Molle loks vs Tek lok attachments.

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Anderw

Molle loks  vs  Tek lok attachments.

 

Making a choice as to what type of attachment you want on you new custom sheath can be difficult.  The first thing you need to think of  is how you will mostly use your sheath. For instance if you are going to use it on a pack, drop leg, or chest rig that has molle or pals webbing then it is a no brainier that you want the molle lok.  If however you want to carry it on your belt then a molle lok is not what you want then you want a tek lok or something else besides a molle lok.

Molle locks are made of hard plastic and have metal hinge pins, when the lock is closed the gap between the two half’s is only big enough to support the thin web of molle or pals webbing. I am sure you can force it to fit on a belt but the lock will give out and break in short order.

The tek lok is made for belts the small tek lock will support up to a 1.5” belt and the large up to 2.25” belt. The new large tek lok has a new locking system which makes it one of the best all around choices choices. Law enforcement and civilian alike find this to be one of the best belt attachments as it can be taken off or put on without removing your belt. It has 6 holes in the back for easy mounting to the sheath and shim bars to fit it to your belt size.  The small tek lok does not have the shim bars at this time and still has the old lock system (or none at all) I can be used in both vertical and horizontal applications.

So what if you want to be able to put it on a belt and a molle compatible piece of gear?

In most cases you can install the molle lok in the same holes as the tek lok and just interchange them. This can be done by removing the screws that hold the lock on, switch the molle lok out with the tek lok or vise virsa and re-install the screws. For the best fit it helps to inform me before the sheath is made that you intend to use both types of locks.

Do I need 1 or 2 molle loks, large or small ?

1  Molle loc will work on a fold over sheath in most cases and will be mostly secure if you are going to wear it in the vertical position only (handle up or down), it will require an adapter for two locks. The sandwich style sheath works best for vertical and horizontal carry without any type of adapter. Molle loks come in two sizes also 4” (small) and 6” (large) measure your gear and knife to figure out what will work best for you.

 

Although there are many choices in sheath attachments I covered the two most popular if you find something more to your liking then go with that type. I use all types of attachments on my personal sheaths it just depends on my needs at that time.

 

In this article I use the term sandwich style sheath others may call this a pancake style. I prefer to call it a sandwich style because it just makes sense to me as I put something between bread in my sandwich but never put anything between my pancakes.

 

I hope you find this information useful should you have any comments please feel free to leave them below.

 

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths LLC

Disclaimer

Tek Lok and Molle Lok are both made by Blade Tech  industry and are registered trade marks  of Blade Tech industry.

 

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Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter Review

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Anderw

 

Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter Review

As an aspiring wilderness survival and bush craft enthusiast I needed a way to start a fire in any weather conditions. Most lighters are dependable in both cold and hot weather, but I needed one that would light in moderate to severe wind conditions and high altitudes. I researched the topic and found several lighters that claim to be wind proof. One such lighter was very inexpensive so I decided to give it a try. I took this lighter home and showed it to my son and proclaimed it was wind proof, he proceeded to blow it out and laugh. Obviously this was not a good first impression, but it was time to go on a camping trip so I took the lighter with me. We camped at 7000 ft and when I attempted to use the lighter, it wouldn‘t light. This lighter falls under the statement, “You get what you pay for.” 

My search continued and I found a lighter that was guaranteed; Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter. It was more expensive, approximately $45.00 vs. $10.00 for the one that did not work, so I decided to see if it lived up to my expectations. I received the lighter as a Christmas present. I had requested it in orange so that I would not lose it in the grass or dirt. Because my son got such joy from blowing out the first lighter, I lit this lighter and proclaimed “try to blow this one out!” He gave it a hard blow and the flame went out but it was still glowing hot at the combustion chamber and therefore was still, in my mind, capable of starting a fire and it did.

I have had this lighter for three years now and have used it from sea level to altitudes well above. This lighter goes with me whenever I go out into the bush. It has started quite a few fires in the three years I have owned it and it has never let me down. With the push of a button you will have a flame even in a wind gusts of 70 mph.

I would recommend this lighter as I feel it lives up to its claims.

Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter Description:

*Catalyzer coil provides a powerful flame that can withstand 70 – 80 mile per hour winds; lighter burns a clean, hot flame at 2,000°F

*Flame Indicator Window located on the side of the combustion chamber glows when lighter is ignited

*Not designed for use above 8,000 ft. in elevation; when using at elevation, adjust flame setting to lean and keep fuel tank full; store in temperatures above 35°F

*Reliable piezoelectric ignition system delivers over 30,000 ignitions

*O-ring seals keep water out when cap is closed

*Refills easily with premium butane gas, sold separately; visually monitor fuel level with the Fuel Level Indicator located on the narrow side of the lighter.

