You might try Tru-Grit abrasives at trugrit.com. They seem reasonable.

Ed the best source for everything Kydex related I have found is these folks:

http://www.ifithermoplastics.com/

I buy together with another maker to get volume pricing on everything I can. We buy leather, tools, supplies regularly that way. It helps he's 20 blocks away.

Personally, I buy from Port Plastics, in 4x8' sheets.....its about 1/2 the cost of buying kydex by the square foot.

Ed. I apologize for my suggestion. Tru-Grit was the first company that came to mind. But after seeing the pricing from the other listed companies, my suggestion was rather mute.

This was something I have not researched. But I will keep the companies listed for future needs.

Thanks Guys!

Ed, Great info! Which grade do you get from Port Plastics, and how do they ship it? Will they cut it down?

George, great info!

Anthony, No problem. Good source!

I use .093" thick, Kydex 100. I generally order two full sheets at a time (4'x8'), and have then cut in half for shipping. If I remember correctly my last purchase from them was around $200 for the two sheets.

After discovering Port Plastics I awlays cringe when I see kydex being sold by the square foot elsewhere...... if you do the math, most outfits that sell it by the square foot are making a killing! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Thanks again, Ed! One more question, what fastening hardware would you recommend obtaining for a first-time "Kydex-er"? I'm trying not to dump a bunch of money on things I'll never use... <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//blink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />

I've done hardware a couple of different ways. I used to make my own belt loops/clips out of the same kydex I made the sheaths from..... I'd cut a 2" stip of kydex, then using some metal forms (really just pices of 15N20) and a heat gun, would fold up the belt loops/clips. I used 1/4" post screws for fasteners.

Now a days I use these eyelets: http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/product_info.php?cPath=41_56_416&products_id=5270 I stay away from the colored eyelets, as most of them are "painted" brass, and the color pops off when you set the eyelets. You CAN hand set these eyelets, but an arbor press and these: My link http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/product_info.php?products_id=633

I've also gone to using Tek-Loks for the belt attachment. I use the small/mini Tek-Loks on my EBKs, and the large versions on holsters and larger sheaths.

The biggest part is either buying or building a kydex press. I built my kydex press from a hardwood flooring jack that I found on Harbor Freight. I'll get some pics later and post up for you. Probably the easiest way to build a kydex press is with an old vise, with 3/4" plywood jaws, covered in foam.

Thanks Ed!

I use professional plastics for black. All kydex is not the same though... I personally prefer .060" thick kydex. I think it molds better and is easier to get a nice working sheath in my experience. There are two main types of kydex being used "T" and "100". T is usually cheaper, but I like 100, it seems to mold better.

Knife kits has a good selection of colors, and Holsteron even has a carbon fiber texture... Pretty nice stuff.

I use Stimpson 8-8 black oxide coated eyelets. I purchase them direct. I also have them parifin coated, it lubes the dies. I think I ordered 64K last time.

Like George, I order primarily from Index, but also get some stuff from diyholsters. Index is a bit of a double edged sword. They have really good prices on certain things that others can't touch (namely Malice clips, which I use a TON of for gun holsters) but they've also mucked up a few of my orders.

Jantz Supply has had the best prices I can find for kydex and a few other things. They flat rate ship at $12+, which is the only pitfall. So I usually put in order of $100+ with steel, sandpaper, and I always throw in a few sheets of kydex just because the price is as best as I could find. They also have the best prices on simple steel flats that I've found like 1095 or 5160.