3D print sheath

[bob-atlatl]

First proto for a SPY27 mule, one of many I'm sure. Long way to go till its useful.
Used the slicer to split down the center of the blade cutout & flip one side over.
Otherwise the blade cutout volume would have been a hot mess.
Took about 95 mins to print in PETG, 0.15 mm layers, 180 mm/s, 235/ 70°C.
Need to redo the backside dog leg with a heat gun, its too big as is.

[sal]

looks good.

sal

[VandymanG]

Very cool.

[Scandi Grind]

This is interesting! Do you have a plan for how you want to get retention on the sheath?

[bob-atlatl]

Thanks guys.
No plan for secure retention yet.
The heat shaping for each scale thickness does a good job of making a snug fit, but not secure.
The swivel clip can be locked down, snug, or loose by simple M6 screw adjustment.
Just upgraded to a K1C printer, another learning curve, but not to bad.

[Scandi Grind]

Neat, that looks like it is getting there. Maybe if nothing else a strap on the handle could be an easy way to help hold the knife in. I've been messing around with leather sheaths, but this is cool too. If I had a 3D printer I would probably do a little experimenting myself.

[bob-atlatl]

Very secure - could be leather cord - only requires 2 holes.
But not practical - too much effort to untie - so not quick deploy.

[Scandi Grind]

I like how simple that is at least. Just using a slipped knot instead may be secure enough while still allowing quick access. You have to bother tying a knot to secure it, but for how simple it is it might not be half bad.

[bob-atlatl]

Slip knot is a great idea, TKS SG
Quick go with that knot, looks & works better.

[Rusel2009]

Would you be willing to share the cad file?

[ChadR]

Is there any chance you could post the STL file on thingiverse or thangs? Adding this retaining clip to your superior design would tick every box.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5228344

[bob-atlatl]

Great idea ChadR, as usual, there are complications, one is my current design is split in the slicer.
Will look at a redo to split in FreeCad, plus add the retaining tabs - may take a while, but worth it !
------------
I printed the suggested sheath with tabs for a reference.
After a closer look at mine, the two upper screws are in key locations for strength, while the other retaining
tab flex cutouts would compromise those areas. I need to work on it a bunch more, its not a quicky..

[msum]

Nice work!

Will keep an eye on progress!

[bob-atlatl]

update ::
1st pic below, M398, AEB-L, SPY27, 15V mules, each fits a little different.
Overall blade size/shape and scale thickness are the issues.
AEB-L is a loose fit, next SPY27 a tad loose, others ok.
Scale/handle thickness can be adjusted for by the hot-air gun bend, out then back up.
Custom fitting for scale thickness is ok for a hobbyist but not a production solution.

Not sold on current bottom location of retaining latch, vs top.
Issue is: safety of pressing latch outward on same side as sharpened blade edge while extracting mule.
So will try a latch in top location to see if its even viable.

[Jeb]

Regardless they look great man...

[msum]

Looking great.

Thanks for the update!

I’m keen to print one, but I’m being lazy and letting you do all the design work!

[bob-atlatl]

think this version latch is the winner.
its easier and safer to unlatch when extracting.
has same fit characteristics vs blade shape/size as previous version.
olive wood scales on SPY27 mule and other is AEB-L.

[ChadR]

Wow, that was fast! She's pretty!

[mooniesdl3]

This looks fantastic, looking forward to checking out the stl files. Please keep us informed on your progress.

[sal]

Hi Rusel, ChadR,

Welcome to our forum.

sal