Why Is Fixed Blade The Best Choice For Your Hiking Knife? - Perkin
With folding knives, all you got to do is, pick up and slide them into your pocket. (Easy, right?)
However, with fixed blade knives, you need to be extra careful. Since they are permanently exposed, they are not only susceptible to scratches but also can hurt someone accidentally.
No wonder people carry them with sheaths!
Fixed blade knife sheaths come in different shapes, sizes, and designs to suit the needs of both urban and non-urban customers. Besides, there are several materials of which sheaths are made of and it is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of a chef knife cover or infact, any knife covers.
Let’s have a look at these materials and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
- Leather
Although leather is one of the most traditional materials for fixed blade knives sheath, it is one of the best and rich-looking materials for a chef knife cover, hunter knife cover, or a hiker knife cover.
PROS: It is not only aesthetically appealing but also feels soft and nice. It provides your fixed blade knife with the desired protection. And, the best part is, one doesn’t even come to know when a knife is being put in or out.
CONS: Although leather is one of the finest materials for a knife sheath, it cannot withstand harsh conditions like extreme heat. Upon rough usage, it might get cracked quickly no matter how careful you ought to be handling it.
Kydex is one of the most modern materials for fixed blade knife sheaths. For those who haven’t heard about it: Kydex is a line of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride materials used for making holsters and other such tactical gear.
PROS: No matter the weather conditions, Kydex can conquer it all. Be it extreme heat or saltwater, Kydex doesn’t fail you.
CONS: Contrary to leather, it is not at all aesthetically appealing. It appears as some cheap plastic sheath which is also loud when a knife is put in or out. Plus, its constant usage might dull the edges of your knife’s blade.
- Nylon
You might have come across fixed blade knife sheaths made out of nylon too.
PROS: It is the second most inexpensive option of all. Despite getting worn out, it works effectively.
CON: It can get worn out easily.
- Plastic
If Kydex is what struck your mind as soon as you saw plastic written, please stop right there. It is simply plastic we are talking about. Kydex, on the other hand, is a type of plastic (thermoplastic, actually).
PRO: Fixed blade knife sheaths made of plastic are the most inexpensive.
CON: They don’t work really great as knife sheaths. Often, there is a risk of your knife falling off.
Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of the different fixed blade knife sheath materials, weigh them and then, pick the best one for yourself.
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