FAQs

How long does it take to get my order?

Turnaround time depends on the sheath and the options you choose. On average, orders take about one week from the moment you place your order to the moment it’s packaged and shipped. Often it’s quicker, but it really comes down to how heavy the workload is at that time.

Each custom rig is built one at a time, and I give every sheath my full personal attention to detail. My workload changes daily, so while I aim to have orders completed within 1–2 weeks, please understand that I do make these by hand when ordered so depending on workload and life circumstances it might take the full two weeks. The quality of my sheaths has earned a strong reputation over the years, and many customers return because of that craftsmanship.

Keep in mind that holidays are especially busy. If you’re planning to order gifts, please plan ahead by 3–4 weeks. If you need something sooner, you’re welcome to send me a message when you place your order, and I can check and let you know if I can get that out a lot sooner.

What type of shipping do you offer?

I offer USPS 1st class shipping that is FREE on orders $35 and over if your shipping address is in the US.  I also offer priority, express and international shipping; however, the customer will be paying for those. 

NOTE: If you ship your knife to me for a custom sheath, there is a Shipping charge, since the weight of the package will be much higher due to the knife, the knife itself being shipped and insurance for protection of your item. I do charge shipping on all knives being returned to you and I use USPS Priority mail with signature required or could use something different since you will be covering the shipping cost. 

CAN I MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE RETENTION IF ITS TOO TIGHT OR TOO LOOSE FOR MY LIKING?

The retention that is used for the sheaths I make satisfy the vast majority of users but some might want minor adjustments to personalize to their liking and may need adjustments requiring changing the retention. I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANY SORT OF ADJUSTMENTS!!! IF DONE INCORECTLY YOU CAN RUIN THE SHEATHS RETENTION AND DO IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE! I CANNOT EMPHYSIS THIS ENOUGH!  The only time I would think it would be ok to make adjustments is if you have EXPIERENCE in adjustments and familiar with how kydex reacts to heat. I have heard of people BOILING the entire sheath in a pot of boiling water only to end up with a piece of floppy black "lasagnas". Overheating with a heat gun. propane torch, boiling water, or even a lighter can remove all retention and damage the sheath. Don't believe everything you read even if they are a "expert" with kydex.  First thing to do is contact me. I will do my best to help you through this. Also remember, Retention is subjective, some folks find it too tight, too lose or just right....I make these a bit on the firm side the way it should be, but 98% of the time my customers like the retention. This is where oil will make a world of difference if you think you might need to make a slight adjustment! The other reason for any "difficulties" is just Getting used to the function. Practice deployment, just like shooting your gun, practice so you become familiar with using the firearm. Practice makes using these sheaths so much easier...Getting used to the function and a light coat of maintenance oil is what makes the sheath perfect! Also, if it is a taco style sheath and has a thumb ramp, use the thumb ramp to deploy the knife. 

WHAT COLORS DO YOU OFFER?

I keep a wide selection of popular Kydex colors on hand, including black, OD green, Coyote brown, Chocolate brown, FDE Fall, FDE Spring, Hunter Orange, Police Blue, Battleship Gray, Storm Gray, Multicam, and many others. Please take a look at the Colors of Kydex page for all of the colors that I have on hand. 

If you’re looking for a different color, you’re always welcome to ask. If I don’t currently have the color you want, I can usually order it—just note that this may add a little extra time to your order. I can make almost any sheath in almost any color, so if you don’t see your preferred option when placing an order, simply leave a note in the “message to seller” box and I’ll do my best to accommodate it. On pancake sheaths I have even made the front side one color and the back side another color so just ask if you want something unique. 

Please keep in mind that solid colors are one price, while camo, printed patterns, and textured finishes are priced slightly higher.

I do Not see a Knife on your Inventory list. Can I send My knife to you for a Custom Sheath?

Absolutely! Just Contact Me and we can discuss your needs. Turnaround time, once I receive the knife, is usually about two weeks once I have the knife in hand, but depending on the season and workload this could increase. I am always adding new knives so please check often and if there is a knife that you are wanting a sheath for you can send me a quick message and I may add it to my inventory.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO MAKE A CUSTOM SHEATH IF I SEND YOU MY KNIFE?

