Kydex is a thermoplastic sheet, an acrylic-PVC alloy, that turns soft at about 300°F, takes the exact shape of whatever it is pressed over, and holds that shape permanently once it cools. It was developed in the 1960s for aircraft interiors, and it became the holster material because nothing else gives a rigid, waterproof, exact mold of a gun or a tool for a few dollars of material. This guide covers what kydex is, why it replaced leather and nylon for carry gear, its limits, and how we use it.
What it is made of
Kydex is a brand name, owned by Sekisui, for a family of acrylic-polyvinyl chloride sheets. The acrylic gives it rigidity and a hard surface; the PVC gives it toughness and chemical resistance. Sheets come in thicknesses from .060 to .125 inch; holsters and sheaths use .080 (what we use) or .093, thick enough to be stiff, thin enough to stay slim.
Why it works for holsters and sheaths
- It molds exactly. Heated and pressed over a gun or tool, it captures every curve, which is why a kydex holster clicks: the material snaps over the trigger guard or the frame.
- It is rigid. The mouth stays open for one-hand reholstering and the trigger stays covered by something hard.
- It does not absorb anything. Sweat, rain, oil. Leather holds moisture against a gun; kydex does not.
- It is thin. An .08-inch shell adds almost nothing to the gun's width.
- It does not wear out. No stretching, no collapsing, no stitching to fail.
What it is not good at
It is not soft, so a badly finished edge rubs. Ours are folded and polished. It does not breathe, so a sweat shield matters. It can be scratched by grit trapped between the holster and the gun, which is a cleaning issue, not a kydex issue. And at very high heat, a closed car in summer is fine but a dashboard in direct sun is not, it can soften and lose its mold.
Kydex vs the alternatives
| Kydex | Leather | Nylon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | Exact, molded, clicks | Close, breaks in | Generic pouch |
| Retention | Adjustable, mechanical | Friction, loosens with age | Flap or strap |
| Moisture | Immune | Absorbs | Absorbs |
| Trigger cover | Rigid | Rigid when new, softens | Soft |
| Draw | One hand, one motion | One hand | Two hands (flap) |
| Lifespan | Indefinite | Years | Months to years |
How we use it
Every Clip & Carry sheath and holster is molded from .08-inch kydex, handmade in the U.S.A. by military veterans, with adjustable retention and a lifetime guarantee. Multitool sheaths like the Leatherman Wave sheath and holsters like the Glock 19 IWB are each molded to one model, so there is no excess material and the fit is exact.
Frequently asked questions
What is kydex made of?
An acrylic and PVC thermoplastic alloy, made in sheets.
Is kydex better than leather?
For retention, moisture, trigger protection and longevity, yes. Leather is softer against the body and looks traditional.
Does kydex scratch guns?
Clean kydex does not. Grit trapped in the holster can, so rinse it out.
Is kydex waterproof?
Yes. It absorbs nothing and dries instantly.
How thick is holster kydex?
Usually .080 inch, which is what we use.
The bottom line
Kydex is a thermoplastic that molds exactly and stays that way, which is why every serious holster and sheath is made of it. See ours in the sheath collection and the holster collection.
Related reading
What is a kydex holster?
Kydex vs leather holsters
Kydex vs nylon multitool sheaths
