Customizing the Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Search & Rescue Sheath

Customizing the CKSUR1 Smith & Wesson Knife Sheath
The transformation of this knife sheath was needed for sure.  The factory concepts were not well applied when this product was mass produced.  Particularly in the areas soon to be addressed in this 1-2-3 step-by-step blog.

Step 1 *  This first photo is the factory production knife with sheath. The Velcro closure retainer strap  was sewn so it closed off half the web strap belt loop.  It had to be cut off completely.

Step 2 *  The sheath was factory made to have two wedges on inside of the body of the sheath.  This allowed only insertion in one direction.  In other facing direction the knife does not fit all the way in.
With the symmetrical handle the knife user cannot easily tell quickly which way to insert without constantly looking.  The removal of the wedges I did with a razor and wood chisel.   It can be inserted in either facing direction.

Step 3 *  The factory inspired leg loops were at the lower end of the sheath body.  My modified version made these at top instead.  To do this I rounded off the corners to follow the curve of the knife guard.

Step 4*  The Smith & Wesson logo at throat I attempted to invert and re-install so printing would not show.  After hammering flat this broke when bending to invert.  Decided that it was not needed at all.

Step 5*  These are four inexpensive factory screws that held the two sheath body sides together.  The penetration depth was very shallow so these were discarded completely.

Step 6*  Sanding the inside and outside of the sheath body sides dull to accept glue well.

Step 7* Crocodile patterned cow leather to replace the factory nylon webbing on sheath body.

Step 8*  Thin and firm leather cut to make Molle Vest capability.

Step 9*  Spray glue applied to the outside of the sheath body and Crocodile pattern leather glued to it. The original factory security screws needed to be ground slightly shorter before putting them back in place. Snaps added to the Molle straps and an extra utility loop added at the center also.

Step 10*  The sheath body halves are clamped after the super Gel glue applied to the inner edges.

Step 11*  After the glue completely dried unclamp and clean any excess.  Then fit a retainer strap and snap for it.

Step 12*  Dye all parts black to match evenly.

The finished Search & Rescue Molle sheath of my own design.