Installing a PUP (PALS Universal Platform) on a Kydex Sheath

For some knife owners, their blades are collectors items intended to be put on display in their home. But for many of us, carrying a blade with us is essential in order to be prepared for any situation.

If you want to be prepared for anything, having the right gear is important. Especially when it comes to everyday carry blades and survival knives, you’re not looking to put your handcrafted fixed blade knife on display: you want to have it on your person for moments when you need it most.

But for many of us, finding the right carry solution can be a challenge. What’s the best way to wear a fixed blade knife? Some blades are small enough for lapel-style sheaths, while others can be carried inside the waistband. In many cases, though, you’ll be carrying something like a Spartan Harsey Difensa in a kydex sheath. This type of blade needs to be carried on your belt or attached to a pack of some kind. But how exactly do you do that? What’s the best way to mount your kydex sheath onto your belt or pack?

That’s where the PALS Universal Platform, or PUP mounting system comes in.

With the PUP from Bawidamann, you get a rigid mounting interface that’s compatible with all PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) and MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing, in addition to belts, pack straps, and virtually anything else you might be carrying with you. Here, we’ll be looking at how the PUP can be used for a kydex knife sheath. Keep in mind, though, that the Bawidamann PUP is extremely versatile: it can be used for magazine pouches, holsters, lights, and other small items.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

Why the PUP?

If you look around online, you’ll notice that there are other PALS interface systems out there in addition to the Bawidamann PUP. Indeed, there are a lot of options when it comes to mounting a kydex sheath to your belt or pack. So, why choose the Bawidamann PUP?

In designing the PUP, the aim was to improve upon some of the shortcomings found in other PALS style interface items. Many of the options out there don’t allow you to mount your gear (in this case, a kydex sheath) at an angle. Others are oversized and awkward, making them uncomfortable or difficult to use. Many less cumbersome options are more comfortable to carry, but they sacrifice on durability and rigidity, making them less reliable.

The PUP addresses all of these issues and then some. This carrying option is reliable, durable, comfortable, easy to use, and highly customizable. We definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a mounting solution for your kydex sheath.

How Do I Install the PUP on a Kydex Sheath?

When you receive your Bawidamann PUP, you’ll find a card enclosed with it which demonstrates all of the various mounting angles for your kydex sheath (see the above photo). Take a look at the card and determine how you’d like to mount your knife before proceeding. Depending on what angle you want to mount your knife at, you’ll need to approach the mounting process differently.

It’s also worth noting that the Bawidamann PUP is available in both the standard PUP format as well as in a mini PUP version. The standard PUP has a 19 hole pattern with 5 rows, while the mini PUP has a 10 hole pattern with 3 rows. The mini PUP comes in a pack of 2, and is ideal if the standard PUP is too big for your application or you need to mount your sheath as a significant angle.

Included with your Bawidamann PUP is a mounting hardware packet which includes screw posts, screws, and rubber spacers. Both long and short screws are included: the long screws are intended for use with the rubber spacers.

Bawidamann also encloses mounting instructions. These are located on the back of the above mentioned card which details various mounting angles for your sheath.

To attach the pup to your sheath, first move the straps out of the way so that you can clearly see the holes in the PUP.

Now, determine the angle you want to mount the PUP onto your sheath. The more holes on the PUP that you can line up with your sheath, the more secure it will be.

Note which holes you’ll need to use, and then set the sheath aside. Now, insert the screw posts through the back of these holes on your PUP. Add a rubber spacer on top if needed. Next, insert the PUP’s straps down into your MOLLE webbing. Finally, attach your kydex sheath to the PUP by inserting the screws through the sheath’s holes and into the PUP.

That’s it! You’re done. If you don’t yet own a Bawidamann PUP, you can purchase it here from Spartan Blades.