Damn fine post…
I progressed from thinking that some Kydex holsters are just to expensive to understanding that they are pretty fairly priced…
I learned a lot…Thanks!
This is very nice. I really do appreciate the time and effort you put into creating this thread.
I’ve given a lot of thought to making some kydex sheaths for some of the fixed-blade knives I have. Have you run into any differences in the process for a knife?
Thanks again for your time. 
A) The belt loops shown are from .080" kydex, I have since stepped up to .120" for the loops and it makes them MUCH stronger. Like anything though, they will eventually wear out.
Nope, not looking to start any kind of business. I make a few for others here and there if I have their gun or access to one. Other than that, I just do it for fun.
B_C[/QUOTE]
Yes, add two layers of masking tape to the entire blade to give it enough clearance to draw/insert without scratching the blade. The key to a good fixed blade sheath is dialing all the retention into the handle. If its going to get a lot of use, add a thick wire (think coat-hanger) straight off the knife tip and out the bottom of the sheet to make cleaning easier… DAMHIK 
Great thread! When can we start placing orders?
Yup…been down that road too. I convince myself that I’ll be saving money in the long run when realistically I never do. That and I’d end up getting pissed about messing something up and wasting the whole project.
Great tutorial. I always dig learning how that sort of stuff is made and have a profound appreciation for the craftsmen who do this well. I don’t mind paying for quality work, especially when I have understand the effort that goes into the process.
What’s the scoop on that foam for the press. Any good sources?
Excellent tutorial with great info. Awesome job!
Having worked with Kydex, it is very labor and time intensive.
To be sure, working with Kydex is fun, therapeutic and often, we can make things not readily available on the market. The downside is, unless one is set up for mass production – there is almost no profit margin per unit. As a hobby, it’s great for making friends some great handcrafted gifts – but don’t expect to make any money one unit at a time.
Kydex holsters aren’t cheap because a lot of work, e.g. time, effort and human handcrafting skills go into them.
Working it myself and seeing this tutorial makes me appreciate my favorite Kydex manufacturers: Comp-Tac and Raven Concealment Systems even more.
Great post. Thank you for sharing.
Great thread! Thanks for taking the time to post this. The finished holster looks great.
man you got alot of cool tools in your mancave. can i come over and play
Thanks for the post! I read this and ordered up some kydex to make a holster for my CZ 82. I would also like to know where you got the foam?
Foam, check out knifekits.com they make great foam. Don’t skim on the foam it is the best $$$ spent for a nice kydex rig. My buddy said it is a high quality silicone foam… I have no idea if that is right or not. It has a near rubbery quality to it.
I recently started doing Kydex work and have really enjoyed it. Here are a few pics of some of the pieces I’ve made.
Thanks,
Kirk
To the OP,
Awesome tutorial with clear pictures, much appreciated.
Also, great execution of the holster as well.
Great post, this has me thinking about trying this out sometime in the near future. Looks like a nice hobby to keep me off the X-Box!
It was interesting to note that buying an entire kydex holster/sheath production setup, including press, rivet tools, kydex and parts, etc, is not that much more expensive than buying a ready-made kydex holster and mag pouch.
Yeah! I don’t feel so bad about the price I paid for my Raven now. That’s too much work for me.
Impressive!
What do you use on the holsters with lights attached? Its clear there this something there around the trigger guard.
Thanks!
Amazing thread Rezarf2! Greatly appreciated.