Kydex Press

[Justenfl]

I searched around but couldn't find anything. Do you guys think it's worth it to buy/build a press for making some kydex holsters, knife sheaths? Been thinking about it but honestly i would only make maybe 6-8 holsters or sheaths for my family and myself. Or should I just buy individually? I guess what I'm asking is do you think it would be cost effective?

 

[Gunnersdad49]

I built one out of some scrap plywood and some floor mats. Put a hinge on the two boards, several layers of closed cell foam, and some quick wood clamps. I did it initially to make a sheath for a scalpel handle and a fillet knife. Found myself pressing sheaths for all kinds of junk, lighters, scissors, etc. It's fun.
There is a group called Kydex Benders on FB that is mostly holster makers with small businesses. You can learn a lot from them just by watching their posts.
Two key things to consider are retention and blocking. Starter resource here: https://triangletactical.net/2012/05/13/diy-the-ins-and-outs-of-working-with-kydex/
So as a short answer, yes, try it. You can get started fairly cheaply and learn a little bit. If nothing else, you might learn what you are looking for in a commercially built product in the future.

 

[Justenfl]

Awesome, thanks for the links and info. Yeah I like tinkering around anyway, how long did that first press you made last?

 

[Napperm4]

I did the same. Scrap plywood and some
Foam from floor mats. I use 4 clamps I have around the workshop. Made it for a single sheath and have ended up making all kinds of stuff because I can haha.

It’s lasted a couple years and probably 50+ presses for different projects now

 

[Desk Jockey]

I bought a 1x12 and cut 4 12x12 boards. Cross grained the pairs for strength and glued them together. Glued a 12x12 piece of sleeping pad foam to each. Used 4 clamps to create pressure. Works great.

 

[Nate_Beres]

Do it! I would suggest buying the foam made for this though. I used floor mats and a kneeling pad and to get great definition over the course of multiple uses it's probably worth it

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Justenfl]

Perfect, I'll check online today for foam today. Thanks

 

[Jskaanland]

I did a write up a while ago on a dyi holster.
A couple posts in I linked to a press idea.

DIY Kydex Holster

I wanna get a few things out of the way. I cleared this firearm before starting. Remember to obey firearm safety rules… and don’t blame me if you shoot yourself/ruin your gun. Also, there are much better guys out there but here is my holster. For guys who are up for watching some long videos, I...

www.rokslide.com

 

[Gunnersdad49]

Awesome, thanks for the links and info. Yeah I like tinkering around anyway, how long did that first press you made last?

Still using it, I've flipped the foam around a few times.