The Most Popular Knife Sheath Materials Today

It’s easy to focus on your knife’s material, both the blade and the scales. It’s simple to get wrapped up in all of the intricacies of your physical knife, especially during the purchasing process. And hey– that makes complete sense. You want a knife you can be comfortable and reliant on.

But what about when you aren’t using your knife?

Your knife’s storage is extremely important as well, whether you think so or not. That’s because, if you don’t take it seriously, your knife could dull or be overall damaged. That means your knife could be as good as useless in a short period of time if you don’t store it properly when it’s not in use– and that sounds pretty counterintuitive if you ask us!

That’s where a knife sheath comes in. Your knife’s best friend (aside from you, of course) is its sheath. However, like you do when selecting the right knife for you, you need to select the right sheath for it!

Common Types of Knife Sheaths

There are actually a few materials that a sheath can be made of. There are leather knife sheaths (which are typically the most classic and popular, especially among more seasoned knife wielders), faux leather, plastic, nylon, and Kydex.

Leather Knife Sheaths

Knife sheaths that are made of leather are easily the most reliable option available, easily sliding into the #1 slot for top knife sheaths. Leather is so ideal because it properly protects knife blades from dulling, has impressive longevity, and is shockingly durable (plus, it just looks cool).

There are three different types of leather grades to choose from for your sheath:

• Bonded
• Top grain
• Split

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is actually synthetic leather, made of leftover leather pieces that are shredded, then bonded together with the assistance of a polyurethane coating. This makes for one of the best cost-effective options in terms of leather because it provides the sheath with that uniform appearance while also being remarkably durable.

Here are just a few of the most admirable pros of using a sheath made of bonded leather:

• Cost-effective
• Durable
• Sustainable
• Environmentally friendly
• Easy to clean (it resists stains and doesn’t require much care from the user)

However, before running to the nearest store for a bonded leather knife sheath, you should be aware that it also has a shorter lifespan than other leather types and it doesn’t hold its color quite as well.

Top Grain Leather

Technically speaking, top grain leather is the topmost layer of the hide. However, its natural surface has been removed when it’s found in products via processes like sanding or shaving. Top grain leather is found in various products and luxury goods, just one of which being knife sheaths.

Top grain leather is the second most popular leather grade available but is one of the most ideal types of leather for a knife sheath. That’s due to several reasons:

• A polished, more refined, and consistent appearance
• Impressive abrasion resistance
• Long lifespan (it’s resistant to scuffs and other mishaps, making it one of the leather grades with the longest lifespan)

Some negatives to keep in mind, though, are that it requires a good deal of maintenance to resist cracking and fading. On top of that, it has limited breathability, which can make its wear directly on the skin uncomfortable for many. 

Split Leather

Split leather is the third most popular option for leather grades and is the most budget-friendly choice among the three. Split leather is composed of the lower grades of hide split into two or more layers. It makes for the perfect option for knife sheaths that won’t receive a lot of exposure and is mainly for storing your knife.

What makes split leather so ideal for many knife owners? Here are the positives:

• Most budget-friendly option
• Resistant to water and abrasion

Remember, however, that there are a few cons to this particular grade of leather, including its susceptibility to surface damage like tearing and it has lower durability due to its weak fiber structures.

Faux Leather

If you’re looking for a synthetic alternative to leather for your sheath, then faux leather is the way to go. Faux leather is typically created via a manufacturing process that involved combining other materials, like nylon, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

There are a few notable advantages to choosing faux leather for your knife sheath:

• Budget-friendly
• Similar in appearance, feel, and texture to real leather
• Doesn’t require harming animals
• Durable
• Water-resistant

There are also some great reasons to not choose faux leather. For one, it is not environmentally friendly, isn’t biodegradable, and the chemical process involved in its creation releases toxins into the environment, which can harm animals and humans. Plus, it’s just not as good as the “real thing.”

Plastic

Plastic is another great option for a sheath material, especially for EDC knives. Plastic sheaths are affordable, waterproof, and aesthetically pleasing (you can choose a more glossy and smooth appearance, which isn’t usually an option for leather).

Keep in mind, though, that plastic sheaths can sometimes dull knives!

Nylon

Nylon is an option for those who are really looking for a major money-saver. Not only is it great on the wallet, but it’s also weather-resistant, durable, and lightweight. However, it is one of the lowest quality materials for a knife sheath around.

Kydex

Kydex is a plastic-like composite material that was originally designed for use in aircraft interiors. Now, it has managed to find its way into the knife sheath scene– and we like that. It’s one of the most durable and functional options available, especially in comparison to nylon and plastic. However, it is quite expensive.

Equip Your Knife with the Best Knife Sheath

Now that you are more familiar with the types of knife sheaths available, you are likely ready to purchase one for your precious knife. Browse all of our sheaths today, which include leather knife sheaths, nylon, plastic, and Kydex, and find the perfect place for your knife to call “home.”