A latest sheath - and a few mistakes to learn from.

[Diomedes Industries]

Here is my latest sheath. I was not planning on making a sheath for myself - but I made a mistake with my makers mark - and so I modified it to fit one of my sheath-less blades.

I find that the story about the Barber's children is true of my knives, they are the last to get sheaths. When they are for me, I get rushed, and learn what NOT to do. I wanted to post this here to teach those getting into sheath making to not make the mistakes I made on this sheath:

What's the problem you say?

Well - check out the back:

See how the makers mark? Look above it - there are two marks. The first mark skipped so badly I had to try again (this is something you should never do) and it looks like crap as a result.

In order NOT to do this - be sure to have a dead surface under your leather (I use a block of granite), and make sure you are ready for ONE solid GOOD strike. You should NOT strike twice. I committed the cardinal sin.

Also, make sure you have cased your leather well. This is good for all marks made in leather. (The simple description is to wet the leather well, and let it dry until it almost looks like it is dry but is cool to the touch.)


Next, look at the picture above again - when chasing the threads (the ones at the bottom of the sheath) I had just sewn, my overstitcher ran off the stitches and into the leather. This does a GREAT job and making a bunch of little dots on your leather and making your pristine hide look like shit.

Take your time.

I hope you learned from this one - but in terms of carrying the steel - this one will be perfect for me!

TF

 

[Diomedes Industries]

This post was originally put in Wilderness Survival section - and thus makes more sense that posting it to those that already know this stuff.

Go easy on me fellas.

TF

 

[NoahL]

Been there, done that. I feel your pain.

 

[Dusty One]

Sorry about the mistake...but that still is a fine looking sheath....Nice work !

 

[Minnesota]

I wouldn't take that sheath if it was being thrown away!

 

[rayban]

It's obvious that you're drinking too much again when you're doing leather work....so sorry to see that you've relapsed.

 

[SBranson]

Maybe it's my eyes but the mark looks fine to me.
The sheath looks great!

Funny you should mention how you get rushed when you do your own stuff. I do the same thing.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Ray,

It is okay - I drink the cheap stuff.

Stuart,

Up close it is pretty rough.

TF

 

[adaman04]

If that's a total disaster, brother I need to talk to you about some factory seconds for some of my knives.

 

[HornyToad]

Was this one for my knife or the one ahead of me? Anyway hope you are back on track.

 

[RonSC]

Geesh!! You are WAY too hard on yourself! Your work is absolutely OUTSTANDING!!

 

[sheathmaker]

You need to be your own strongest critic. I applaud you for that. It's either perfect or it's not, there is NO middle ground when you are accepting cash for your work. It really doesn't look that bad in the photo, but I know where you are coming from. This is how you build your reputataion. Keep it up!

Paul