Price depends on many factors. There is a $10-$20 PREPARATION FEE for all custom work with knives sent to me and are not part of my inventory. Most knives sent in by the customer will have a similar price tag in my listing, if it is of similar design and size of knife and similar sheath design plus the prep fee. For Example, making a sheath for a knife similar to my Fairbairn sykes and your knife is made by a different company or custom made will be priced like the listing I have plus $15 Prep Fee to make the minor adjustments such as blocks, spacers and adjustments to eyelet position. Knives I carry in my inventory have jigs that were created after finding the proper eyelet position which is the main feature in creating the retention needed to hold the knife in the sheath and giving the ability to deploy without too much or too little force. I find this retention force through the trial and error of (2 or more moldings) with my knives. The retention is difficult to determine on the first press. Because of the years of experience I have in making Kydex sheaths, I can find a point where retention is close to the final and most of the time I will find the final result with the second press. Only in rare cases I might have to press more than 3 times, usually knives with unique and unusual multi points of retention require pressing more than 2 or 3 times. The prepping of the knife will consist of taping and creating spacers or blocks and filling voids such as grooves saw teeth and holes in blades to allow an unrestricted entry and exit for the knife. Prep work is one of the most time consuming parts of making the sheath and will have more work involved when making a sheath for a new knife I have not made a sheath for. Prep fees are usually $10 for blades up to 4" , $15 for blades up to 6" and $20 for blades up to 12". Blades that are longer than 12" please contact to discuss. Belt attachments and accessories holders are typically priced as you see in my listings, unless you request adjustments in design. Doing this will also require prepping for an item I have not familiarized myself with making or do not have patterns/jigs for. 

Things I will need from you when you mail your knife to me:

Please send a detailed description of what you are wanting, Taco or Pancake style, Color, Attachments such as belt or accessories, carry style or styles if you plan to carry in different ways, right or left-hand draw, and what side you will carry your rig. These are the minimum things I will need. Write out every detail because I don't know what you visualizing. Even a rough sketch with some measurements could help me visualize your design, Unless you are wanting a standard design I will need as much info you can provide. Write everything down on paper. Also include your contact information, phone number, shipping address, email address to send invoice on that same piece of paper. I receive a lot of customer's knives and a lot of email and this process will go much faster if I know how to contact you when I receive the knife. Package your knife carefully to be sure that the blade does NOT cut through the box. Lead time is roughly 2 weeks unless I can specify a different time frame. This will depend on the amount of work I have lined up already and if you are sending one knife or multiple knives. I will return the finished sheath with your knife well packaged using Priority shipping, Insured and signature required delivery. 

As always, feel free to email me at armorsheathsllc@gmail.com. My wife and I stay on top of emails regularly.

DO WE OFFER DISCOUNTS?

YES, If you are a retailer we can work out a bulk purchase deal. Or if your a customer needing to outfit many knives we can work a deal on a bulk sheath purchase. If you are Active Duty Military and Active Duty Police I offer a 10% discount. Police and Active Military will need to provide Valid Credentials Prior to ordering. Contact me for Details. 

DO YOU ACCEPT RETURNS?

Yes, I accept returns if Kydex is just not your thing. MUST be in Unused still Brand New condition when I receive the item. I will Only accept returns on kydex sheaths that are from MY list of Production Factory Made Knives Inventory that I carry. I DO NOT accept returns On Kydex sheaths using your Knife or if you are wanting any modifications to the sheaths or belt attachments that I make. Returns WILL NOT be accepted after 2 weeks (14 DAYS) of confirmed delivery to your shipping address. Return Labels are Not provided.

There are NO returns or refunds on Full Custom builds using the Customers knife and NO returns or refunds on complete design Change requested by the customer using my list of knives and belt attachments.  I do not accept returns on used sheaths, I will do a thorough inspection once I have the sheath and will make sure all attachments that were sent with it are returned as well. ALL my work is Guaranteed for life on workmanship. I do not guarantee normal wear and tear and abused sheaths. I have been doing this for many years and never had a return on a "broken" sheath or on a craftsmanship issue. I Test and visually inspect EVERY SHEATH Prior to shipping. My sheath designs are thought out when designed and built to last forever!  Every sheath is Test fitted before leaving the shop and WILL fit the make and model I describe in the listing. If there are any fitment issues, please Check your model to see if it is exactly what I have. If it doesn't fit, it's NOT the SAME KNIFE I MADE THE SHEATH FOR. for example, Please do not assume all Fairbairn Sykes are all the same. There are many makers and profiles of the Fairbairn Sykes. The same goes for Gerber MARK II knives AND SO ON.... I have also ran across several FAKE knives that could fool almost anyone. Those FAKE knives make have slight differences in dimensions and the slightest difference in blade length, width, or the handle WILL make a difference in fitment and retention. If you are unsure about your knife just send me a picture of it and I will let you know. 

Are your Sheaths used by professionals such as Military and 1st Responder? 

YES, In fact a very large number of my customers are Military, Police, and other 1st responders. Also, Bushcrafters, Survivalists, Survival Instructors, Professional Divers, recreational Divers, and even the weekend warrior that rely on my custom gear to get the job done! I am proud to say that my sheaths have been deployed around the world on many adventures and also on the frontlines during times of conflict and have been carried on popular survival shows. My Sheaths have proven their ability to handle whatever adventure your on. 

WHAT ARE THESE SHEATHS MADE OUT OF?

Kydex is an ultra–impact‑resistant acrylic–polyvinyl chloride composite polymer. It’s an exceptionally tough material, ideal for tactical applications where gear must withstand frequent and heavy use. Kydex is also widely used in marine and aircraft manufacturing because of its high strength and water‑resistant properties. When heated, it becomes malleable, allowing precise shaping and forming.

