Duct tape sheaths, I know I am not the only one.

C

CedarEater

Joined
Aug 31, 2012
Messages
390
I was getting a little bit concerned about my axe and hatchets kicking around the house without sheaths, what with the kids and dog running around. Now, I have never worked with leather and I don't happen to have anything leather that I want to sacrifice. Nor do I have the money to buy leather working supplies and tools. However, I do have duct tape and I know how to use that. So, not too long ago I grabbed some cardboard and duct tape and made my first sheath for my Norlund.

Picture-261_zpsfe877dff.jpg



Now, I have been driving around with my axes and hatchets in my truck for the last couple days and got tired of being extra careful about where they rest and what not with no sheaths on them, except the Norlund. I came to the realization that it was time to sheath the others but decided to go duct tape only since cardboard soaks up the water if it gets wet. Tonight I made my first all duct tape sheath for the axe.

Picture-259_zpsccffbce7.jpg



It turned out alright so I made sheaths for the hewers too. Here is a pic of all my duct tape sheaths that I have made so far.

Picture-257_zpseb0ba517.jpg



Now I need to figure one up for my piiluja and drawknife. Oh, I should also make one for my other hatchet.
Duct tape sheaths may not be pretty but they do the job.
 
:thumbup: Right On. I have also been able to make simple sheaths for axes and hatchets by using old pieces of carpeting that are held together by duct tape. The carpeting is inexpensive (free) and provides good protection for the edges. The sheaths can be held on to the axe with paracord if you are worried about the sheath slipping off. For a deluxe model, strips of Velcro can be purchased cheaply to make a detachable sheath without worrying about buckles.
I like well-made leather sheaths but lack the finances or skill to make them. Also, in the tropics leather can mold and rot. Carpeting is a good substitute.
I suppose flattened PVC pipe and similar materials could also be used.
Faiaoga
 
I'll confess, I've done this, too. My crosscut is still covered with a duct tape and cardboard sheath.
 
I like making things I need with what's on hand, and duct tape is often on hand. I even made a sheath for a 12" machete using black duct tape. To resist the edge cutting through, I added some strips of packaging straps (about 1/2" or 5/8" wide, made of tough woven plastic fibers, found tightly wrapped on some parcels). The straps were folded over the edge at several places, in between an inner and outer layer of duct tape. The packaging strap was also used for the belt loop for the sheath.
 
All great ideas, except I know I'd tape myself to the ceiling trying to do an all-duct tape sheath.
You could spray that carpet lining with silicone or something.
 
I've done similar things. I always say that I'm going to make a bunch of leather sheaths at my friend's house who is a saddle maker. I just never have the time.

I've been considering ordering some kydex to throw some sheaths together. Makes me cringe a bit. I like leather so much more.
 
Cardboard and duct tape sheaths, or more like edge guards, work great. My yard machetes all have them. As long as they don't get real wet, they hold up fine. I always wanted to try out the PVC pipe ones for something a little tougher, sometimes it would be safer.
 
These are some photos of a sheath I ran into a while back. The guy had used epoxy or some such thing and what looks like fire hose only it has no lining, but is still fairly thick. The velcro had held up pretty well, though whatever glue he used was kind of stiff. Not as hard to make or as finicky as leather, and a little tougher than the duct tape. Though duct tape does have the elegance of simplicity. Love that cardboard sheath thread, Baryonx.
0525121457.jpg

0525121510.jpg

0525121512.jpg
 
I will try to post pics wheni get home, but I make mine using the scraps of vinyl shades as a lining and wrap it with duct tape. Great for storage.
 
I found this interesting plywood sheath on a Craftsman oval stamp boy's axe.

Craftsman_Oval.jpg



It may not look like much but it kept this axe in fine shape - almost like new.

Wooden_sheath.jpg
 
oh, yeah. I've got cardboard and duct-tape sheaths on almost all my double bits. Just fold a piece of cardboard that approximately twice the size of the head, wrap it in tape, and you're done. A rubber band will keep it on if you make it too big. I picked up that "trick" a while back when I went on an ebay-double-bit-buying binge. A couple of them came with the heads carefully wrapped in cardboard. Then I got to thinking, "well, I don't have sheaths for these suckers" and took it from there.

good work with those retaining straps, by the way.


-ben
 
Ok first time trying to post pictures but with all this talk about duct tape covers I tried a different idea canvas cover in liquid nails as a cover
Hlv6m.jpg
[/IMG]
Still need to finish it but so far cheap and nice hope the picture shows
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top