A bit tougher than it looks

ponte

ponte

Joined
Feb 7, 2008
Messages
565
Well, I got my first Busse home. A cg BATAC that I picked up off the exchange. Been thinking about making some leather pants for it but had absolutely no experience whatsoever. But really, how hard can it be? I was about to find out. First I had to make a trip to Tandy for some leather and a few basic tools. Cha ching! Could have purchased a few nice leather sheaths with what I dropped there but I pressed on undeterred. Next, I had to get an idea of how I wanted it to look and function. Got that figured out after studying a few pics and an old sheath I had laying around. Got the basic pattern cut out and figured out I'll probably have to pick a few more tools before I get any further. Long story short is it's harder than it looks. I pretty sure I can end up with a decent, functional sheath but how some of these guys make them as nice looking as they do is mind blowing. You really get what you pay for and then some. Here's a couple of pics of the start of the project. I'll post the completed version if it turns out worthy enough.



[URL="[IMG]http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o132/ponte4/knives002.jpg[/IMG]"][/URL]
 
Hey man, keep us up to date. What part of Washington are you in?
 
I'm in Enumclaw. You have some very cool products on your site by the way. If I can make one half as cool as one of those on the first try, I'd consider it a success.
 
I'd like to see pics when you get it finished. It is not cheap to get started however, those same tools will last you from now on. You can build sheaths for many years with the tools you probably have on hand now. You can make nice to excellent sheaths depending on how much practice and patience you give it. I make my own as well and enjoy the process. I find it both relaxing and rewarding. I have made several for others and I think it is nice to be able to share them among knife enthusiasts and not have a great amount of money in something you may choose to give away.
While you can never take anything away from the full time makers (as you just found out), where they really really shine is even stitching and in the finish work (not to mention fancy tooling). The little things really set theirs apart and thats where the tricks of the trade come in I suppose. Their sheaths are probably no better for service but they sure are pretty!!!! On the other hand, there is something about being able to say "thanks I made it" when someone compliments you on it.
 
Ponte,
Building your own sheaths is going to give you a whole new outlook on adding knives to your collection. You'll never have to pass on a knife because the sheath is not to your liking or a sheath is not included!

I also have a new Batac and it's already lost is scales, crinkle coat, and INFI dimples. It is going to be time to build a sheath very soon.
 
Well, I finally finished it up. Here's a few pics for those who wanted to see the end result. Would certainly do a few things differently but I learned a lot in the process. It's a little rough around the edges but hey, so am I. Should function nicely though. Now I just have to score some more INFI to wrap. I'm thinking a big chopper and a smaller edc blade to round out the beginning of my collection.

knives002-1.jpg


knives005.jpg


knives007.jpg
 
Good work, it's fun and educational.

Don't stop there though, keep going -- most everyone sees major differences in their second and third attempts :thumbup:
 
Wow- I don't see any rough edges, looks pretty good to me- maybe you're just picky? : )
 
Ha, I was just in Tandy leather in Spokane, Wa, the other day, trying to figure out what I would need to get a primitive leather making kit going. I think I want to try a square pouch type sheath with a pocket clip, wet molded.

Your first attempt looks great.
 
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