Best Knife Holster Review and Buying Guide

Knives are multifunctional tools that every prepper should have at hand, especially in 2023. Besides helping in various survival situations, a knife can be used for the ultimate self-defense and to protect your beloved ones in case of danger.

With a knife, you can cut the wood from trees in a forest to start a warming fire, cut food that you plan to cook, defend yourself, and do many other useful things. However, a knife’s blade can be way too sharp (and an owner should preserve this sharpness), and you should have one of the protective knife sheaths to carry the tool securely and ensure your own safety while having it in your pocket or on your belt.

Nowadays, the market suggests numerous kinds of knife sheaths of different shapes, materials, colors, and sizes. If you have a knife and need a holster for it, you might be surprised by how many accessories and items there are to purchase.

In our review, we have gathered the best products you can find today in the knife sheaths category. We hope that you will not get lost and choose the perfect sheath from these accessories that will suit your needs and improve your knife-carrying experience.

Best Knife Holster Options We Have Found Today

Now that you know how to choose your best holster that will keep your knife safe, you can familiarize yourself with our top 5 list of interesting products and add something to your cart in an online shop.

1. An affordable holster from SHEATHS

It is not hard to guess what this company produces from its name. SHEATHS specializes in manufacturing holsters for different tools and customers’ demands. Good-quality leather is thick which adds a huge advantage (durability) to this holster. It fits many knives regardless of their brands. The price is surprisingly low, so it is an extremely popular product and we have put it in the first place.

2. Ka-Bar holster

This is one of the best holsters you can find on the market today; however, unfortunately, not every knife can fit into it. Knives for this holster should have a 7-inch blade. If this is your situation, trust us: Ka-Bar holster is the greatest option.

3. F1 holster from Armatus

If you are a lucky owner of a very special Fallkniven F1, there is an amazing accessory for it manufactured by the Armatus brand. Because this weapon is widely used by carriers all over the world, there are many holster options of different quality. The holster we offer is made of Kydex and has convenient loops made of nylon. It is available in various colors, and Armatus takes individual orders from clients regardless of their location.

4. DIY holster from Armory Plastics

The Armory Plastics brand has developed great accessories for those who prefer a DIY (or “do it yourself”) approach. If you are one of such people and want to add some “arts and crafts” vibe to your holster, consider purchasing this Armory Plastics DIY kit that allows you to make your own Kydex holster.

There is a strong advantage of such a kit: if you have a custom knife that requires a holster of a special shape, the kit makes your chances to get a perfect holster much higher because you literally create a holster in the shape of your weapon.

5. Hide & Drink beautiful holster

We could not skip a holster from Hide & Drink and have decided to add it here because it has not only outstanding quality but also a beautiful berry color that holsters usually do not have. If you are looking for something stylish, consider choosing this product.

Nothing above inspires you? Scroll down to get some useful tips regarding holster selection, search, and orders.

Why Buying a Holster If I Get One with a Knife?

While the majority of knives today come with accessories already, sometimes you need to upgrade a holster: get a solid and durable one (compared to the one that has arrived with your brand new knife).

The holster’s quality depends on the knife’s selling price, so, if the price is rather moderate, do not expect any special sheaths with it. Consider buying a great holster and use our tips below that will guide you to certain goods in the holster category.

Lastly, manufacturers know their buyers; if you select a rather cheap knife, most likely, no one will offer you a high-quality sheath for it because the overall experience shows that you either will not need it or will replace it anyway.

Now that you probably understand how important it is to purchase a good holster that will protect your knife, its blade, and yourself, it is time to move forward to our list.

How to Choose Knives Accessories

Selecting knife sheaths require your attention and a bit of time. But if you spend some hours and

There are numerous things to consider before you add a product that seems suitable to your cart. Check them out below.

1. Accessories’ materials

The most popular materials for such items are leather, nylon, and Kydex. All of these three have their pros and cons; one material will fit one carrier and never be a good option for another.

While leather is considered one of the best materials for holsters overall, there are not only pros but strong disadvantages that may change one’s mind. For instance, the leather itself is durable but stitches and parts can be torn apart over time. Also, if your blade is extremely sharp, one day you may find small holes at specific spots of your holster.

