Source for replacement box foam?

[rycen]

I have a particular generation of boxes that the foam is deteriorated to the point where it will turn to dust if touched. Of course, I’ve searched the Internet to find what I thought would’ve been fairly easy replacements without any luck.

[8th_Note]

Try Hobby Lobby or Michaels. I'm sure they have something similar

[RustyIron]

Just ask the folks here, and offer to pay the postage.

A while back I offered up a bunch of boxes because people said they liked them. No one took me up, so I've just thrown them in the trash ever since. I'm sure there are others who have a bunch just laying around gathering dust.

[sv4]

I have a particular generation of boxes that the foam is deteriorated to the point where it will turn to dust if touched. Of course, I’ve searched the Internet to find what I thought would’ve been fairly easy replacements without any luck.

I find that most, if not all, of the foam pads inside my older white and grey boxes have crumbled to powdery stuff. I think it’s just the natural breaking down of the chemical composition of the foam itself, over time. When I open up one of my old Spydie boxes from storage and find the deteriorated foam, I just scoop it out & throw it away. I don’t bother with any replacements.

[Evil D]

I had an idea a while back to cut blocks of floral foam that fit the box, and then pressing the knife into the foam for a perfect fit but I didn't do it because that foam is so fragile I didn't think it would last. Maybe if there's a way to spray it with something to make it more durable? But I'd say any hobby store has some kind of thin foam you could cut to fit.

[Jeb]

ED,

That floral foam is made to soak up water and it does that really well, but when it's dry it's really grainy and nasty crumbly. Its going to get all over your knife like sand does. Not sure you would want to put your knife in that. Just say'n...

Maybe like a closed cell memory foam might be more like your looking for this. I just know that floral foam is really nasty when it's dry.

[Evil D]

ED,

That floral foam is made to soak up water and it does that really well, but when it's dry it's really grainy and nasty crumbly. Its going to get all over your knife like sand does. Not sure you would want to put your knife in that. Just say'n...

Maybe like a closed cell memory foam might be more like your looking for this. I just know that floral foam is really nasty when it's dry.

Yeah, all reasons I didn't do it. But if I were looking for a replacement foam I'd be trying to find one that is easily compressed like this stuff is but way more stable.

[rycen]

I appreciate all the responses. Unfortunately I’ve exhausted all local options.

I actually bought a few knives years ago that were set into a box using that planting foam and it did work, but it was covered in felt. Without the felt I’m sure it would’ve fallen apart.

[Mini2white]

Has anyone tried EVA foam approx 5mm thick?

[cycleguy]

I would avoid anything that has the potential to retain moisture. If foam, then closed cell likely the better option.

CG

[gk4ever2]

How about using bubble wrap, or maybe even better, a small bubble wrap bag? Some of my Spyderco knives lately have arrived in a bubble wrap bag inside the Spyderco box - I'm not sure if Spyderco is doing that or maybe the dealer, but I like the bags and they should last a long time.

[Michael Janich]

This isn't an exact replacement, but might work well. It's available from Amazon in 1/8 and 1/4-inch thicknesses, which comes close to the box foam.

Dualplex Neoprene Sponge Foam Rubber Sheet Roll, 12x54 Inches x 1/4" Thick, Cosplay Padding, DIY Project Sheet - Easy Cut Non-Adhesive Multi-Function Soundproof Foam

Stay safe,

Mike

P.S. Sorry, but the forum didn't like the link, so I just posted the product name.

[rycen]

Again, I appreciate the responses and I’m still looking. It looks as though maybe some bubble wrap bags may be the most reasonable answer.

I like the idea of the neoprene as I’ve been checking out actual toolbox liner and it seems similar.

[Evil D]

If you were really adventurous you might be able to use that expanding foam that's used to box up parts for shipping, squirt it into a bag and push the knife in so it hardens to the shape of the knife. This would give a custom fit of the knife into the box, but will also surely take a lot of trial and error to get it right.