- Joined
- Jun 9, 1999
- Messages
- 4,729
Dangler-style sheath by Mike Stott
Here's my evaluation of a sheath made for my small Louis Vallet fixed blade by REdneckidokie, aka Mike (sorry Mike it's just a lot easier to type
) You can see the details of how this transpired in this thread. I received the knife on Friday, and have carried it daily since then. I would love to take some pics of this rig, but my camera recently died so here's a pic Mike took before he sent it out to me.
In short, I'm absolutely blown away by the quality and design of this sheath. I gave Mike very little input really, I just told him I wanted a dangler style sheath, similar to this Kenny Rowe model sold with the Fiddleback Maple Camillus Mini-Talon. Here's a pic, stolen from 1sks (I don't think Spark will mind )
Actually, looking at that pic again, I'm surprised they charge so much for that rig. Do you notice where the stitching nearly runs off of the edge of the sheath about halfway down to the tip? Mike's work is much nicer. Anyway, I also said that I would like the sheath to cover most of the handle in order to protect it from damage. With that minimal guidance, Mike crafted a superb carry system for this knife. I had worried that it would be very difficult to make a sheath that would hold this knife securely, because it is very small and oddly shaped. Mike cleared this obstacle with flying colors. The knife draws very smoothly, but is held just as securely as the old kydex sheath it replaces. I think it could possibly even be carried upside down, although I don't plan to try it. I just now tried to dislodge the knife by holding the sheath and snapping my wrist and it didn't budge. Excellent job in this area.
Mike also matched the leather very well to this particular knife. It contrasts beautifully with the wood in the handle, and doesn't have any visible flaws or imperfections. In fact it looks like very high end material, I wish more factory sheaths were made of leather this nice. It also has a good thick welt, relatively thick that is, considering the size of the sheath. There's no way these stitches are going to be cut while drawing this knife! Speaking of the stitches, they're very even and tight, and it even looks as if they've been given a little treatment to match the color of the sheath. The only complaint I have here is that the thread ends which protrude near the tip of the sheath have been melted so they don't slip through the holes, and they look a little bit sloppy that way. Also, the rivet that holds the leather loop through the snap together is a little rough. It looks like it was hammered together, and the marks are visible. I have no doubt it will hold together though. That's just nitpicking, I only mention it because I think it could be done just a little better. It's still far and away better than any other sheath I have seen.
Other than the minor complaints I have above, this is one outstanding sheath, especially considering it's size. Mike mentioned something about using a microscope in one of his e-mails, I don't doubt that was the case. Also worth mentioning is that he had never done a dangler style sheath before this one, all he had to go on was the picture I showed him! I had told Mike that I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Vallet at the Blade show and mentioned my disappointment in the sheath he made for it. I said I would really prefer leather, he replied that it was just too little to make a good leather sheath for. I hope to see him at Blade next year and show him Mike's work, just so he can see what a fine talent can do. I'll give him your number if you want Mike, maybe you two could form a partnership.
Finally, I want to say that in addition to offering a great product, Mike gave me excellent service. He answered e-mails promptly and kept me updated on his progress, as well as getting it done very quickly. He kept my knife for a total of five days, which I think is excellent turn around, especially for free work. He was also very friendly in e-mail, I've got a new buddy as well as a new sheath. I suppose the highest testament I can give is that I intend to get more work done by Mike, only I'll be paying him this time. If you're in the market for quality leather work, be sure to consider Mike Stott. I reccomend him without hesitation. Thanks a million for the great sheath Mike, as you can tell I'm very happy with it.
Here's my evaluation of a sheath made for my small Louis Vallet fixed blade by REdneckidokie, aka Mike (sorry Mike it's just a lot easier to type
) You can see the details of how this transpired in this thread. I received the knife on Friday, and have carried it daily since then. I would love to take some pics of this rig, but my camera recently died so here's a pic Mike took before he sent it out to me.In short, I'm absolutely blown away by the quality and design of this sheath. I gave Mike very little input really, I just told him I wanted a dangler style sheath, similar to this Kenny Rowe model sold with the Fiddleback Maple Camillus Mini-Talon. Here's a pic, stolen from 1sks (I don't think Spark will mind
)
Actually, looking at that pic again, I'm surprised they charge so much for that rig. Do you notice where the stitching nearly runs off of the edge of the sheath about halfway down to the tip? Mike's work is much nicer. Anyway, I also said that I would like the sheath to cover most of the handle in order to protect it from damage. With that minimal guidance, Mike crafted a superb carry system for this knife. I had worried that it would be very difficult to make a sheath that would hold this knife securely, because it is very small and oddly shaped. Mike cleared this obstacle with flying colors. The knife draws very smoothly, but is held just as securely as the old kydex sheath it replaces. I think it could possibly even be carried upside down, although I don't plan to try it. I just now tried to dislodge the knife by holding the sheath and snapping my wrist and it didn't budge. Excellent job in this area.
Mike also matched the leather very well to this particular knife. It contrasts beautifully with the wood in the handle, and doesn't have any visible flaws or imperfections. In fact it looks like very high end material, I wish more factory sheaths were made of leather this nice. It also has a good thick welt, relatively thick that is, considering the size of the sheath. There's no way these stitches are going to be cut while drawing this knife! Speaking of the stitches, they're very even and tight, and it even looks as if they've been given a little treatment to match the color of the sheath. The only complaint I have here is that the thread ends which protrude near the tip of the sheath have been melted so they don't slip through the holes, and they look a little bit sloppy that way. Also, the rivet that holds the leather loop through the snap together is a little rough. It looks like it was hammered together, and the marks are visible. I have no doubt it will hold together though. That's just nitpicking, I only mention it because I think it could be done just a little better. It's still far and away better than any other sheath I have seen.
Other than the minor complaints I have above, this is one outstanding sheath, especially considering it's size. Mike mentioned something about using a microscope in one of his e-mails, I don't doubt that was the case. Also worth mentioning is that he had never done a dangler style sheath before this one, all he had to go on was the picture I showed him! I had told Mike that I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Vallet at the Blade show and mentioned my disappointment in the sheath he made for it. I said I would really prefer leather, he replied that it was just too little to make a good leather sheath for. I hope to see him at Blade next year and show him Mike's work, just so he can see what a fine talent can do. I'll give him your number if you want Mike, maybe you two could form a partnership.
Finally, I want to say that in addition to offering a great product, Mike gave me excellent service. He answered e-mails promptly and kept me updated on his progress, as well as getting it done very quickly. He kept my knife for a total of five days, which I think is excellent turn around, especially for free work. He was also very friendly in e-mail, I've got a new buddy as well as a new sheath. I suppose the highest testament I can give is that I intend to get more work done by Mike, only I'll be paying him this time. If you're in the market for quality leather work, be sure to consider Mike Stott. I reccomend him without hesitation. Thanks a million for the great sheath Mike, as you can tell I'm very happy with it.