*It has a two year warranty (proof of purchase required), after that the manufacturer will fix the lighter for $25.00.

 

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths LLC

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Name change?

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Anderw

Celebrate with us!!

Armadillo Sheaths is now Armadillo Sheaths LLC !!!!!

After 4 years in business I decided that I needed to outwardly show my level of commitment. And with the formation of an limited liability corporation (LLC) I think this shows everyone Armadillo Sheaths LLC is here for the long run.

What does this mean for you the customer?

Nothing will change as to how we do business the only thing you will notice is the addition of the letters LLC at the end of our name. We will still provide you with an outstanding product, fast turn around times, and great customer service.

Thank you all for your support over the past 4 years.

Let me know what you think of our new Logo.

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths LLC

 

 

 

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How to make Para cord safe for a neck knife lanyard.

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Anderw

How to make Para cord safe for a neck knife lanyard.

Let me start this article with a warning, test your results to insure your safety.

Neck knives are useful in the wilderness and at home. For those unfamiliar with a neck knife, it is nothing more then a knife in a sheath worn on a lanyard around your neck. The sheath can be made out of leather, nylon, or kydex and crafted to wear it either handle up or handle down.

Para cord is often used to make the lanyard for this sheath, usually without a break away, which I do not advise. A modification is required. 550 para cord is used for a lot of things, but its original purpose was for parachutes, thus the abbreviation “para.” 55O before para is the weight the cord can hold before it breaks. So hanging para cord around your neck without a break away could leave you hanging (pun intended).

This article is how to make a break away for your para cord lanyard so it will break at a much lower weight then 550 lbs.

Items needed:

550 para cord (several feet, comes in a variety of colors and available at army surplus stores)

heat shrink tubing (just big enough to fit over the para cord) available at Radio Shack or an auto parts stores.

lighter, or matches

heat gun (optional but nice to have)

something metal to draw out the para cord when it melts. (smashed soda can will work)

Step one:

Cut the para cord to the desired length (this will depend on where you want your sheath to hang when wearing it). Next melt the ends of the para cord with a lighter. You can do this with a match or disposable lighter but I find it works best with a Zippo lighter because it will stay lit and stand on its own.

Next, once the end starts to melt or start on fire, blow out the flame and draw out the melted part on your scrap of metal for a small end or you can press it straight down and make it like a mushroom on the end. The reason you do this is so the cord does not unravel. Some people will remove the 7 inner strands (small white strings) from the inside of the outer sheath but it is not necessary. Caution melting para cord is hot and will stick to skin and burn, it will keep burning until you get it unstuck (personal experience). Once you have the ends the way you want them it is time to lace the para cord through your sheath. Don’t forget to do this or you will have to redo your break away. You should now have the para cord the right length, ends melted, and laced through your sheath. Next take your heat shrink tubing and cut it to around 2″ long. Place one end in each of the openings of the heat shrink tube like the photo, and apply heat to the heat shrink once it is in place. I do this with a heat gun but it can be done with a lighter or matches.An alternative method, if you do not have heat shrink tubing small enough, is to use a bigger diameter tubing and put both pieces in the same end of the tube or in ether end and over lap the para cord to take up space and heat like the other process.

Your tube should shrink and be tight around the para cord. Note: let the tube cool before you tug on it.

I used red heat shrink so it could be seen in the photo but you can use any color you like.

Here are my test subjects one has the para cord with a mushroom end and the other has a drawn out end. I wanted to test them out to see how much force it would take to have them break away. Military dog tag chain is used by some people for a neck knife lanyard and the break away force on most is 20 lbs. This is the mark I am looking for or something real close. I took the para cord with the break away and hooked them around a bench vice handle and put a pull scale on the other end. I made sure that the metal from the hook and the pull scale was not in contact with the heat shrink as I wanted it to be a true test. After pulling I found that the small ends (drawn out) broke away at 2 lbs. and the mushroom ends broke away at 19 lbs. I did not test a larger size and do the alternative method so I am not sure when it would break away. Note: when I say break away I am talking about the para cord slipping out of the heat shrink.

This is a simple and inexpensive way to make your 550 para cord neck knife lanyard safe.

Please test your results before you trust your life to this, heat shrink is cheap so make sure your results are good. You can use a fish scale to do this if you have one available or just use your better judgment on when it breaks away.

