I've gone on record in the past as disapproving of knife sheaths (usually custom Kydex ones) which incorporate extra bits like fire steels, sharpeners, photon lights, other small knives, but I take it all back as today I put together a package which I really like and worked perfectly.

Yesterday I received a set of chaps I had made for search and rescue work...like gaiters on steroids. Unfortunately because they have their own belt, it prevents anything from being worn on the belt on my pants. Since the belt was made from webbing, I had an idea. I ran a strap of Lite-on cargo webbing I had through my Gerber LMF II sheath and then through the chaps. I had a perfect cross draw blade across my back which doesn't interfere with my vest...but since I was going out on a training exercise today I wanted to see if a bit of overkill would work...better to try these things during practice than to flounder with them during the real thing.

Since the sheath has a pull through carbide sharpener, I decided to compliment that. I zip tied a Smith's diamond sharpener (without the holder) to one side and the ceramic rod from a Smith's 3 in 1 kit to the other. Not ending there I used some bulk velcro cable wrap and attached the belt pocket for my Gerber Diesel multipliers in between the sharpening rods. Here's what I ended up with (some of the picture are on the dark side...sorry):







I was expecting it to be uncomfortable, awkward, and too heavy. I was pleasantly surprised. The only issue I had was the handle occasionally snagging on my shirt...minor issue and in reality a non issue if I tuck my shirt in next time. I don't think it could have been a tougher test as I spent most of the day on my hands and knees following tracks through thick willows (also a good test for the chaps). It wasn't too heavy at all and everything was ultra secure.

Since I moved my Freeman Hunter to a lanyard around my neck (under my vest), it was the only thing on the belt which left nothing on the sides to snag on anything. Yes I know that's a lot of blades and yes I'm alright with that. I was actually surprised at how many volunteers had either nothing or a key chain Swiss Army Knife...at least a lot of them had a Leatherman. Sure we were a stones throw from civilization but I grew up in those woods and even then I didn't wander without at least a good SAK.

So getting back on topic I take back anything bad I may have said previously about all in everything sheaths...it can be done and now I see the benefits. It's nice to have something like this handy that I could literally wrap around my waist in seconds while running out the door. If I can keep the weight down to a point where it's not encumbering, I might add a few more things to it.