The ties as I have them would need to be cut off. I do carry spares as part of my regular kit but I've been considering replacing them with re-usable ties. I just didn't want to cut re-usable ones if it wasn't going to work. It would be rare that I'd need to field sharpen anything anyhow but I feel more comfortable knowing I can (I see them being used to sharpen somebody elses knife before they get hurt before I'd need it for my own). I wouldn't have a problem with sticking the sticks into a pocket after removing them for use if I couldn't get them back in. I've also considered zip tieing 4-6 small rubber o-rings to hold the rods in but I think they might flop around too much for my liking.
That's definately a point scored for custom Kydex over my ghetto rigged stuff.
Since it was a training exercise there are lots of pictures of me in sexy yellow chaps...I just don't have copies yet. Once I do I'll toss one up for your collective amusement.