Martin Swinkels - custom knife sheaths

[DaveM]

Found this guy in the Netherlands while researching gear for an upcoming cabin trip in Alaska. He makes custom sheaths out of kydex and leather and they are amazing. He does a whole range of styles but his most interesting are the "bush craft - survival" sheaths.

I like the modular approach and attachment options. No affiliation, and I don't yet own one of these, but his reputation seems to be well established and the pics of his work are gorgeous. Looks like good kit for over landing purposes.

http://martinsheaths.blogspot.com/

 

[Beowulf]

He is highly regarded in the blade communities. I hear the wait period is rather long, but that just speaks to demand.

If I needed a custom sheath, he is definitely at the top of my list. Maybe I just need to do a custom Fallkniven F1 or S1 and order one of his sheaths.

 

[DaveM]

He is highly regarded in the blade communities. I hear the wait period is rather long, but that just speaks to demand.

If I needed a custom sheath, he is definitely at the top of my list. Maybe I just need to do a custom Fallkniven F1 or S1 and order one of his sheaths.

I had a recent email exchange with him that suggests the wait may have come down, but I think it depends on what you want and how his orders for service men are stacked up (he prioritizes active duty requests, which I think is pretty cool).

His name comes up repeatedly on blade forums but I was surprised to find no mention of his work here. I'm planning on a tactical sheath for an ESEE-4 that I hope to have by this Christmas. If no one else has put up any reviews by then I'll add one.

 

[ssssnake529]

This looks like the perfect sheath to me.

 

[BBQ BOY]

I have a sheath made by him. Great work and hope to get more from him.

 

[ssssnake529]

He just made this sheath for me. Fits my big Fallkniven Tor, with some piggyback pouches to store other stuff when needed.

 

[Rezarf <><]

These are the best of both worlds, you get the fast action and retention of kydex and all the looks of leather. Martin is one of the best in the biz!

 

[lam396]

That's a nice sheath for a nice knife. Do you piggyback the folder with the fixed or do you keep it on a belt? Has the sheath been delievered yet? I have some questions about it if you wouldn't mind answering them, mostly about the construction of it. It looks like there is no thread on the welt area, is it just fastened with glue and the rivets? Also, how do you like the button stud for the closure on the strap? We need to see some photos of it in action!

 

[DaveM]

Gorgeous sheath! I may have to get another knife just to get a leather sheath from him.

My kydex ESEE3 sheath is paid for and on the way... now I just have to pick up the knife to go with it!

 

[ssssnake529]

That's a nice sheath for a nice knife. Do you piggyback the folder with the fixed or do you keep it on a belt? Has the sheath been delievered yet? I have some questions about it if you wouldn't mind answering them, mostly about the construction of it. It looks like there is no thread on the welt area, is it just fastened with glue and the rivets? Also, how do you like the button stud for the closure on the strap? We need to see some photos of it in action!

The sheath has not been delivered yet. He just sent the pictures and put in in the post. Will answer the questions when I get the actual sheath.

 

[lam396]

Awesome! I have a couple Bark Rivers that need good sheaths and I really like Martin's style. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[ssssnake529]

Sheath showed up today. (took almost a month to get here from Holland.)

I'm kind of blown away by how cool this sheath is. First of all, it looks great. Quality of construction is very nice. Kydex and leather elements are blended into a really beautiful and functional sheath. Knife fits perfectly. Finish is 100%.

I really like the modular design. The pouch, firesteel, belt loop, straps, and quick-release buckles are all removable and adjustable. I can mix/match any or all of the elements as needed depending on what additional items I want to carry and how I want to carry the knife.

Looking forward to using the knife and sheath now.

 

[ssssnake529]

That's a nice sheath for a nice knife. Do you piggyback the folder with the fixed or do you keep it on a belt? Has the sheath been delievered yet? I have some questions about it if you wouldn't mind answering them, mostly about the construction of it. It looks like there is no thread on the welt area, is it just fastened with glue and the rivets? Also, how do you like the button stud for the closure on the strap? We need to see some photos of it in action!

There is no thread on the welt area. It's closed with glue and rivets. Button stud on the strap seems good so far. I don't like snaps, so this is a better solution for my purposes. Only time will tell how durable this arrangement is.

 

[TangoBlue]

This whole thread has inspired me to make a sheath of my own. After seeing Martin's work and checking out a few YouTube videos on the subject it looks pretty easy to make an entirely custom sheath of your own creation. Although I suspect I'm a long way off from Martin's talent... beautiful craftsmanship.

 

[lam396]

Thanks for the updates on the sheath. Glad you like it.

I'm actually considering making one myself as well. I have some kydex and leather left over from some holsters so I pretty much have everything I would need. We will see how well it comes out. But Martin's sure are nice to look at.