3D printing sheaths?

[Evil D]

Anyone tried this yet? Seems like something similar to the Boltaron sheath should be possible, print it in two pieces and rivet it together.

[JRinFL]

There was an earlier thread on which I posted something similar to this:

Regular PLA may not be durable enough for a sheath, but other plastics might be. If someone has tried others like ABS or the newer fiber infused materials, please post. PLA might be good for a sheath liner.

Edited to add missing word.

[Josh Crutchley]

Anyone tried this yet? Seems like something similar to the Boltaron sheath should be possible, print it in two pieces and rivet it together.

I've thought about it and may give it a try.

[Fireman]

Great minds think alike.
I think the idea has merit if the materials will cooperate. I like the sliding notch idea like on the Esee sheaths

[Josh Crutchley]

I gave my Mule to someone who needed a knife, they were still using an old beat up Buck 110 that was missing a chunk of wood from the scale. So I don't have the Boltaron sheath to take measurements from. If someone could take a few pictures with a ruler next to the sheath I should be able to model something similar.

[Fireman]

You could 3D scan the knife and that could be a good start. I don’t have a boltaron sheath yet.

[FullScaler]

I'm not at home right now but I can get pics and measurements later today and would love to experiment with printing some sheaths.

I am not sure how well regular pla would hold up but maybe resin would work. Or I have some carbon fiber filled Polycarbonate filament that I have been itching to try.

Either way, sounds like a fun project.

[Evil D]

I guess the other obvious (and a bit oblivious on my part) question is, would this even be cost effective vs kydex?

[Fireman]

You could make a smaller printed one with a built in belt loop which is an advantage to some. A scout carry one with two belt loops would be great. Perhaps a version that uses a snap and strap for retention to reduce sheath wear?

[Josh Crutchley]

I'm not at home right now but I can get pics and measurements later today and would love to experiment with printing some sheaths.

I am not sure how well regular pla would hold up but maybe resin would work. Or I have some carbon fiber filled Polycarbonate filament that I have been itching to try.

Either way, sounds like a fun project.

Edit:I think Spydercos picture will work. Just need one of the opening.

It shouldn't be to hard to get the basic shape modeled. What worries me is the retention area, lots of free-form shapes, not that easy in Fusion for me.

[FullScaler]

Yea, I've played in Fusion a bit and wouldn't even know where to begin for something like this.

I think it would be cool as a vertical print, tip up, just big enough to wrap the blade. Without the large rivit area of the boltaron version. Not sure what might work best though.

Either way. Here's some pics if it helps. Let me know if you need and other pics or additional measurements.

[Paraguy]

Now that's a challenge.

[Josh Crutchley]

Now that's a challenge.

I agree and my project is on hold for now. Once I get a Mule again I'll give it a go. It's hard to test multiple iterations without the main part. I do have a few ideas for ones that don't look anything like the Boltaron or typical diy kydex. Just give it some time.

[Fireman]

Incorporation of straps, velcro or snaps would not be so wrong, A taco, a strap, a snap and a loop work wonders. Heck, even a shock cord loop is cool.

[Ilocano73]

I've actually been dabbling into this since I've received my Z-Wear. I needed a sheath so the knife is not exposed to fingers when I happen to keep it in our bill drawer and such. This is I believe the 8th version, 3rd usable version.

[Araignee]

I've actually been dabbling into this since I've received my Z-Wear. I needed a sheath so the knife is not exposed to fingers when I happen to keep it in our bill drawer and such. This is I believe the 8th version, 3rd usable version.

Very cool Ilocano, it's exactly the type of compact sheath that's needed for storage

On the last picture, is the lid glued onto the base ?
Perhaps in the next version, you could add tenons on the lid, which'd fit onto corresponding sockets in the base.

Also, are you planning to eventually release it on Thingiverse ?

[Ilocano73]

The lid is recessed into the body and I used CA to glue- printed on PLA. Not quite sure how to use tenons on the lid, perhaps you could mock/draw so I have an idea. Still very new to 3D modeling but very familiar with 2D illustrations. I will share the files in thingiverse soon. I would like to correct the rattle if possible. Also, any suggestions on clip, belt loop, etc.

[FullScaler]

Very nice, I like it. Would be cool to see if it could be modified slightly for a dangler or a belt / pocket clip too. Great overall design there.

[Josh Crutchley]

I've actually been dabbling into this since I've received my Z-Wear. I needed a sheath so the knife is not exposed to fingers when I happen to keep it in our bill drawer and such. This is I believe the 8th version, 3rd usable version.

Very cool! I like the design.

[Wolfskämpf]

I've actually been dabbling into this since I've received my Z-Wear. I needed a sheath so the knife is not exposed to fingers when I happen to keep it in our bill drawer and such. This is I believe the 8th version, 3rd usable version.

I would love to try and test your design with my new MagnaCut Mule. My First Mule!