Thanks to its durability and versatility, Kydex has become increasingly popular within the outdoor, bushcraft, and tactical communities. Most of my sheaths are made from .093 Kydex, which is the standard for heavy‑duty performance. For some colors, including chocolate brown, I use .080 thickness because .093 thickness is not available. Nearly all colors available today come in .093 thickness. If you have a question about a particular color and what thickness it comes in feel free to send me a message. 

HOW DO KYDEX SHEATHS WORK? 

Kydex Sheaths use Retention formed from the molding process as the main function to lock the knife in. The Impressions created from the pressing process functions as retention point that squeeze or snap around a feature molded into the sheath, usually dips and curves from the handle/guard. Kydex Sheaths deploy quickly during emergency situations, especially if you only have one hand free. Kydex is Armor for your knife, a tough case that protects the blade from damage. No Velcro, buckles, buttons to undo. The Sheath Body has no parts that wear out. Belt attachments can be upgraded and moved in different positions.

Another benefit is the "Modular design" allowing the user the ability to remove or add attachments changing the carry style. You can go from high belt carry to Scout carry to Dangler or inverted shoulder strap carry, ect... Occasionally I will change up the same sheath with different attachments depending on how I want to carry, short hike in the local woods or if I need a fully outfitted rig for multi-week adventure.

The Kydex sheaths I create are designed to function under water and on land. Kydex will NOT absorb water like leather and Nylon and rust your favorite blade by keeping it wet for long period of time, NOT GOOD FOR CARBON STEEL KNIVES! Kydex will NOT Dry, shrink and crack like Leather. Kydex will NOT Rot or unravel at the seams like leather or Nylon from normal use or wet humid environments. Don't get me wrong, Leather offers some of the most beautiful sheaths, remember leather gets wet and stays wet and takes time to dry and during that time it will shrink up. Leather is very nice but how long is that going to last you if your a serious outdoorsman or a professional who uses your knife regularly. Remember advanced materials such as kydex did not exist 100's of years ago, not even 100 years ago! Kydex was actually just invented in 1965. Not that long ago! The natural materials they had was all they had to work with, and required a LOT of maintenance to protect the carbon steel from rust and that razors edge. Nylon is just well, you know! lol...

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR SHEATHS?

I use the right amount of heat and a press to squeeze the knife and the heated kydex to create detailed Impressions that will function as retention points and to create that beautiful outline of the blade and handle. I will use the exact knife you use to create the perfect fit and to create the impressions needed for the retention. I then use a pattern jig that I created after some test builds. The patterns I use will line up the eyelet position in the exact spot every time, producing the exact retention, build after build. And finally the finishing touch. I cut, grind and polish till the sheath is finished. I test fit every sheath just to be sure the knife will deploy and lock up when put back every time. I build every sheath ONE AT A TIME. And every eyelet flange will be visually inspected to insure a perfect press with NO Split eyelets. 

CAN I USE OIL ON MY KYDEX SHEATH? 

AbsolutLy! In fact, I typically do not oil the kydex when I ship. I leave that up to the customer, since everyone might have their particular oil. Oils such as Gun Oil (rem oil), Food Grade Machine Oil, and even WD40 are great choices and what I use. Benefits to oil such as protection, for eyelets and hardware, and the most important part YOUR BLADE!, especially Carbon Steel Blades. Sometimes the first time you use your kydex sheath, it may feel a little rough and seem to have a little resistance at first. A light coat of oil on your knife during maintenance and a very light coat on your finger rubbed inside the retention points will be just the right amount to smooth the action out perfectly. Wipe off the excess oil and that will be plenty for all future maintenance.

Kydex becomes a "Functional" part of your knife, enhancing its use and effectiveness. Just like maintaining any of your tools, your guns, ect, you ALWAYS Maintain them with a light coat of oil to protect and for proper function (guns).

What Hardware do you use and the combination of the Hardware used in the assembly?

I use ALL USA made hardware for the Assembly. The Chicago Screws are Slotted "Through" Posts with Phillips Truss Head screws and Silencers. Thread is 8-32. They are made of Machined High Grade Steel and Black Oxide Coated for corrosion Resistance, Not Painted or Powder Coated! The Hardware I use DO NOT STRIP OUT like low grade Hardware!

What Eyelets do you use? 

The Eyelets are High Grade Alloy Made right here in the USA. The Cheaper versions are Brittle, thin and have a tendency to split and crack! I GUARANTEE NO SPLIT EYELETS! The sheath is ONLY AS STRONG AS ITS WEAKEST EYELET! The eyelets are also longer Barrel, for a thicker and wider flange. MOST Makers ONLY use standard length Eyelets which creates a thin flange just slightly wider than the hole itself. I like for the flange to be thicker and wider so it can look more like the finished "front" side of the sheath.  Using low quality eyelets will crack and split before fully setting the eyelet.