After returning to “The World” and a more normal life, I spent several years as an electrician in heavy construction. During that time, I read everything I could find about knives, knife makers, sheaths and carry systems. There were plenty of articles on knives and knife makers, but very little was available about sheaths and carry systems. From my own experience, the system you use to carry your knife, keep it safe from the environment, and you safe from it, are just as important as the knife                                  itself. As one crusty old Navy chief put it, “It ain’t worth a damn if it ain’t there when I                                  reach for it.”

In January of 1993, I began making custom knife sheaths for GI’s and custom knife makers. There was a lot to learn. I was privileged to be able to associate and work with some very gifted and understanding people in the fields of knife making as well as military and law enforcement. I have a large box of prototypes that began life as a great idea, but died sad, sudden deaths when someone in “The System” explained that the great idea wasn’t going to work, or, they just sent back the pieces with a few caustic comments.     

When the Carson U2 was developed, I was fortunate to be selected to produce a heavy-duty Kydex-and-Nylon sheath to blend with the Special Ops Knife. (Tactical Knives November 1997) After several months of testing and modifications, a sheath was developed that the E.O.D. (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) guys didn’t destroy, the E.O.D. MOD 01. Working with these
guys, I learned a lot about retention methods, materials that didn’t shred in sand, or shrink from salt water and the importance of being able to disassemble and clean.

My philosophy is simple. I’ll try almost anything once. (I’ve got the scrap pile to prove it!) If I don’t think it’s safe and I wouldn’t carry it myself, I won’t sell it to you. If there’s a better design, I’ll try it. If there’s a better material, I’ll use it. If it breaks because of poor material or workmanship, I’ll fix or replace it.

Do the job, stay safe and come home.