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K

Keith Willis

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Oct 24, 2007
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I am wanting to order a few things to get started working with making sheaths.I have practiced with a few by just laceing but never had none of the right tools. What type of tools do i need to get started hand stiching?
Thanks,Keith
 
I use a dremel tool with a drill bit to drill the holes. I use a Tandy roller to mark the leather. I also use a tandy needle to sew the leather and I use Tandy contact cement to glue them together.
 
MKustom said:
I use a dremel tool with a drill bit to drill the holes. I use a Tandy roller to mark the leather. I also use a tandy needle to sew the leather and I use Tandy contact cement to glue them together.
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Yup, that about covers it. You can use an awl instead of a dremel, but the dremel is much easier. Just use the smallest bit you can and still get the needle through to keep the stitching tight. Remember, you have to fit the eye with the sinew (or whatever you use) through that hole and that's generally 30 - 50% larger than the needle itself. I buy needle packs in the embroidery section of the craft store instead of the leather needles. I've found the eyes hold up better (I break a lot of them) and artificial waxed sinew. Let me know if you need any other tips.
 
Is there a way to keep the leather clean?

I was using a pencil and the dust from it made a big smudge on the leather.
 
I clean it before stain with acetone and a white (don't use colored shop rags...it doesn't go well) cloth. Use liberally, but not saturation. Stain and finish with neetsfoot.
 
Super glue works great to hold leather pieces together when you fit the sheath to your knife before you drill , dries in seconds and sticks it right where you put it.

My leather tool list

Heavy Leather scissors (from OR Leather Co)
tiny hole punch (OR Leather Co)
Multi size hole punch
Awl
Snap setting tool set
 
I made a stitching clamp out of scrap wood and that's made sheathmaking more tolerable for me. I sit in the living room with the family and stitch sheaths up.

My leather tools:
Utility knife
Hole punch (the kind with a bunch of different hole punches on it)
Overstich wheel
Skiver
Variable "v" groover (to cut fold lines)
Adjustable groover (to cut stiching lines)
Snap-all set
Poly cutting board
Stitching clamp
Awl
Thread needles
Beeswax
 
I used a drill press in place of a dremil. both would work but I dont have the straitest hands and the Drill PRess witha wood backing kept the Holes straiter for me. also Using the Spacer wheel and Adjustable Groover were a big help.
I bleieve Will Leavitt has the list pretty well complete.
 
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