Dive knife materials

[13blades]

Hi everyone. I recently acquired a sample piece of 12c27 stainless steel. There are alot of knives I could make but I've decided on a dive knife to see how good it really is. The way I see it is salt water must be one of the harshest conditions for steel to be in and I think this will be a good way to see how it performs. My question to everyone is, other than plastic and rubber, can anyone suggest some possible handle and sheath materials? I can put rubber handles on if I need to but I would like to try something else. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[unbeliever]

In my case, i just use a rubber handle in my diving knife.

[Vagrant]

Bare metal handle, carbon fiber, G10, micrarta, frost/pakka/dymond/stamina wood, cord wrap etc
http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=40_218

[13blades]

I went bare metal. The sheath is going to be tricky though. Cant use leather.

[Vagrant]

I went bare metal. The sheath is going to be tricky though. Cant use leather.

Kydex
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lczZWgN4Kg

[13blades]

That could work. I haven't looked for that material before. Is it used in any manufacturing industries or should I get it from a knife making supplier? I was thinking if I did a series of the dive knife I'd make up a mould and buy that two mix pot rubber stuff I've heard about. I have never bought that before but a few guys at my work say it would suit quite well. I'm still testing the steel really. I've boogied up a passable sheath for now from another knife sheath made of cheap plastic. The knife was crap and I'm thinking the sheath may be too.

[Vagrant]

I only advise on sheath materials reluctantly
I've never made a sheath that was even adequate
A quick search should find more than I'll ever know

[13blades]

Sheath making does seem to be an art in itself. I've heard saddlers are quite qood at it. I know a knife maker that makes average quality knives but the best sheaths I have ever seen. He was taught by a saddler. I would like to make rubber sheaths. If I get hold of the rubber in sheets then I could design them just like the leather ones. Same principals and similar tools.