you have options. I’m sure they can add a firesteel holder.