Kydex/Leather horizontal sheath detail (how it works)...

**M.Olexey** · 10-11-2008, 09:54 AM

A few pics showing the final refinements of the FOS hybrid sheath design.

Attaching it to your belt.

Unsnap the loop....

Fish the strap behind your belt from the bottom up...

Pull all the slack through....

Bring the strap down over the front of the sheath from top to bottom and fish the snap end behind your belt...

Snap the loop closed...

The snaps nest between your belt and pants where the tension of your belt keeps them securely closed...

The belt threaded through the loop (sans meat puppet for illustrative purposes)...

The draw sequence

Horizontal kydex sheaths present a challenge due to the fact that your natural draw stroke pulls the blade against the front of the sheath creating excessive tension. A sheath that releases the knife cleanly off the belt can feel like it will pull your pants off once mounted.

So what I did was put this little thumb ramp on the top of the sheath...

You place your thumb on here as pictured, wrap your fingers around the grip and squeeze while pushing with your thumb....

Your thumb ends up right on the grooves as the knife is drawn...

Or it can drop down to form a secure fist around the handle naturally...

I'm pretty happy with the result.

Thanks for looking and all comments/criticizms are welcome.

mo

**tmik** · 10-11-2008, 11:20 AM

I like it. That is a good design.
I wonder how black leather would look instead of brown?

**M.Olexey** · 10-11-2008, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by tmickley

I like it. That is a good design.
I wonder how black leather would look instead of brown?

Thanks!

We'll know in a few days. The next one is going to have a black strap.

mo

**Mr.LaBella** · 10-11-2008, 11:24 AM

Thanks for the NO MEAT GAZING this time!

Good show, 100% JD approved right there!(on the design and execution)

**M.Olexey** · 10-11-2008, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Mr.LaBella

Thanks for the NO MEAT GAZING this time!

Good show, 100% JD approved right there!(on the design and execution)

Thanks!

I took great care to avoid or crop out all crotch shots

**Alain Desaulniers** · 10-11-2008, 11:34 AM

Very nice

**cover6** · 10-11-2008, 11:37 AM

Way too COOL!! Nice job!

**Paul Mathews** · 10-13-2008, 10:11 PM

Damn. That is well thought out; the thumb rest is a stroke of genius.

Just one thing....

Originally Posted by M.Olexey

The snaps nest between your belt and pants where the tension of your belt keeps them securely closed...

...more securely on those of us who don't have Martin's six pack abs!

**M.Olexey** · 10-14-2008, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by Paul Mathews

...more securely on those of us who don't have Martin's six pack abs!

Ha! I'm afraid the best i can claim these days is a two pack and I have to feel around for that

Thanks for the comments guys. I posted an all black one in another thread below.

mo

**Big Daddy** · 01-04-2009, 06:13 PM

Now that is a real nice sheath!

**JParanee** · 01-04-2009, 06:16 PM

That is a great idea and one of my favorite carry style's

**Judy Schmitt** · 01-04-2009, 08:16 PM

Sweet, I love horizontal carry myself!!

**Jorge Banner** · 01-04-2009, 08:28 PM

That's nice. Thumb ramps are very useful. Many a time they are left out I guess to make production cheaper. But I'm always grateful for them. Ergonomics should always be on a knife maker's mind.