Dark Star Gear kydex sheaths for ESEE Candiru & Izula [Archive]

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VolGrad

11-10-2012, 06:13 PM

I needed a kydex sheath for my Candiru so I contacted my buddy at Dark Star Gear (http://darkstargear.com/). I have a good number of their pistol holsters and have always been pleased with the fit, finish, & function. The maker is always eager to try new things so when I contacted him about making me a sheath he jumped on board. Coincidentally, he had already been working on something that fit my needs.

The sheath is a simple taco style with a single screw that serves to both adjust tension & to attach a single soft loop w/ a Pull The Dot snap. The PTD snap allows for quick on/off capability. DSG also punches extra holes in the soft loop so you can adjust it to accommodate different belt widths. I have been wearing mine on a 1.5" Wilderness Tactical belt and once I changed to a different hold it doesn't move at all. It stays put and is rock solid. Out of the box the tension wasn't as tight as I prefer but after a couple of turns of the screw the sheath holds the knife very securely.

This sheath has absolutely made the Candiru a part of my EDC setup. I have worn one of these for the past couple of days on a dinner & movie date night (under an untucked button down along with a G19 worn OWB and an extra mag pouch) and running errands all day today (under an untucked t-shirt along with a G19 worn IWB). The sheath holds everything close to the belt but allows enough room to get a solid grip for drawing the blade.

My neighbor saw me outside taking these pics and now wants one. He isn't even a knife guy.

Here are some pics of the Candiru sheath.

Front & back ...
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zps4fc16eee.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zpsc10f76f0.jpg

On the belt, accessible cross-draw or with support hand ...
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zps9a8daf1c.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zps20f03899.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zps7a3145f9.jpg

Here is the same style sheath for the Izula I/II.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zps1d81841b.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zpsed32db27.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zps1ed99d01.jpg

Here are a couple of sheaths he made me for neck carry.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/file_zps448c5d60.jpg

JHC

11-10-2012, 07:13 PM

Those look awesome!

SeriousStudent

11-10-2012, 07:18 PM

VolGrad, thank you very much for posting this. I've been pondering something along those lines - wanting something smaller and more discreet that a RAT-3. But I have found a TDI to just not work the way I wanted.

That Candiru rig looks like just the ticket. I appreciate the photos, too.

JHC

11-10-2012, 07:24 PM

Volgrad - the larger knife is the Izula II with the longer handle yes?

VolGrad

11-10-2012, 07:41 PM

Volgrad - the larger knife is the Izula II with the longer handle yes?

Correct. Izula II.

Jason F

11-10-2012, 10:06 PM

Wow, those look sharp! And great photos for the demonstrations- thanks for including those Vol!

VolGrad

11-11-2012, 08:49 AM

Photos on the belt were tricky. I took them one handed with my iPhone.

Terrance

11-11-2012, 08:59 PM

Those are awesome...

I have a couple things I've been wanting good kydex sheaths for, but have been putting it off because I couldn't find what i was wanting. I think I've now found what I want!

NickA

11-12-2012, 11:01 AM

orionz06

11-12-2012, 12:31 PM

Great looking sheaths. I'm really wanting to try out a Candiru for every-day use, but that prime 11:00 spot is taken up by my BOB (hopefully to be replaced by a Clinch Pick someday). Trying to get rid of visible pocket clips, but 2 fixed blades on the belt seems a bit... too much.

The idea came when I was fiddling with a Clinch Pick actually. I hate teklocks in some instances and had the idea to get a CP to work on a 1.75" belt as I believe most have a mini teklock that is 1.5" only. It strays from the CP sheath in a few ways and that sheath is set up that way for a few reasons but wearing a larger belt at times forces compromise. Also not having a Clinch Pick is an issue too...

Here is what I started with:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a183/orionz06/90C8C020-D390-47E7-9467-6265B9E719F3-10215-00000AA7CADDCD1B.jpg

Did not have the CP in hand long enough to adjust height but I did get the function desired. To mimic the standoff from the body it would require a slight tweak but it is doable.

