Another 1st attempt @ sheath making

[tek77]

Hi all,

First off, a big thank you to all of you kind enough to share knowledge with the rest of us. I learned a lot from you, and I am still learning.

Yesterday I decided to pull the trigger on sheath making since 2 of my knives needed new pants......here is my 1st attempt. Criticism/advise is welcome, as I am here to learn.

Haven't decided yet if I wanna dye it black or leave it natural with some leather treatment (obenauf)...Hot waxing may be also one option.

My fingers are sore, but the joy of making my own sheaths is....priceless.

Thanks for looking.

 

[Mark Behnke]

They look great.

 

[Bo T]

I just started leather work by making a couple of sheaths myself so I can't offer any criticism. Your seams are straighter and uniform to the edge of the leather than mine are. From the bottom looking up, the work looks good. My sheaths look better dyed than they did plain. But black on black would cover up your knife handles and your sewing. Is there a color that would accent your knife handles and allow your sewing to show through?

 

[rayban]

It doesn't look to me like you really had to widen the top parts of them for the handles, so you will have some slop up there when they break in......other than finishing up the edges, I say you did a good job.

 

[tek77]

Thanks guys.

It doesn't look to me like you really had to widen the top parts of them for the handles, so you will have some slop up there when they break in......

That's a good point rayban, if I think of it. This is thick leather...8 or 10oz. Right now the fit is tight, but I can see it getting loose in the future. Is there a rule of thumb on how tight a sheaths should be when tailored after a specific knife?
Also, can I shrink the leather if I get it wet?

 

[rayban]

Thanks guys.



That's a good point rayban, if I think of it. This is thick leather...8 or 10oz. Right now the fit is tight, but I can see it getting loose in the future. Is there a rule of thumb on how tight a sheaths should be when tailored after a specific knife?
Also, can I shrink the leather if I get it wet?

Usually I make a paper pattern a bit over-sized then moisten the leather to hand form it around the knife for a fairly snug fit.

Wetting the leather and letting it dry by sun light, or some heat source will shrinken it to a degree.