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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: ArcticArcher on March 30, 2008, 01:08:00 PM

Title: Sheaths with magnets
Post by: ArcticArcher on March 30, 2008, 01:08:00 PM
I've read some posts about some of you using magnets in your sheaths.  I guess its mostly in the neck sheaths.  I was wondering what size, type, and how you put it in the sheath.

Do you need to line the sheath or can it just be epoxied in?  Is it attached at the bottom of the sheath or near the opening?

I usually wet form the sheath, but I'm afraid that alot of moving around may cause some problems.
Title: Re: Sheaths with magnets
Post by: Mohillbilly on March 30, 2008, 06:08:00 PM
I use the rare earth magnets in all my sheaths, large and small.  I line the inner layer of the sheath with a thin furniture grade leather.  I sandwich the magnet between the heavy leather for the sheath and the thin leather and use tandy leather cement to bond them together.  I place the magnet about 1/3 the way from the top of the sheath.  I like to try and get it placed where the belt leather of the sheath attaches to the back of the sheath.  This way I can sew the magnet in place while sewing the belt strap to the sheath.  Hold the knife blade well.  You can feel it grab the blade when inserted into the sheath.  Also, rare earth magnets are cheap on the auction site.  
Bret
Title: Re: Sheaths with magnets
Post by: Doug Campbell on March 30, 2008, 06:29:00 PM
I've been using the rare earth magnets for my neck knives for quite a while. I think Roughcountry was the first one around that I know of to try it. Can't imagine not lining a sheath or at least having a layer to protect the blade from rubbing on the magnet and vice versa. These little magnets are amazingly strong for their size.

The last few I've done I used two magnets with their opposite poles together so they will push each other apart when there is no knife in the sheath. When the blade goes in the magnets clamp down on it.
Title: Re: Sheaths with magnets
Post by: ArcticArcher on March 30, 2008, 06:51:00 PM
Thanks guys, I was worried about the scratching and figured there was a lining in the sheath.  

A great idea of using one on each side of the sheath.

Another tool for the tool box.  This knife building stuff is kinda addicting.
Title: Re: Sheaths with magnets
Post by: Leftieshot on March 30, 2008, 07:22:00 PM
I like the idea of using opposite poles when apart but clamping on the blade when in the sheath.
Title: Re: Sheaths with magnets
Post by: Phillip Parker on March 31, 2008, 10:15:00 AM
I used a rare earth magnet in this sheath that I made for the knife that I made for my boss. The sheath is black walnut that has been split and the magnet was inletted with a felt covering.

 http://picasaweb.google.com/philparker87/PhillipSPics/photo#5183907445729186210
Title: Re: Sheaths with magnets
Post by: Mechslasher on April 02, 2008, 09:54:00 PM
will using the rare earth magnets hold the blade in an upside down position?  thinking about making a couple in that style.
Title: Re: Sheaths with magnets
Post by: Doug Campbell on April 02, 2008, 10:48:00 PM
Sure hope so, I've made several like this, as far as I know nobody has been stabbed in the belly yet.   :pray:  
  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/R0010896.jpg)

Not sure I'd trust it with a heavier knife...