TheRoland

11-12-2012, 01:43 PM

Can this loop concept be reversed to be worn IWB (vertically, obviously)? Or would this setup accept some sort of J-hook?

butler coach

11-13-2012, 05:25 PM

Great products love my stuff from them. I think he can make anything. What will be next? I would like to see a combo I phone holster mag holster. And after looking at these pics looks like I am saving for a knife

VolGrad

11-13-2012, 07:14 PM

I am saving for a knife
Why stop at one? :o

Regarding vertical carry IWB? I'll defer to Tom on that one but would think it would work.

JHC

11-13-2012, 08:10 PM

Volgrad, I just put mine on. It's awesome. Did you tweak the loop and tension first? It's perfect "out of the box". Well done!

EVP

11-13-2012, 10:04 PM

orionz06

11-13-2012, 10:15 PM

It sticks out a little. A knife that has a raked blade would be a little better. The steeper the downward angle the greater the concealment. This is where the Clinch Pick and P'Kal from Ban Tang work very well, the angle on the handle is steeper and they pull the grip in a bit more. I am able to wear one under a close fitting sweater to work without issue though. Gotta work the position along the belt, that's all.

EVP

11-14-2012, 12:14 AM

orionz06

11-14-2012, 12:25 AM

Scratch that, I was sort of wrong. Angle it on the belt more, only the P'kal's are raked enough for it to matter.

VolGrad

11-14-2012, 08:03 AM

VolGrad, how far does the handle protrude away from the body with the candiru and DSG sheath? Like when you look straight down on your body?

I carry a fixed blade but it kinda sticks out some and prints with certain shirts.

I will see if I can get a pic this evening to post looking straight down.

The Candiru holds close to the belt and doesn't present any printing issue for me. All weekend I wore a G19 OWB in a holster from DSG, a Comp-Tac single pouch, and the Candiru just forward of the pouch .... all under just a t-shirt. The wife confirmed there were no printing issues other than the occasional print from the GLOCK when I turned a certain way or bent forward (striaght drop holster).

The Izula II in the same style sheath would cause printing issues for me with just a t-shirt. The extra length is noticeable but still doable with a adequate cover layer.

VolGrad

11-14-2012, 04:47 PM

This pic doesn't do it justice really. It makes it look like the handle is sticking out further than it really is. Printing really isn't an issue with the Candiru. One could make this print more/less by adjusting it around on your belt more toward/away from the centerline.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/DSG%20ESEE%20sheaths/822FC029-3BA3-446F-80C7-4306A6CFABFF-1853-000001559753A06A_zpsfd4214b9.jpg

EVP

11-14-2012, 08:26 PM

JM Campbell

11-15-2012, 09:12 AM

I think a chubby Guy needs to wear it to see if the spare tire club approves of it.....'oh where to find a chubby guy....address to follow via PM ;)

Great pics buddy. Now I need one for my BOB and possibly your same combo, I'm digging it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

VolGrad

11-15-2012, 09:24 AM

I think a chubby Guy needs to wear it to see if the spare tire club approves of it.....Clearly, you didn't see my hand in that pic holding back a little of the spare tire. :cool:

No joke. I'm 5'6" and after losing almost 10 lbs in the past couple of months down to just a shade over 160#. To use Caleb's reference I'm built sort of like a fire hydrant. I have skinny chicken legs, broad shoulders & barrel chest, and bit of spare tire. I kind of look like I'm wearing a hydration bladder on my front. :p

Nimitz87

11-19-2012, 06:25 PM

orionz06

11-19-2012, 06:44 PM

first post, I just got my dark star izula sheath today and managed to cut myself within about a minute LOL

didn't realize the knife tip pokes out of the end of it and gave myself a nice puncture with my freshly sharpened izula.

it's going to take some time adjusting and playing with it to get it to lay flat enough to conceal under a t-shirt but it can be done I think.

I'll post up some pictures here in a few minutes

Chad

Tip shouldn't poke out, at all. Shoot me a pic of it in email and I'll send a new one out tomorrow morning.

ETA: Without scales the blade can extend past and open the sheath enough to protrude out a little. If you are carrying it without scales or cord I will replace the sheath with one that has a a built in stop. Cord and scales otherwise prevent over insertion of the blade.

