Belt Loop Suggestions

[colu41]

Bare in mind that I am still in the 1st stages of leather working. Learning more with each one.

Anyways, my problem is. I started this sheath today, drew everything out, cut it, tooled it, and completely forgot about the belt loop. I managed to cut a piece (on the left) for a loop. But I'm trying to figure out a way of incorporating it into this sheath with out it looking funky. The only thing I could come up with is thinning out the bottom of the loop (where it would be sewed on) so it looks sort of tapered into the rest of the sheath. But even that, at my skill level I dont think I could make that look good.

Any suggestions or tips/tricks?

Bottom pic is the knife that its for if that helps at all...

 

[Salolan]

Seeing the open panel on the front with the dot in it, are you planning to add a Sam Brown stud? If so, you could always use the sheath as a sash carry or you could get really fancy and add a frog with the belt loop.
If you do add a more traditional style loop, I might recommend attaching it just below the top line of tooling. It will still cover that tooling but will still have more of a framed look making it seem intentional. Yes, skive the loop ends. I skive the inside to near zero and the outside to half or slightly less.

Looking good so far!
Chris

 

[sheathmaker]

You are still in good shape, no harm done. There are several ways to accomplish the belt loop.

1. position the belt loop blank near the top of the rear panel of the sheath grain to grain. (good side to good side) with the tail of the loop extending up over the top of the sheath. Cement it in place and stitch it in. Then roll the loop back over itself and position the bottom of the loop where you want it, mark the spot. Cut it of and skive (taper) the tip from about 3/4" down to the end. Cement it and stitch it in. Done.

2. Same as above except skive top end and bottom end of the loop blank and cement the loop flesh side (loop) to grain side Sheath back panel top and bottom. Stitch both top and bottom. Done.

3. Drop loop double the loop blank pretty much the way you showed it. Cement the ends together and then skive the end down about 70%. Position the skived end and cement it down and then stitch. Done.

4. Frog and loop, this method might be best saved until you get a little more experience under your belt, although your work thus far is very, very good.

Good luck!

Paul

 

[colu41]

Thanks guys. I have seen sheaths with this "frog" mentioned. Haven't really researched much about them so I have not a clue how they work. It sounds interesting though. I'll take all of these into consideration and see which one I feel would look best.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

Here's a belt loop style that you could incorporate with what you have -

This is the Kabar 1204 Rifle Knife and sheath from the 70s - notice that Kabar riveted the belt loop strap to the sheath body.

Western had a similar sheath that came with the post-WW2 L77 and 677, but Western stitched their belt loop to the sheath. Can't find my pix of the Western sheath.

 

[bflying]

Probably too late. But you could also cut another back piece with material to incorporate a loop. Bond it flesh to flesh onto your tooled back piece. That way the loop can be the smooth side out all the way around and could be tooled and/or dyed the same. It would add one more layer of thickness. But if you have lighter weights, no reason that 2-4 oz thickness could not be used. Then the extra thickness would be minimal.

Sorry if my description is weak. It's easier to see it in my head. [emoji12]

 

[colu41]

Not too late... I started something and then realized it would interfere with later processes. :grumpy: I have another idea for the loop, but with this I am trying to figure out the best place for the "blade lock strap?"...thing... Lol

Since its a flat sheath I realized I needed to add a layer to the loop anyways because the guard was pushing the loop out way too much. So I will add a piece onto the loop, and either rivet that, or snap that to the sheath. Now having 3 layers of 9 oz leather on the rear of the sheath, I can't think of a position for the strap. Unless I add it into the bottom of the loop?

 

[bflying]

You could also save on the bulk by not adding a fold-over loop, and just screw a belt clip to the extended back piece. I like to use Chicago Screws because I can quickly swap a clip, with a loop, with a drop rig, etc.

 

[colu41]

That would work. I currently don't have any clips. And I think I might have an idea for best possible all around look and function. Took a handful of scraps and half the night to figure something out but this may be it.
I'll post pics tmrw.

 

[colu41]

Well here it is guys. I didn't have rivots large enough to attach it to the sheath, and didn't want to sew it so its held on with 2 snaps. Although its not as sturdy as it could be, its kind of cool to be able to remove the loop and use it as a pocket sheath. But like it put in my Sale post, its up to the buyer if they want me to epoxy or JB weld it in place so its permanent. Turned out ok. Next time I will plan my loop a little better

Sorry I didn't get a closeup on the loop itself. These were my final pics I took, before I posted it up for sale.

 

[bflying]

Very nice.

 

[Horsewright]

That came out pretty nice. We all make those mistakes sometimes. I think a guy can learn a lot when ya figure out how to fix em.