So there you have it, a 550 para cord neck knife lanyard with a built in break away.

Enjoy your time in the woods.

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths LLC

Disclaimer:

Please note that you are doing this at your own risk and I take no responsibility for your actions. If you don’t feel comfortable with your results then by all means don’t do it, play it safe.

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Kydex sheath give away

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Anderw


 

WIN A FREE SHEATH!!

Help me decide what fixed blade knives to stock!

I buy knives from time to time to use as molds for Kydex sheaths, it saves time for customers like you! If I have your brand and model of knife is available in my shop, then you will not need to ship me your knife, and I will not have to wait for it to start your order.

This serves three functions:

1. It saves you money. If I already have the knife on hand you do not have to ship it to me and incur additional postage.

2. You don’t have to worry about your knife being lost during or delayed during transit.

3.You have the use of your knife while you wait for your sheath to be done.

I would like my customers to give some input on which knives you would like to see me have available in my shop.

Please go to my web page at www.armadillosheaths.com and tell me which fixed blade knife you would like me to have available. Go to the tab entitled “Sheath Give-away” and fill out the form on the web site and then submit it. Then wait for 2 May 2012  to see if you are the lucky winner. I will run this contest again over the next few months, so there will be more opportunities for you to win!

Rules:

One entry per household.

There will be one winner drawn from the entries for the knife that receives the most votes. (example: If SOG Team Leader is the winning knife and you voted for this knife, then you will be in the drawing! If you voted for another knife then you will not be eligible for this drawing.)

All entries must be submitted by midnight 30 April 2012 (CST). The winner will be notified and  their name will be posted on my website no later than 2 May 2012.

The winner will receive a custom Kydex sheath to fit the winning knife. Knife is not included sheath only.

You (including all members of your household) may only win once during the duration of this particular contest.

US residents only.

Void where prohibited

 

Sheath details:

Pancake/sandwich style sheath in black Kydex, Kydex belt loop and free shipping (standard ground).

Knife is not included sheath only!

The following knives are currently in my shop inventory and are not eligible as entries for this contest:

Buck Packlite 140

Buck Hoodlum

Becker BKR7

Entrek 11 Bravo

Mora Clipper

Mora Outdoor

Ontario TAK – 1

SOG Team Leader

SOG Seal Pup Elite

Thanks for your support!

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths

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How I got into custom kydex sheath making

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Anderw

I started into this kydex adventure 4 years ago by accident, yes I said by accident. My brother in law is a custom knife maker and was making leather sheaths by hand, including hand stitching. He was looking for a way to make sheaths faster and with less pain to his hands. After he invested several hours and money into Kydex for making sheaths, he had less than desirable results based on his high standards.  In his frustration he told me to give it a try, so I did. He very impressed with my sheath results.  So after a little debate between us, he gave me the kydex press, rivet arbor and toaster oven and stated “You now owe me a Kydex sheath anytime I need one. “

It was not my intention to make this a business but just something to play with in my spare time, but as time went on people kept telling me I should open up a business, that I had a talent. So I opened a business with no idea where it would go.

I decided that first I needed a web site, but I had no idea of how to make one or get a domain. With a little research and a lot of help from my wife I started up my web site.  And the orders from other then friends started to come in. I knew that I was the new kid on the block and that there were several Kydex sheath makers out there who were already making a name for themselves.  This was something I loved doing and I figured I could make a little extra spending cash for items that the household budget did not allow for.

The first year was rough with growing pains and few orders. My expectations were low and that was probably a good thing as I would have been upset if they were high.  The second and third years were better doubling my orders each year. The fourth year things have just taken off.  I have made sheaths for survival experts, a large knife co. and people like you and me in and out of the United States.

I still do this as a side line to my “real job” but it seems to be taking more and more of my time to keep up with demand. I now have a web site, blog, You Tube videos, and Facebook to keep up with. The shop is expanding along with orders for sheaths.  This may soon be my full time job.

My Brother in law still makes custom knives and sheaths, and was finally able to invest in a leather sewing machine to save his hands. On the rare occasion I still make him a kydex sheath, but now he pays for them!

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths

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Why send your knife to Armadillo Sheaths?

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Anderw

Why send your knife to Armadillo Sheaths for a custom Kydex sheath?

 

You have the right knife, new or old, and now you want a Kydex sheath that will fit your needs, not what someone else thinks you need, How do you find a Kydex sheath maker that will make you the sheath you want?

Buying an off the shelf sheath will probably not satisfy your needs. You need to find someone that will make a sheath to your specifications, in a timely manner, and is a quality product.

