Custom sheath for a custom bali, nice bali !

Gary W. Graley

Gary W. Graley

“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 2, 1999
Messages
26,979
Shawn Greacen, aka balibalistic, made this great latchless bali, I was asked
to leather her up a bit, the horns are a bit wider than I like for this type of sheath
as you need to allow them to enter into the sheath, and if you form too tightly
you can't get it back out! But I allowed the leather a little breathing room and
she fits up nice and snug and you can get her out as well.

The hidden pins done make for a different tang, as you can see I had to shape
the leather around that point, but it adds a nice, graceful look to the sheath, at least I think so ;)

See Shawn's Thread here about the knife.

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Nice butterfly!
G2
 
Thanks guys,
a tip for those that want to try a sheath where you have a distinct point
I start the holes for the threads at that point and work backwards each
way to the front of the sheath, this way the spacing doesn't get messed
up as you wind your way around the sheath, you put them where you know
they have to be first and work from there.

G2
 
Really beautiful, Gary. That's just a fantastic fit for that blade!
 
Another superb job, Gary! That represents the reason I refer all my bali inquiries straight on to you.

Paul
 
Thanks Erik, and Paul, appreciate it sirs!
G2
 
Beautifully done Gary :)

I cant wait to make myself one to send your way for a sheath :thumbup:
Ya know,over the years i've baught several sheaths from you,and to this day i have never needed to wear any other then the very first you made me. and it still looks almost new!! well seasoned but stronger then ever :)

I will save this photo,and have one made identical to it,brother swengen got style :thumbup:
 
Thanks Keith and Shawn, sounds good, Swengen wants to wear it on his
right side for a backwards type draw, or, he can also slip it around to his
left side for a cross draw, he wears a rather wide 1 3/4" belt too.

G2
 
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Good work man! Everything is so clean and simple. I wish to get to your level some day. Do you mind if I drop some questions your way?

TF
 
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Thanks TF, be glad to help where I can and as you say it's the clean and simple
but it does take some grunt work to make it so, the main tip would be patience
in the forming process and dyeing as well as the sewing, not to rush it, but to
work hard and keep working the leather until it's dried, I ususally let the top section
sit for about 20 to 30 minutes between forming, and I keep that up until it's dry.

And thanks Greg and Mitch, always good to hear kind words like that, keeps us going ;)
G2
 
So - you form it - then keep working it every 20 or 30 minutes or so until it is dry?

Do you case the leather fully - or a dunk for a few minutes?

TF
 
I've not cased leather as some folks will define it, freezer and all
I just run the leather under very hot water until it is pliable.

See this thread for some more detail regarding some of the steps I use

G2
 
Guys, this package arrived at my door on Thursday. I can't describe how happy I am with knife and sheath. Simply amazing work by both makers. The sheath holds this baby in such a way that there is absolutely no way I will worry about losing it. And the bali flips like a dream! Smooth as butter. I love latchless! Thanks Shawn and Gary!
 
Right on,buddy!!

I hope you enjoy the knife :)

i know you'll enjoy carrying it in that beautiful sheath :thumbup:
 
Thanks Swengen and Shawn, of course who doesn't like hearing good things about
their work? :) a nice way to start the Easter holiday.
Wear that in excellent health sir and enjoy that mitey fine bali too, just lovely!
G2
 
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