kydex...

scott_fx · 07-23-2007, 04:01 AM

Hey guys, found out about this thermoplastic called 'Kydex' which may help a few of you with custom mods
basically you heat this in the oven then mold it around your 'negative'

http://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pag...main.htm~smain

BarryWoods · 07-23-2007, 03:06 PM

That's good stuff, I have several knife sheaths made from it.

XHorntail · 07-23-2007, 08:47 PM

The problem is the behind the face fabrication.. Kydex will make a wonderful face, but it won't give you all the clips and stuff in back to put it in place. It does have it's place in other things though. That's a good site too, it's hard to find decent kydex distributors like that.

monkeyracer · 07-23-2007, 09:38 PM

that's why you make the clips, use the stock ones, fabricate new ones, etc. Thermoplastics allow you to heat solder them together. So, make a clip, heat up both sides of the joint and hold until it cools.

Same with abs.

What's the strength of this compared to abs of same thickness?

BarryWoods · 07-24-2007, 11:40 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by monkeyracer

that's why you make the clips, use the stock ones, fabricate new ones, etc. Thermoplastics allow you to heat solder them together. So, make a clip, heat up both sides of the joint and hold until it cools.

Same with abs.

What's the strength of this compared to abs of same thickness?

Pretty sure it's stronger. They use it for gun holsters for the military.

mbkowns · 07-24-2007, 12:20 PM

Do you still have to thermoform the sheet? It seems your saying you can just fold it over and your done.

Let me know

thanks

monkeyracer · 07-24-2007, 10:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by scott_fx

Hey guys, found out about this thermoplastic called 'Kydex' which may help a few of you with custom mods
basically you heat this in the oven then mold it around your 'negative'

http://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pag...main.htm~smain

I think that says right there, thermoform plastics have to be heated to be formed...

XHorntail · 07-25-2007, 01:21 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by monkeyracer

that's why you make the clips, use the stock ones, fabricate new ones, etc. Thermoplastics allow you to heat solder them together. So, make a clip, heat up both sides of the joint and hold until it cools.

Same with abs.

What's the strength of this compared to abs of same thickness?

Never tried it, but kydex is kinda weird.. never worked with other plastics, so I can't compare. but I've got some scraps around, I'll give that a shot and let ya guys know in the future sometime.