Among the pros are leather’s weight (rather light compared to other materials) and an ability to use your knife without any noise (taking it out of a holster quietly).

If you think of purchasing nylon accessories, remember that the material itself is durable but in some cases, it is not solid and strong enough. It can be that your tool bends somehow and destroys the holster.

Lastly, Kydex which is based on plastic is a great material that is often used in such accessories and combines low price and solidity. You can store knives in Kydex for ages and nothing will happen with the metal. However, such a holster can be noisy if that matters.

2. Ways to carry

A holster’s position on your body is one of the crucial factors that define what holster you should purchase. Because if you choose the wrong position, using your knife will be uncomfortable and useless.

Normally, carriers hold their knives in three places on their body:

• Their waist

Typically, knives are attached to belts in a vertical position with handles on the above. However, there are people who prefer to keep their weapons horizontally and on their backs. Another method is to put the accessory inside your belt (yes, some belts and waistbands are specially made like this); in this case, it will be harder to get the knife out but it will be stored securely on your body.

• Their bags

Some backpacks (especially those used by preppers and survivors) have numerous straps, pockets, and threads to keep all your stuff together, including knives. You can easily find a bag with convenient spots to attach a holster and still have it at hand (more or less).

• Their chest.

This method works if you do not feel comfortable when a holster is attached to your belt or hangs somewhere on your backpack. You can use a secure pocket of your survival vest, for example, to keep your holster there. Some carriers also prefer to keep their weapons inside their armpits for easy access and convenience.

You might have some doubts regarding what carriage method suits you best. Our recommendation for you is to analyze why and how you plan to use your weapon when it is not hidden in a holster.

For instance, if your aim is to use a knife comfortably when living off the grid (in the woods where you will need to cut trees, cook, and so on), it is better to keep it somewhere close and have quick access to it; but it is not that necessary to attach it to your body because you will always wear a backpack. So, a backpack strap will hold your sheath perfectly and let you use a knife anytime you need it.

If you think of keeping your weapon on your leg or in your boots, believe us, this is not a good idea. The above-mentioned ways to keep knives are the most convenient ones.

3. Ways to attach your knife and its position

Yes, this also varies from holster to holster. In some cases, your weapon will be on the top of the belt, and its handle will be higher than the belt itself. This position increases the chances of quick access. But in other cases, a lower spot will be more comfortable.

A holster attaches with the help of either clips or belt loops, and the first option is easier to take off than the second one. However, there is a great combination of the two preferred by many carriers (for instance, Tek-Lok, which you can see in the photo below).

• Convenience and multifunctional usage

Although these are additional features that are not obligatory, still, it would be great if your holster had them.

It should hold your knife solidly and eliminate any risks of falling. Also, some holsters can serve you during alarm situations, for instance, those you can easily attach to your backpack in a survival situation. If a holster has some storage pockets to keep small but essential details, it will add convenience, too.

Tips for Your Search and Handling

Of course, our list can give you hints regarding great items that are not only convenient but also show the owner’s style. However, you might not find the perfect sheath here and will need to continue your search.

For such cases, here is our list of details you should consider when you search for your perfect holster.

• Make it simple

The main functions of a sheath are to carry your knife, keep its security, and make it convenient for you. So, we suggest you ignore various holsters for preppers that contain other tools for survival situations (and believe us, there are plenty of them on the market).

• Choose materials wisely

It is considered that leather is the best material for a holster; however, it is often used among professionals who have vast experience in knife handling. If you have recently bought your first knife, search for holsters made of synthetic fabric (for instance, Kydex). Of course, leather adds sophisticated style; but try to get something simpler at the very beginning.

• Do not keep your knives in holsters when you do not use them

The blade will be ruined over time because of rust and corrosion. When you do not need your weapon, leave it at home, in a safe place, outside of any accessories. You do not want your knife and its blade ruined, right? Correct storage will ensure higher durability. Also, check out some hints regarding your knife’s repair.

To store your knives properly and ensure that no chemicals and substances will lead them to corrosion and other unpleasant states, you can simply take a piece of cardboard and some tape to create paper holsters for all your accessories that have a metal blade.

