Project: Blade Runner leather holster kydex insert instead of stainless steel

[Postapocalympic]

So I'm finally getting a proper BR blaster replica, an Offworld inc. model. So far all I had was a cheap toy that I had modded. And I thought to myself
"Self you should really get a holster to go with that."
To which I replied.
"That is a fine idea other self, and you know I do leatherwork so that will be fun."

So after a round of patting myself on the back and celebratory self pleasure I thought about the stainless steel inserts most folk use for theirs. I dont have a stainless steel retention insert and thought Kydex would be an excellent substitute. Its already used in firearm holsters and the like. It is easily moldable with moderate heat. And so on.

So my question is thus. Does anyone have any experience with Kydex? Any tips or tricks. Will it retain enough tensile strength to be worthwhile? Would I be better off using ground up badger teeth cuz Kydex is usless? Those sort of things.

 

[JFB64]

I've vac formed Kydex many times. It's forms nicely but will become very shinny if over heated. Raw Kydex is dead flat. It's also very resilient. I've broken styrene trying to release the buck after forming but never have when releasing Kydex from the same buck. It's also very scratch resistant although that shouldn't be an issue for you. It can be cemented, I use Weld On 16. It gives off nasty fumes when thermoforming so be cautious. I've also detected odors when band sawing or even filing or sanding. I buy it from Interstate Plastic or you could try knifekits.com. Interstate is cheaper by the square foot but knifekits as a wider range of colors. Hope this helps.

Joe

 

[racprops]

Are you thinking of the holster spring in Kydex and a leather holster??

Rich

 

[Postapocalympic]

Are you thinking of the holster spring in Kydex and a leather holster??

Rich

Yes Rich, i was going to mold The Kydex and sandwich it between the two layers of leather. Its all just an idea at this point.
It won't be an exact replica, I'm going to use black thread instead of the cream/white that is usually used. I'm going more for the idea that this is my Pistol and not Deckard's. And as a side note I absolutely love your work and wish I could afford one of your pieces.

 

[racprops]

I don't think that will be a good idea.

Part of the benefit of a leather holster is it being somewhat soft and that this allows it to form to the weapon placed inside.

A hard shell even leather coated will almost have no way to form to the weapon, and any mismatches will have a tenancy to rub and tear at parts and finish.

Sadly this model unless made of aluminum and steel will have a tenancy for parts to break off and for even IF made of these better metals and finishes like an anodized or blued finish to wear off.

Which is why I say my model is warranted for nor use but no warrant if used in cosplay and/or put into any holster. (even for display)

I personally lean towards a very soft holster.

Rich

 

[Nexus6]

But, Postapocalympic, regardless of anyone else's opinion, why not go ahead & give your plan a go? During my time in this community, I've seen some EXCELLENT things come from ideas that were thought to be "longshots" or "ill-conceived"...

You never know...

 

[Postapocalympic]

But, Postapocalympic, regardless of anyone else's opinion, why not go ahead & give your plan a go? During my time in this community, I've seen some EXCELLENT things come from ideas that were thought to be "longshots" or "ill-conceived"...

You never know...

Oh Im still gonna try, Ive already bought the parts. It just might not end up being quite what Im aiming for.