How to Make a KYDEX Press for Sheathing Knives
KYDEX is a thermoplastic sheet that you can bend and mold after it is heated. It is often used to make knife sheaths; it creates a hard protector you can put a knife in when it's not being used. KYDEX is very rigid and is resistant to chemicals, fire, water and impact. A KYDEX press is the device one uses to make a KYDEX knife sheath -- it basically presses the heated KYDEX over the knife and forms the sheath. You can buy a KYDEX press at specialty stores, or you can make one yourself for a fraction of the cost.
Things You'll Need
- 3/4-inch plywood, 2 sheets
- 1-inch ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, 2 pieces
- C-clamps
- Work bench
Instructions
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1
Lay one piece of the plywood on top of the work bench. This is the bottom of the KYDEX press.
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2
Place a piece of the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam on top of the plywood. EVA foam is flexible enough to help mold the knife sheath.
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3
After the KYDEX is heated, wrap it around the knife and place it on top of the EVA foam.
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4
Put the second piece of foam over the heated KYDEX.
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5
Place the second piece of plywood over the EVA foam.
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6
Use the clamps to secure and press all the materials together.
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7
Keep the KYDEX press clamped together until the knife sheath has cooled (about 10 minutes).
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8
Remove the knife and KYDEX from the plywood, foam and clamps, and proceed to cutting and putting holes in the knife sheath.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also use neoprene foam instead of EVA foam.
This KYDEX press can also be used to make gun holsters, dart sheaths, pencil sheaths, flashlight holsters and any other gadgets you need sheaths or holsters for.
Use padded mitts to handle the KYDEX when it's hot.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