You might have a large collection of different knives and not use many of them. For such situations, a wooden panel will work perfectly. Such panels are typically used in the restaurants’ kitchens; metal spots glue knives strongly and do not cover them which eliminates the risk of spoiling blades.

How to make a leather sheath for a hunting knife

If you are thinking of a custom sheath for your knife, consider making it on your own or ordering one made of durable leather. All you have to do is either find a craftsman who works with leather or try working with your own hands.

Making a holster on your own might seem difficult or tricky; however, it is real, especially if you love creating things with your own hands.

Among the materials and tools you need to create a holster by yourself are:

• A piece of cardboard
• A razor blade and a pair of sharp scissors
• A pencil and a ruler
• An awl
• A piece of leather and a knife itself
• And some other tiny details that depend on the holster’s type.

Generally, you will need to draw your knife and define its dimensions to ensure that it will fit in the future holster. A pencil and a cardboard piece will help you to get a template, and other elements will be used to work with leather pieces and attach them together. There are numerous different tutorials online dedicated to the holster creation you can use.

Visiting a craftsman excludes an entertaining part where you make something with your hands but exempts you from efforts and probable mistakes. It will be more expensive because you will pay another person who will do the job; however, your time and nerves will be saved.

Consider Buying a Wristlet

Lastly, here is another tip: a wristlet (also known as a lanyard) is a wonderful accessory for your knife that lets you keep it in your hand without putting it in and out of your holster. It suits perfectly if you are in a situation where you should cut a lot of things at once without any break.

Wristlets are comfortable to wear because when you cut something, they support some muscles in your hand, and they can relax, which does not happen when you use a knife without a wristlet. Most knives are equipped with a hole inside which you can put your lanyard.

You can create a wristlet on your own: just use a piece of paracord that suits your hand and a couple of good-quality beads. Although some carriers select leather wristlets, time shows that they stretch and spoil easily because you always move your hand. Paracord has proven its durability and has become a popular material for such items. Beads will help you regulate the size of your wristlet.

To Sum Up

Whether you decide to buy a holster for your knife or sew one from scratch after you have read our brief review, always remember that you cannot carry a knife without a good-quality sheath. If you select from solid sheaths made of great leather, such accessories will serve you for a very long time and keep your knives and your own security.

So, do not neglect the procedure of choosing your perfect holster that will probably be with you for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

How to choose the best knife sheath?

To purchase the best holster, you have to know your blade’s size and define what you need from the product. Think of the way you will carry your knife and the material a holster should be made of. Then, proceed to any online store where such products are in stock, sign it, and filter the goods.

After you filter and select something that you like, you can proceed to the cart and finalize your purchase. If something goes wrong and the product does not fit, you can always reach a seller through its contact left in the store. Returns are a regular practice for such orders because sometimes it is hard to select a proper holster remotely.

What materials are used for knife holsters?

Typically, there are three materials you will see when making orders for your holsters: leather, nylon, and Kydex. They all have their pros and cons and fit different aims. Be careful and think twice before you filter products by material and choose a specific one. In our review above, we have briefly described the difference.

How to wear a knife sheath?

You can wear your sheath on your waist (which is one of the most popular ways to keep holsters), your chest, or your backpack. Like with materials of which your holster is made, here, you have to analyze how you plan to use your knife to select the holster that will be kept on your body or bag correctly.

Some people think that it is convenient to keep knives around their legs; however, the above-mentioned three methods are usually better.

How about a DIY knife sheath?

If needed, you can easily create a DIY holster. You will need a piece of leather, scissors, an awl, and other smaller details. We have described the process briefly in our review; to get more details, you’d better check out some YouTube tutorials that offer informative instructions.

How do holsters for knives differ?

Generally, holsters vary in materials they are made of and ways to carry them. Other smaller details (color, size, shape) also matter but less than what a holster is made of and how you can wear it.

Why do I need a knife sheath?

Because without a sheath, your knife itself becomes a useless and even dangerous tool. You cannot simply keep it in your pocket or bag because in the best-case scenario it will accidentally cut some of your things or clothes, and in the worst, it will hurt you. So, to protect yourself, your stuff, and everyone around you, add a good-quality and durable holster to your knife.