VolGrad

11-19-2012, 06:58 PM

didn't realize the knife tip pokes out of the end of it and gave myself a nice puncture with my freshly sharpened izula.
:confused:

What Tom said. None of mine come anywhere near poking out. Stupid question but are you sure the sheat is for an Izula? ... and that you have an Izula?

I accidentally put my Izula II in the Candiru sheath when I first opened the box of sheaths and could see what you described happening given the limited # rivets.

Nimitz87

11-19-2012, 07:00 PM

:confused:

What Tom said. None of mine come anywhere near poking out. Stupid question but are you sure the sheat is for an Izula? ... and that you have an Izula?

I accidentally put my Izula II in the Candiru sheath when I first opened the box of sheaths and could see what you described happening given the limited # rivets.

figured it out, it's due to not having any scales/paracord on the knife currently. I was in a hurry to test it and had taken off my paracord wrap, I'm expecting some TKC scales in the mail tomorrow :cool:

this thing is awesome though very slick.

Chad

orionz06

11-19-2012, 07:08 PM

Imaging how much better it would be if it didn't get you cut.

JHC

11-19-2012, 07:30 PM

Just strapped on one of these for my Uzula. EASY DAY. Very nice!

Nimitz87

11-19-2012, 07:58 PM

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h185/nimitz87/IMG_0629.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h185/nimitz87/IMG_0630.jpg

still messing with optimal position and obviously I don't have scales/paracord on the blade but so far it easily conceals under a t-shirt. :cool:

Chad

orionz06

11-19-2012, 08:00 PM

You may want to remove the screw and swap holes on the loop, move it one position closer to the snap and then see how it works. It will hold a little tighter that way. You can also loosen it and reorient the strap and tighten it back down and it will hold at a different angle.

JHC

11-19-2012, 08:03 PM

Right. Mine is carrying flat horizontal. Dig it.

VolGrad

11-20-2012, 07:27 AM

Right. Mine is carrying flat horizontal. Dig it.

Mine are all horizontal as well.

htomeheb

11-30-2012, 12:25 PM

Just wanna add a +1 to how awesome this sheath is. Yet another DSG product I'm a fan of.
+1 to ESEE, too. The Candiru is an awesome little knife. I just wish I could get a trainer for it. I'll have to make one.

I'm still playing around with finding the best spot, so far concealment isnt an issue being such a tiny knife packed right next to a fullsize pistol, but I'm finding that there is something to be said about a little bit of angle to your dangle...

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/533950_10151200076663124_141723100_n.jpg

JHC

11-30-2012, 01:44 PM

I'm on week 2 of daily carrying the slightly larger Izula in one of these Dark Star sheaths (I have one for a Candiru also). Can't say enough good about it.

Up1911Fan

12-08-2012, 12:34 PM

Anyone know of a set of black G10 handles for the Candiru?

VolGrad

12-08-2012, 01:36 PM

Anyone know of a set of black G10 handles for the Candiru?

The only scales I have seen anywhere are the orange G10 and the linen micarta or whatever they are. You could dye the micarta black. Just a thought. I am hoping TKC will start making scales for the Candiru soon.

Up1911Fan

12-11-2012, 05:21 PM

Knife is on the way. Just e-mailed DSG about getting a sheath.

Up1911Fan

12-11-2012, 05:54 PM

And it look's like my sheath will be here before the knife. Talk about lightning fast service!!

SeriousStudent

12-16-2012, 04:09 AM

Just wanted to add my two cents. I emailed orionz06 late on Sunday night about a Candiru sheath. I got it in the mail today. There are a lot of people in the Kydex business that will not return your emails in a week. And I got my sheath in that time.

Excellent retention, and yet it draws easily. That's hard to do, if you've ever worked with knives or guns. The phrase "Elegantly simple" is what comes to mind. I'm definitely ordering more gear.

Great job, and thanks again!

Up1911Fan

12-17-2012, 09:45 AM

Got my sheath today, still no knife.

Up1911Fan

12-20-2012, 11:50 AM

Here's some pic's of my Candiru in a Dark Star Sheath. I took VolGrad's advice and dyed the micarta grips with black Rit dye. I've been wearing it for close to a week all the time except at work (no weapons for those 40 hours a week). For reference the pistol is a Gen4 G19 in a JM Custom AIWB, reload is in a BMC. Belt is a Volund Gearworks Atlas.

