DIY EDC Sheath System (MT, Flashlight, Pen and Knife)

[Metropolicity]

It's been pretty quiet here at MPC Labs (with website soon to be launched) since winter set in. Fabrication went from shop time to soft goods time, using some other kinds of machines.

I am going to preface this point with:

I hate belt pouches.

They suck, they're big and puffy and you clearly can't hide it under a shirt or whatever you are wearing.

So, why did I go ahead and make my own belt pouches?

For exactly the reasons I described. Now normally I am pretty sensible when it comes to EDC, I never carry a MT and Knife at the same time, I only carry a flash night if I know I am heading in the evening or if I am out till dark and I colour coordinate my toys. My pockets, although manageable, were getting a little stressed out. I wear almost exclusively slimmer jeans with not much room for items more than a phone and a wallet, but somehow I got it work for a long while.

Here's a sample of what I could carry (again, not at the same time). A modded LM Wave with 154CM PE blade with thumbstud, a converted saw into a giant poker/awl, an Ultrafire A3-R5 AAA flashlight, a Sanrenmu SS 710 and either a stainless or Ti CC Embassy Pen.



When I carried the stuff, it would clearly show that I am carrying some kind of device with a clip, especially when I would carry my stainless or Ti collection, I would bling with silver clips. Not so much when I rock my black-out but still, lightening the load from my pockets is the goal here. I am right handed so my inclination is to load up my right, rear quarter of my belt, so I can hide the stuff with my shirt.

I decided on making separate pouches for each item so I can keep a modular system. Another main complaint I have about almost any current pouch or sheath on the market is the the use of a closure flap and the ubiquitous hook and loop, which over time would get worn out and fail. The closure flap adds to the bulk and the goal here is to keep things slim, so off goes with the flap in the design.

I wanted this to be bullet proof (not literally) but super super tough. Whats more tough than ballistic nylon webbing? I bought a bunch of widths, ranging from 3/4" all the way to 3" to make sure I had enough fodder if I screwed up. For whatever reason I decided to start with the flashlight sheath and continued onto the rest. Lessons learning here are to use a thicker needled (16 gauge).



Made from a single ribbon of webbing, these bad boys are a built to be used. Everything is triple stitched and at the critical points, I zig-zagged twice over. Every sheath has side panels made from the 3/4" webbing except for the knife sheath which is just a 1.5" one doubled over. I chose to use JUST webbing and not a combo of elastic and webbing because like hook & loop, they only have a short life span under constant use.







I made the pen sheath last, at first I was thinking...do I need a sheath for my pen?! When it costs $100, heck yes!



A family portrait.



Now the actual test, how they FIT on the body and belt. If you recall, my goal is to keep it close to the body, slim and above all, able to cover with my shirt. For the purposes of the photos, I've tucked in  my shirt. I almost never do that, but when I work freelance at a design firm, I tuck AND I carry a bag in which to carry the goodies, so no need for sheaths.

Knife and Flashlight:



MT and Pen:



For fun, the whole enchilada:



Now the shirt test with it all (rare sight):



...and the jacket:



and because everything is better in black:

Sanrenmu 704 (G10) or Sanrenmu 710 black SS, modded LM Wave with 154 CM BO Blade, CC Black Alu Embassy Pen, and a Osram Black Cat AAA.





I think I am going to make a pouch for my larger MTs and Large knives too, in a similar style.

Now I can be a nerd, wear a belt pouch and no one is a wiser. Bonus points for having pockets that will be near empty (wallet and phone of course) and suspicion free!

[tattoosteve99]

That's sweet! Now how much and when can ship it to me

[bushidomosquito]

Cool! So how long before the cape and cowl are finished?

(Just kidding, I'm the last guy that should be asking how long before something's finished)

[Metropolicity]

Cool! So how long before the cape and cowl are finished?

(Just kidding, I'm the last guy that should be asking how long before something's finished)

I'd sooner make a ninja mask

Remember....stealth....shhhh

[nuphoria]

Really nice work.

I made one out of some old seatbelt material which is holding up well - fits a Juice KF4 or a 3 layer Alox SAK pretty well

[Threeme2189]

I made a sheath out of a pair of old blue jeans, complete with gold thread stitching.
I have yet to make a button to close it.

[Mr. Whippy]

I share your general hatred of belt pouches, however the newer larger Smartphones are too big for pocket carry anymore.  After cracking a couple screens, I decided the phone has to go into a sheath/pouch from now on (until flexible screens become a reality.).  I've been EDCing this one for about and year and still really like it:



I must say, I really like your Stealth sheath series.

[Metropolicity]

I must say, I really like your Stealth sheath series.

Thanks Whip.

Did you find or make yours? it's top notch! I like the angled flashlight holder. How does it fair in terms of belt svelt-ness tho?

I have been using my 'system' for the last couple of days and I am thinking of experimenting with some designs that have a button flap. Just so I can say I tried.

The best part about these things is that they cost me nearly nothing, all the webbing cost me under 10 bucks. I've already made a few extras ones.

[Mr. Whippy]

Landroza (MTO member) made it for me.  Beautiful leatherwork.

The Flashlight is out there a bit, but the beauty of this system is, 2 flatlhead bolts and the flashlight sling comes off leaving just the phone box (which is actually quite stealthy for as big as the Motorola Droid2 is...

However, living on a farm, I have to have a flashlight with me all the time, so it just frees up a pocket. 

[Metropolicity]

Landroza (MTO member) made it for me.  Beautiful leatherwork.

The Flashlight is out there a bit, but the beauty of this system is, 2 flatlhead bolts and the flashlight sling comes off leaving just the phone box (which is actually quite stealthy for as big as the Motorola Droid2 is...

However, living on a farm, I have to have a flashlight with me all the time, so it just frees up a pocket.

Oh I completely understand. I am forever looking into a camera bag, in a dark club, in a dark room, in a dark place, in a dark wherever, it's nice to have a bit of light with you. I have been enjoying reclaiming my pockets again.

I had a feeling that Landroza made it! It looks like his work. I was working on a iPhone4 one, but I never really wanted that to happen, I already feel Batmanny/Ninja-ey with a few of the pouches on (in a negative way).

[Mr. Whippy]

Exactly my opinion.  I just don't like the Batman Utility Belt thing.  But since I like my Smartphone, I have to be willing to compromise

[pfrsantos]

(...)

Just trying to see the pics...

[shibafu]

(...)

Just trying to see the pics...

Sadly they are gone... one of the perils of 3rd-party image hosting.