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110 Leather Sheaths

Tin Sue

Tin Sue

Joined
Jun 26, 2007
Messages
1,508
A few months back, there was considerable discussion here regarding the quality of the "new" 110 leather sheaths and a very disagreeable odor associated with same, especially the black ones. I tried to find that thread, but being a newbie, I apparently do not how to locate that thread and bring it back up, and I never did know (or don't remember) how or if that issue was ever resolved. In any case, today I just received my first order from the custom ship in quite some time and so I now know what you all were referring to. But, and this is obviously just my opinion, I am very convinced that the odor is a byproduct of the black dye that was used. So I took the sheath to a local shoe repair shop and was met with almost that exact same odor as soon as I walked in the door. The gentleman doing the work confirmed his belief that the odor was also the result of the dye and that it would gradually fade with time and use.
 
Hi, Tin Sue.

This is the thread that you are looking for. I believe that you have found the answer as far as the smell is concerned. I just checked my original sheath in question and found that it does indeed now smell like leather. I haven't found any improvement in the hardness of the sheath, but then I haven't been wearing it either.

As much as I like the leather sheaths, I have been using cordura lately and have become quite fond of it. I guess I'll try and wear in the leather sheath and try and put this issue to bed.
 
OK, so explain to us newbies how one goes about locating a previous thread?? I entered "Buck Leather Sheath" into the search and it did not bring up anything.
 
Tin Sue said:
OK, so explain to us newbies how one goes about locating a previous thread?? I entered "Buck Leather Sheath" into the search and it did not bring up anything.
Click to expand...

Too many search parameters and too many common words. Try to stick with a single word if possible. Also, use the 'Advanced Search' button in the search box, and refine your search to the Buck forum only. In this case, the issue in question was 'smell', which was the word I searched. It just takes some practice. You will get it. :)
 
Yep, I tried those suggestions and it worked fine. Thanks for the pointers!!
 
Thanks for that tidbit TS!!

but, but, are ya gonna keep us in the dark about your custom? :eek::D
 
What I don't like about the Buck leather pouches for the folder is that they ride too high on the belt. Kinda dig into my side when I move, so I made a open top cordura for the larger Bucks and use a 426 cordura sheath for the 110 and such. Seems to work pretty well for me. As for the smell, it is the dye.
 
Richard Gross said:
What I don't like about the Buck leather pouches for the folder is that they ride too high on the belt. Kinda dig into my side when I move, so I made a open top cordura for the larger Bucks and use a 426 cordura sheath for the 110 and such. Seems to work pretty well for me. As for the smell, it is the dye.
Click to expand...

I use the cordura in horizontal mode for the 110. Almost like it isn't there.
Not all of them can go horizontal tho...unfortunately.
 
Just to chime in on this topic...I got an answer straight from the source on this one when I sent in my sheath to Buck...it was in fact bonded leather and I was sent a replacement. I think that a bunch of the 07 110's have gotten bonded leather sheaths...I'm guessing that the leather sheath supplier may have switched without telling Buck?

So if it smells chemical and is also extremely stiff, it's very possible you have a bonded leather sheath.
 
Blue Sky said:
A dumb question maybe, but what do you mean by "bonded leather"?
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From Wikipedia:

Bonded Leather, or "Reconstituted Leather" is not really a true leather but a man-made material composed of 80% to 100% leather fibers (often waste scraps from leather tanneries or leather workshops). It consists of collagen fibers obtained from macerated hide pieces bonded together with latex binders constructed into a fibrous mat to create a look and feel similar or sometimes identical to that of genuine leather but at a fraction of the cost. It characteristically lacks the "smell of leather". Depending on the quality a man-made pattern is usually discernible as a "grain-like" look.
 
Ah, an interesting point, Number 6 that is, in Goose's link, and that is: "A Name To Trust." Seems that it is as important in purchasing a Bible as it is in a knife!!
 
A.P.F. said:
From Wikipedia:

Bonded Leather, or "Reconstituted Leather" is not really a true leather but a man-made material composed of 80% to 100% leather fibers (often waste scraps from leather tanneries or leather workshops). It consists of collagen fibers obtained from macerated hide pieces bonded together with latex binders constructed into a fibrous mat to create a look and feel similar or sometimes identical to that of genuine leather but at a fraction of the cost. It characteristically lacks the "smell of leather". Depending on the quality a man-made pattern is usually discernible as a "grain-like" look.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I never knew they did such a thing but in hindsight I guess I'm not surprised.
 
I have owned several bonded leather Bibles over the years. Some have lasted quite well while others showed significant wear rather quickly. On one Bible, the dyed outer "layer" (for lack of a better word) pealed away only to reveal a grayish fuzzy layer underneath that, if I didn't know better, I would swear was compressed felt. Once this inner layer was exposed, it deteriorated at a much faster rate.

I don't know what the quality of the Buck bonded leather is but I personally opted for the cordura sheath (and a leather Bible).
 
aza77 said:
Just to chime in on this topic...I got an answer straight from the source on this one when I sent in my sheath to Buck...it was in fact bonded leather and I was sent a replacement. I think that a bunch of the 07 110's have gotten bonded leather sheaths...I'm guessing that the leather sheath supplier may have switched without telling Buck?

So if it smells chemical and is also extremely stiff, it's very possible you have a bonded leather sheath.
Click to expand...

None of the Buck leather sheaths should be made of Bonded leather. How did you confirm the type of leather used in the sheath?

We never spec out a sheath using bonded leather - if we need to use a less expensive sheath we make it out of nylon. Our leather sheaths are made of good, heavy cowhide. Sometimes a new leather sheath will be somewaht still, but that doe not mean it is made of cheap bonded leather. - Jim
 
Jimmer,

I sent in my sheath to Pete and he looked it over and said it was defective being it was a bonded leather...and then very nicely sent me a non bonded one.

Is it possible that the leather supplier tried to sneak some in to keep a higher margin for themselves?
 
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