Product News

6 Benefits You Need to Know About the Knit-Rite A/K Brim Sheath

Written by Bryan Potok, CPO on July 30, 2018
Last updated on November 6, 2026

As an above-knee amputee, you may experience rubbing and pinching along the top brim of your AK prosthesis. Skin moving in and out of the socket makes some rubbing against the brim unavoidable. Excessive sweating can also increase friction, making it difficult to walk and causing significant skin irritation.

Changes in body weight or residual limb volume can affect the fit of your prosthetic socket. This may lead to increased skin contact, rubbing, or pinching around the socket brim.

The Knit-Rite A/K Brim Sheath is designed to provide a smooth interface between your skin and the upper edge of your above-knee socket, helping reduce friction and improve comfort. If fit problems persist, consult your prosthetist.

Read more below to find out what it can do for you:

Benefits of using the Knit-Rite A/K Brim Sheath

Get complete coverage of your prosthetic socket trim lines. The A/K Brim Sheath is crafted from a stretchy, slick nylon material and constructed in two angled sections. These sections provide complete coverage of your prosthetic socket trim lines. Once installed, it stays in your socket, and you'd only need to remove it for washing.
Easy donning. The brim sheath uses silicone beads that allow it to remain outside your socket and be reflected back in. This makes for easy donning of your suction or vacuum socket.
Flexible and easy to use. It works well with a locking pin liner or a seal-in liner. The A/K Brim Sheath is flexible and easy to use.
Reduces friction. Because of its well-thought-out design, this brim sheath reduces friction and discomfort along the brim of your AK prosthetic socket by creating a slick interface between your socket and residual limb.
Helps protect the sensitive skin around the groin. The sheath creates a smoother surface between the upper socket brim and nearby skin, helping reduce rubbing and pinching—especially when perspiration increases friction. Persistent irritation or swelling, however, may signal a socket-fit problem that needs professional attention.
Easy to clean. A clean prosthesis is key to maintaining its condition and keeping your skin healthy. The sheath is also easy to clean; simply machine wash the sheath with cold water and air dry.

When should you use the Knit-Rite A/K Brim Sheath?

When your skin rubs against the socket brim. The sheath may help reduce friction and pinching along the upper edge of your above-knee prosthetic socket.
When perspiration contributes to chafing, its smooth material may help reduce skin rubbing. However, it does not eliminate sweating or fix socket-fit problems.
When skin or clothing catches along the socket edge, the sheath may provide a smoother surface to reduce grabbing or pulling.

The bottom line

The Knit-Rite A/K Brim Sheath offers a simple way to help manage friction and pinching around the upper edge of an above-knee prosthetic socket. Its smooth nylon construction, flexible design, and easy-care materials make it a practical choice for prosthesis users who experience irritation around the socket brim.

While the sheath may improve everyday comfort, it should complement—not replace—proper prosthetic fit and regular skin care.

Shop the Knit-Rite A/K Brim Sheath