1220

1221

1222

1223

SeriousStudent

12-21-2012, 12:26 AM

Good pics!

I've been carrying my Candiru in the Dark Star Sheath since I got it Saturday. I also have an Atlas belt.

It works really well. It's always there, and never in the way. Complete invisible under a polo shirt. I wore it to dinner tonight with some friends, and I can confirm it was the classiest way to slice the end off a Liga Privada cigar.

Dark Star will have some more customers in the near future.

I29alpha

02-21-2013, 04:07 PM

Thanks to Up1911Fan! I carry a Moore BOB every day, but this is a nice little blade.

http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u458/i29alpha/6F035449-D13A-4CB6-BE3A-3BE2ED5B1741-5631-0000027034016429_zps22131d8a.jpg
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u458/i29alpha/06E276EF-B878-41E4-994D-149A0DF8B494-5631-0000027038A48B40_zpsef2aa05e.jpg

JHC

02-21-2013, 07:36 PM

Great pics. Since I got the Dark Star sheaths my favorite Izula is my constant companion on the belt or in the slick sheath in a pocket.

Up1911Fan

02-21-2013, 11:31 PM

Only reason I sold it was I found the handle on the Candiru to be to short. I've been carrying an Izula in a DSG sheath since then.

Jay Cunningham

02-21-2013, 11:42 PM

I had Dark Star build me a specialized P'kal sheath - definitely rose to the challenge.

Matt O

02-22-2013, 07:25 AM

I definitely need to order one of these sheaths. I have this lonely Izula II just sitting there...

vaspence

02-22-2013, 10:18 AM

A big thanks to VolGrad for starting this thread.

After reading this thread I ordered a few sheaths from Dark Star. I carried an Izula II for a while until I lucked into a BOB a couple weeks ago. I moved the pull dot from the Dark Star sheath to the BOB sheath with no issues. If I decide to keep the BOB I'll order another set of sheaths.

Jay, any details on the specialized pikal? I'm thinking of having one made closer to the Izula OAL.

Jay Cunningham

02-22-2013, 10:21 AM

It's a sheath designed for a P'kal with the blade locked open and the wave opener removed. I'm still experimenting with it and haven't given Tom any feedback - yet.

I can put a pic or two up later.

Jay Cunningham

03-12-2013, 10:09 AM

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/12/umava5am.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/12/5ady7yde.jpg

orionz06

03-25-2013, 06:57 AM

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a183/orionz06/B606FC0A-1EFF-4877-98B7-49F1B0913BDA-14874-00000F5557F8F5BD_zpsca099962.jpg

Same style for the Paul Moore BOB.

JHC

03-25-2013, 08:15 AM

I like the product improvement of the two extra rivets.

orionz06

03-25-2013, 08:18 AM

I like the product improvement of the two extra rivets.

Tool a whole to find them. It doesn't add anything other than looks if you are using scales though. If you are not using scales there is a chance to over penetrate and have the blade poke out. They prevent that while looking pretty cool.

vaspence

03-27-2013, 04:33 PM

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a183/orionz06/B606FC0A-1EFF-4877-98B7-49F1B0913BDA-14874-00000F5557F8F5BD_zpsca099962.jpg

Same style for the Paul Moore BOB.

You doing one for the trainer also?

orionz06

03-27-2013, 04:41 PM

You doing one for the trainer also?

I could.

JaredW

05-26-2013, 09:02 PM

I could.

I had great success with this style sheath for the BoB at ECQC last weekend.
No retention issues during Evo's, smooth draw (used to win first Evo).
Tom's turn around/communication are outstanding! He had these done up for me last minute in time for the class.
Highly Recommended!

(Excuse Cell Phone Pic)
1511

NickDrak

06-16-2013, 02:27 PM

Any chance of having one of these made for a Strider DB?

orionz06

06-16-2013, 02:30 PM

Might be a bit large for concealment but I can certainly make one if you can get me the blade.

NickDrak

06-26-2013, 05:15 PM

Might be a bit large for concealment but I can certainly make one if you can get me the blade.

You're probably right on the size of the DB....I do need one for a ESEE 2 though. Email sent thru your website.

