110 leather sheath test

J

_Jim_

Joined
Nov 28, 2012
Messages
21
Alright now, I decided to do a test on a new Buck 110 leather sheath, the one made in Mexico. I got this leather sheath with the 110 from Walmart. This is a new 2019 model 110 with the ebony panels. I cant say enough good things about Buck knives and don't know how they can sell this great knife for this price ($34 and change @ Walmart) I've had more than a few 110's and the fit and finish was perfect on this one, I took my chances as these come in the creepy blister pack and you cant really check the knife out at the store. Anyway it bugs me to not be able to leave my knife in the leather sheath for extended times without the green monster appearing on the brass. I bought a nylon sheath and it's fine but not as cool as leather in my opinion. So I decided to do a long term test and heated up the mixture that I use to waterproof canvas packs and coats and such. The mixture is 50% beeswax, 35% paraffin wax and 15% mineral oil. At least I think that's pretty close as I mixed this batch up several years ago. I warmed the mixture up in a double boiler (WARNING don't try this at home it's dangerous and you could burn your house down) I warmed it up until it was liquid but not too hot to put your finger without any discomfort. I also warmed the sheath up with a hair dryer and put the sheath in the mixture. It sunk to the bottom of the container and air bubbles emerged from the pores of the leather. I left it in the liquid for a couple minutes and then removed it and let the mixture drain off the sheath and then wipped all excess off the sheath inside and out. The sheath dried nicely and does not feel greasy or oily although not stiff like cardboard like it was when new. Now I'm not gonna put my new 110 in this sheath for this test, it's too nice :-) I have an older beater Chinese knockoff for the guinea pig. I'm gonna store this in a box for a couple months to see what happens. If the test is a complete failure I'm only out a sheath I wasn't gonna use anyway. I took some pics but can't post them.
 
LOL, yep. I've been shooting black powder since the 1960's I shot for some years with the NSSA and did indeed use beeswax.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about the green tarnishing on the brass. If you're using your 110 daily or even weekly it shouldn't ever show up. I've only ever seen it happen during long term storage where the knife was not taken out.
 
I treat all my leather sheathes with SnowSeal, well melted in. Usually take them apart and restitch them with heavy duty waxed nylon thread and cobbler's stitches. They last a lot longer. Have to agree, the leather sheathes are classier, but the nylon ones are more comfortable on the belt.
 
I have never been a fan of Buck sheaths mostly because I prefer an open top sheath. I make my own sheaths and have never had a problem with vertigris. I do not store any knife in a sheath (fixed or folder) leather attracts rust as well as vertigris.
 
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