Craig Anthony Hunter Sheath

Mistwalker

Mistwalker

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2007
Messages
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Craig sent me one of his buckskin-lined leather sheaths to check out in the field. He has only been making them for a short while and I think he wanted the input of someone else who spends a lot of time in the field using a knife over time. I've spent the last couple of days with it on my hip both while hiking and driving on dirt roads through the woods. I found it to be really comfortable during both. It's sort of a high-ride sheath which I prefer in a hunting/field knife. I really don't like things smacking against my leg with every step I take. The belt loop has enough movement in it to allow for some adjustment when sitting in a bucket truck seat, which I really liked since I didn't have to take the knife off just to drive a couple of miles and put it back on again. I have been working the sheath to knife for the last few days and it has really good retention, but a push from the thumb on the front lip of the sheath while pulling on the handle is all that is needed to get the free. I like a good bit of retention in my sheaths so all in all so far I am saying very nicely done Craig.

Here are a few pics from today.



The sheath is a simple design, that puts me in mind of 17th century America, with just enough details to give it some class.

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I like how the continuous curve of the sheath matches the continuous curve of the blade.

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I like how the loop allows for some flexibility, I really don't like belt loops that hold a sheath rigidly in one spot.

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Did I mention I like the retention?

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Craig, just so you'll know, this knife is being used for a few different projects over the course of the winter so I'll be able to let you know more about how it is doing as a little more time passes. So far I really like the heavy weight of the leather and the over all design very much. About the only improvment I could think of at the moment might be to double row the stitching (I'm into over-kill...), and depending on how the buck skin is attached maybe a row of stitching around that as well.

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Wow Brian, great pic's! Thanks for your critique I really appreciate it. I was wondering if you would like the belt loop like I do. I designed it for all the reasons you mentioned as I too don't like my knives slapping my thigh while walking. It's pretty versatile and can almost be carried cross draw if you're into that. Also the top loop on it keeps it a bit away from the body to make it a little easier to grab ahold of. The retention came about as a fluke after I began dipping them in hot wax as a sealant. I noticed the leather became workable I began kinda form fitting them. I was thinking about a double stitch pattern and might try one on my next project when I can find some time. It would be purely for looks as the artificial sinew and the contact cement is tough as nails. The buckskin itself has a row of stitching around the top of the sheath but is hidden underneath as I fold it over the leather (BIG thanks to Paul Long for that trick of the trade;)). It is also cemented to the leather and the edges are sandwiched neatly between the sheath and the welt. The only area I would be concerned with over time and usage would be where the scales of the knife meet the bukskin on the interior of the sheath. That's where the wear and tear is going to show. I don't get out in the field much myself (hopefully that will change after I move to north GA) so I can't say just how much wear and tear it will take, but I know buckskin is pretty tough stuff so hopefully it won't be an issue. I'm really glad you noticed the shape of the sheath compared to the blade design, that was an on purpose thing that not many realize. I'm going to work on the tooling in the future as I feel it's one of my weak points but practice does make perfect so they say. All in all I'm really happy you like it, that makes my day. Know yours and mine are the only two in existance so we are some lucky fellows! LOL. Look forward to future posts regarding its durability. Peace Brother
 
Hey Craig, nice work. How bout PM me on the cost to make me a sheath for my Bushfinger. Also, would like to know of different options for materials and decoration.
 
craig anthony said:
Wow Brian, great pic's! Thanks for your critique I really appreciate it. I was wondering if you would like the belt loop like I do. I designed it for all the reasons you mentioned as I too don't like my knives slapping my thigh while walking. It's pretty versatile and can almost be carried cross draw if you're into that. Also the top loop on it keeps it a bit away from the body to make it a little easier to grab ahold of. The retention came about as a fluke after I began dipping them in hot wax as a sealant. I noticed the leather became workable I began kinda form fitting them. I was thinking about a double stitch pattern and might try one on my next project when I can find some time. It would be purely for looks as the artificial sinew and the contact cement is tough as nails. The buckskin itself has a row of stitching around the top of the sheath but is hidden underneath as I fold it over the leather (BIG thanks to Paul Long for that trick of the trade;)). It is also cemented to the leather and the edges are sandwiched neatly between the sheath and the welt. The only area I would be concerned with over time and usage would be where the scales of the knife meet the bukskin on the interior of the sheath. That's where the wear and tear is going to show. I don't get out in the field much myself (hopefully that will change after I move to north GA) so I can't say just how much wear and tear it will take, but I know buckskin is pretty tough stuff so hopefully it won't be an issue. I'm really glad you noticed the shape of the sheath compared to the blade design, that was an on purpose thing that not many realize. I'm going to work on the tooling in the future as I feel it's one of my weak points but practice does make perfect so they say. All in all I'm really happy you like it, that makes my day. Know yours and mine are the only two in existance so we are some lucky fellows! LOL. Look forward to future posts regarding its durability. Peace Brother
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The exception to the "smacking" rule for me is when I'm wearing a pack with a waist strap, and then it needs to be a lighter knife on a dangler that drops below the strap because I don't like having my only knife affixed to the pack, I always keep one on my person. I don't like my hunting knives smacking on my legs when I walk because of the extra sound it makes. This sheath works great for the knife and purpose it is made for. It is really easy to get a hand on the knife when needed. That there are so few of them makes it even better. I wasn't sure just how the buck skin was attached, that's cool to learn. You've definitely got some skill and some talent here, if it is something you have time to, and want to, do as a regular thing you should upgrade your membership so you could offer them for sale here on the forums.
 
Thanks again for the kudos Brian. For me it's really all about timing and right now timing is not in my favor. I'm probably about 6 months to a year out to be able to dedicate the time needed for such a thing. Got a big move coming, possibility of a new job that will take up a lot of my time learning the ropes and two young sons to get outside into country living instead of suburban hell. If someone wants/needs one I'll see what I can do for them until my supply runs out. It is something I really want to do but like I mentioned it's just a timing thing right now. I'm one of those perfectionists and if I can't dedicate myself to the task at hand I feel I wouldn't do the client justice. Like my dad used to say, the man pays you for 40 hours of work, give'em the best 40 you got. Oh, and working leather out of a shoe box instead of my now defunct shop isn't really fun either.:( Nice to get my hands working but a hassle with the wife and kids around dinner time at the table! For some reason the drill press annoys the wife while trying to eat. Can't understand her on that one, probably the whole mars/venus thing. LOL
 
That's cool man, trust me I understand busy! I just know that not everyone out there knows how to make a knife sheath with good retention so I'm sure there is a niche for you here somewhere if you ever want to give it a shot on a small scale.
 
I used to use pigskin and lambskin to line sheaths, and they were really nice. That buckskin looks great. I may line the one I'm doing for myself now. I'd like to see the clip on the back of that one rather than a leather loop. But thats just me being partial to a clip.
 
Fiddleback said:
I used to use pigskin and lambskin to line sheaths, and they were really nice. That buckskin looks great. I may line the one I'm doing for myself now. I'd like to see the clip on the back of that one rather than a leather loop. But thats just me being partial to a clip.
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You really like those clips. You must be wearing Hammer pants.
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