Chuck Whitlock

06-29-2013, 09:28 PM

Is this sheath, or something like it, available for the standard sized Kabar TDI?

orionz06

06-29-2013, 09:32 PM

Is this sheath, or something like it, available for the standard sized Kabar TDI?

Make a Kabar TDI appear in my mailbox and I can make a sheath appear in yours. I do have some backlog developed though.

TCinVA

06-29-2013, 10:28 PM

I had great success with this style sheath for the BoB at ECQC last weekend.
No retention issues during Evo's, smooth draw (used to win first Evo).
Tom's turn around/communication are outstanding! He had these done up for me last minute in time for the class.
Highly Recommended!

(Excuse Cell Phone Pic)
1511

Agreed...love mine!

Cecil Burch

06-29-2013, 11:10 PM

Do you have a Clinchpick available to make a sheath? I would be very interested in giving this style of sheath a run.

orionz06

06-30-2013, 12:05 AM

Do you have a Clinchpick available to make a sheath? I would be very interested in giving this style of sheath a run.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/7180_562619877121964_498188772_n.jpg

The Clinch Pick sits a little higher on the belt and at a less steep angle but I find that preferable to the large Tek-Lok. The Spyderco G-clip or whatever it is called has been suggested before but I am backed up far enough that playing with one takes away from orders.

I can have one of these guys ready in a few weeks.

Cecil Burch

06-30-2013, 10:36 AM

The Clinch Pick sits a little higher on the belt and at a less steep angle but I find that preferable to the large Tek-Lok. The Spyderco G-clip or whatever it is called has been suggested before but I am backed up far enough that playing with one takes away from orders.

I can have one of these guys ready in a few weeks.

I don't mind the tek-lock, but your solution looks interesting enough to give me the itch to run it. Sitting higher on the belt might come in useful at times, and a slight change in angle might not be that bad.

I will Look at your website to place the order. Thanks!

Chuck Whitlock

06-30-2013, 05:02 PM

Make a Kabar TDI appear in my mailbox and I can make a sheath appear in yours. I do have some backlog developed though.

Looks like I need to shop for a 2nd.
Check PMs.

Clusterfrack

06-30-2013, 06:25 PM

Just ordered one and a Candiru to go in it. Looks like a very slim, functional setup.

JM Campbell

06-30-2013, 07:00 PM

It is. You'll enjoy it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2

orionz06

07-11-2013, 11:00 PM

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/34727_568741849843100_1671250523_n.jpg

karmapolice

07-12-2013, 03:56 AM

Crotch shot of my dark star gear sheath for my Izula, belt is a Jones Tactical 1.5 EDB Lite version in A-TACS Fg with hook and a loop inner belt he did custom for me.

http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram.com/59026616db8b11e2a7ed22000a1f8f24_7.jpg

Clusterfrack

09-07-2013, 11:52 AM

The sheath for my Candiru arrived yesterday. Very nice. I had to use the smallest hole on the strap to fit a 1.5" belt, but its nice and snug now. The adjustable retention works great. I'll upload a pic soon.

Clusterfrack

09-07-2013, 03:11 PM

Here's a pic of my current setup. I'm still experimenting with the position of the buckle on my belt. Any suggestions on what works for y'all?

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/08/tu2u9a5a.jpg

Up1911Fan

09-07-2013, 03:22 PM

What belt are you using?

Clusterfrack

09-07-2013, 03:28 PM

Wilderness frequent flier. My Ares Ranger doesn't work well with my AIWB rig. Too stiff.

I've got the buckle at 2:30 right now but my knuckles bump it when I draw the gun. 10:30 might work better.

(I was using a 11:00 buckle position before the sheath came)

Up1911Fan

09-07-2013, 04:37 PM

I was at 10:30 when I used a Wilderness, i've found the Atlas belt to work the best for AIWB though.

Rich

09-08-2013, 09:48 AM

I see lots of guys carry small fixed blades this way!

I might have to try it out.

I carry a spare magazine horizontal AIWB using a Wilderness Horizontal double stack mag holder. Bullets towards 12:00 and hollow points facing down
Makes for a easy quick reload. And is lots more comfortable .

Still packing a side opener in right front and a 642 in left front.

Cargo pockets have Surefire Defenders fury and E2D