16oz leather for a sheath?

[knife chop]

I was looking at vegetable tanned leathers I was wondering if 16oz leather can be used for making a sheath. It might be overkill but I thought it would be more durable. Any opinions?

 

[Omega Leather Works]

That's some pretty heavy stuff. In my opinion it's unnecessary. I guess it depends on the knife as well as the type of sheath construction. Way too thick for a pouch, but it's possible for a very heavy knife in a stacked style sheath.

My first sheaths were constructed using 8/9oz leather, but I've since moved to 7/8oz and I've used it on pocket slips to Busse sheaths. I believe it's more than heavy enough. If you're so inclined, you can always cement a layer of thin leather to your lighter leather which will provide stiffness without being overly thick.

I don't think you'll find many (any?) sheaths constructed of super thick leather, and there's a reason for this. If you do buy such heavy leather you may want to add a splitter to the basket.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

I agree with Anthony, that seems more than a bit over kill, but then we don't know your end use, you might need something more substantial, but here's a pictorial view of leather weights so you can get an idea of just what that thickness would be like;

G2

 

[Horsewright]

Even the heaviest "cowboy" saddles use 12-14 oz. These things are built to take tons of abuse for years.

Edit to add (sorry didn't get to finish this post some friends stopped by).

Anyhoo roping cattle puts alot of strain, wear and tear on a saddle. Making a sheath out of 16oz is like dropping a smart bomb on an anthill. 7/8 oz, 9/10 oz for very large knives.

 

[David Brown]

I agree with Anthony, that seems more than a bit over kill, but then we don't know your end use, you might need something more substantial, but here's a pictorial view of leather weights so you can get an idea of just what that thickness would be like;

G2

Thank you Gary, that is a really helpful chart

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Nice shots Dave and good to know on those saddles!

And DaveB, you're welcome, I had to check and see what the meaning of Irons related to and I read it's used in the shoe industry.

G2

 

[knife chop]

Good points! Thank you Guys