Sheaths

Most fixed blades and some folding blades have a sheath (sometimes also called a scabbard) supplied by the Manufacturer. The sheath is essentially a pouch designed to allow the blade to be carried attached to a belt, boot, neck cord, equipment harness, or some other place on the user?s body. The sheath acts as both a carrying device and a protective covering to prevent accidental contact with the blade when not in use and to protect the blade from the elements. Typical sheath materials include leather, ballistic nylon, molded plastics, or a combination of these. Although very common and inexpensive, leather sheaths tend to loosen over time and can quickly deteriorate if subjected to moisture and chemicals. Typically sheaths include some form of attachment point such as a loop, slits, buckles, snaps, or other means to allow them to be connected to the user?s belt, boot laces, or equipment straps. Sheaths also typically include some form of strap or flap to hold the blade in place while not in use. Molded plastic sheaths (typically Kydex, though others are available) are usually designed to form fit the blade so it is held securely in place without the use of straps. No sheath restraint system is perfect and blade loss can occur if the blade or sheath is subjected to violent movements.