Testimonials on websites are great, as are video reviews, but they can be edited and biased in favor of the maker.

Turnaround time is also important. Once you make a decision on the sheath you want, you don’t want to wait weeks and weeks for it, on the other hand, if someone promises and unrealistic turnaround time, it may result in someone rushing to fill your order and not giving you the quality product you deserve.

So what separates Armadillo Sheaths from the others?

*Sheaths are made to order, the way you want them.

*I specialize in Kydex sheaths

*Unless I have the knife you want a sheath for, I will request that you send me your knife so that I can make a sheath that not only meets your needs but is guaranteed to fit your knife.

*My turn around time is relatively quick, two weeks from receipt of your knife, but I will not rush to meet a deadline unless your sheath is complete to your satisfaction.

* I have been in business for 4 years and have many repeat customers.

*I have testimonials, video reviews and references for my work.

*I have invested in all the proper tools in order to give you a quality product.

So the next time you are in the market for a Custom Kydex Sheaths give us a try, you will not be disappointed.

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths

www.armadillosheaths.com

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Do you think your Kydex sheath is scratching your knife?

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Anderw

Do you think your Kydex sheath is scratching your knife?

Let’s face it, who’s going to trust their life with a blade that can be scratched by plastic? At first glance that may seem to be what’s going on. As an experienced professional, I know that’s not the reason. Although putting your knife into and out of a Kydex sheath will wear on some FINISHES overtime, it will not ultimately harm or scratch the actual blade.

The number one cause of your knife becoming scratched is debris on your knife or in your sheath, from mud to sand, it can cause damage.

 

So, simple care of your blade and Kydex sheath can help prevent this:

1.       Wipe your blade off before reinserting it into the sheath
2.       Clean out the sheath with water or compressed air

3.       Have a good quality blade

4.        Oil your blade

 

If you follow these simple rules, your blade should stay in good condition.

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths

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You Tube agendas?

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Anderw

Well it has been a while since my last entry so I thought it was time to add one and this is a subject that has been on my mind for a while (okay and someone else reminded me I had not had an entry and quite a while)

I try to keep up to date on what people want and what the industry is doing as far as their kydex knife sheaths. So I search photos of knife sheaths and look for YouTube videos on kydex knife sheath to see what people are saying and doing to their sheaths .

There is a You tube video out there that states very clearly that kydex sheath makers are making fold over sheaths in order to save money on rivets/eyelets, as well as they are easier to make.

I want to make it very clear to everyone out there that I only make what the customer wants on his or her sheath and do not try to steer someone to a fold over sheath in order to save a few pennies.

As far as them being easier, I hate to break it to this person but sometimes it is more of a pain to make a fold over sheath than a sandwich/pancake style sheath.

Reasons someone may want a fold over sheath.

  1. Slimmer than a sandwich/pancake style (makes it better for horizontal carry)
  2. They just like the look
  3. Natural drain hole in fold over sheath

 

Reasons a person may want a sandwich style sheath.

  1. They want more area to attach add-ons.
  2. Better for molle attachment in most cases.
  3. And of course they just like the look.

 

So don’t always believe what you hear or see on a You Tube video as they may just be pushing their own agenda.

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths

Www.armadillosheaths.com

 

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Kydex, leather, or nylon sheath what is the best?

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Anderw

Kydex, leather , or nylon sheath?

So what is the  best sheath?

With me making kydex sheaths you probably think I will tell you all the bad about leather and nylon and only the good about kydex. I am going to try to be as fair as I can as they all have their strengths and weaknesses.

Leather:

  1. Looks good and can be tooled to your liking.
  2. Needs a way to hold in the knife such as an extra strap.
  3. Holds fluids that can harm carbon blades, such as water, and removes oil from blades
  4. Not effected by heat.

 

Nylon:

  1. Can come in many colors.
  2. Needs a way to hold in the knife such as an extra strap.
  3. Holds fluids but also dries quicker than leather.
  4. Ok for a hot car, not for near a fire.

 

Kydex:

  1. Looks good and comes in many colors.
  2. Needs no extra retention strap to hold knife.
  3. Will not absorb fluids and you can store an oiled carbon blade in it without fear.
  4. Not tolerant to extreme heat, such as a closed up car in the hot summer sun.

 

So there is no clear choice but  hopefully I gave you some food for thought on your choices. If you should choice to go with kydex drop me a note and we can get it started for you.

Andrew Stewart

Armadillo Sheaths

Armadillosheaths@gmail.com

www.armadillosheaths.com

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