A couple photos from a new sheath maker.

R

R.H.Clark

Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Messages
771
Here are a couple shots of my latest.I have just started making sheaths and was trying to learn how to stamp on a sheath for myself.A friend of mine saw my effort and wanted one just like it.This is the one I made for him.It's just a random pattern I did to learn the proper wetness the leather needed to be to stamp.I will get a basket weave stamp later and try some really nice work.

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Let me try another.

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Last one.

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That is pretty amazing for an early attempt. The stitching and that edge are first rate. :thumbup:

I like the stamping but I will comment...it is the Internet after all.

That stamping pattern is a classic and is sure to please just about everybody...you will do that over and over again. However, I notice that you've changed direction of your curved tool down the middle. I know why you did that...because when you get to the edge, you can't keep it up...am I right? You either have to stop short or go over.

Again, everybody loves that pattern and you will want to do it again over and over. So what you want to do is buy at least one more, and probably two more of that same stamp tool and grind the left half off of one and the right half off of the other. That way, you can keep the pattern going like laying bricks all the way across the piece and when you start running short on room, use one of the "halves". If you are kinda fanatical, and based on the very high quality of what you've done, I'll bet you are, you could even create a couple of other tools like one where you grind of 25% of of each edge, 17.5% off of each edge, etc, etc, etc, so that you could keep that pattern going no matter how tight of a space you get into.

I have four, a whole, the two halves, and the one where I ground off the both edges and left the middle.
 
Thanks for the tip my friend.I am trying to learn all I can.The solution seems so simple now that you have explained it.I will get a few more tools and go to grinding.

I am trying to aquire tools of all kinds.I just ordered a stitching wheel.Thoes were spaced with a fork.
 
Sure man. Now the hard thing with the half ones is keeping them straight because they are not as easy to line up. I ended marking the thing so I could keep it all straight. When you grind 'em, practice running your pattern down to little points, along curved edges, slanted edges, etc. Having that kind of pattern straight is what people see as professional. I don't have an pictures of those because when I was doing that, I didn't have a digital camera. I want to try the dragon scale pattern. Right now I am on an animal track and Celtic/Nordic kick.

You are all over this thing man. I wish my stitches looked as good as yours...mine are way too course...but they are stout.

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Very nice work, R.H. As stated the stitching and edge work is first rate and very professional looking. Stamping is good depth and very distinct.

I must admit I had not thought of the tool modification as described by Hoosier. My method just involves tilting the stamp in the tight spots so as to not over run the border.

Your are off to a great start and it just keeps getting better from here.

Paul
 
Yeah...I tilted for awhile but could never manage to prevent over-run. So to the grinder I went. I agree with Sheathmaker, your wetting and striking technique on the tool is very good...very consistant which is key to good work as well. I say all this...with me it's "do as I say, not as I do"...meant with respect. Obviously, my stuff is not professional looking yet either especially my stitching. I have not concentrated on patterns because the kooky stuff (Celtic knots and tracks) makes me smile more. I did this Hopi Bear that I really like. Anyway, great work.

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Color, edging, stitching is GREAT.

I can see mistakes, as I am sure you can too - but ALL of that is experience related - you are off to a SMOKIN' start. Good work.

TF
 
Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Hoosier,some fine work there!

Paul,I spoke to you a few days ago about which leather to order.Thanks for the help and advice.

I don't mind any criticism,after all, I know I am new to this and do want to learn from some of you with more experience.

Is there any one book or video that would help more than any other.I appreciate all I have learned here by going through posts but it does seem like a slow way to sift good tips and techniques.
 
R.H., Chuck Burrows' DVD on sheath making is a sound investment, although it came out about 40 years too late for me. While I have not even seen it, I've heard enough glowing reports on it to feel very comfortable in making the recommendation. I understand it is particularly useful for all hand operation with no machinery involved.

One of the keys to success is, as we discussed, buying good quality leather. I am a firm believer that "if you start out with crap, it will most probably look like crap in the end".

Please keep posting your progress. It's fun to watch an artist grow.

Paul
 
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