Dying the new Machete sheaths

swonut

swonut

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 1, 2007
Messages
1,425
Having recently gotten a machete with the new sheath, I figured I'd give dying it a shot since I had all the materials. (I got them at Michaels when my daughter was buying crafting stuff.)

I'll just let the pictures tell the story. BUT, USE GLOVES!!!!

Dye and a pack of wool daubers. (About 10 bucks at Michaels)
IMG_1312-X3.jpg


IMG_1313-X3.jpg


I had to do multiple coats to get rid of the light areas.
IMG_1315-X3.jpg


IMG_1314-X3.jpg


IMG_1316-1324x1765.jpg


Then I figured, why not dye the handle to match...
IMG_1318-X3.jpg


IMG_1319-1324x1765.jpg
 
Last edited:
Dang, that is a great looking sheath man. I may need one of those for a 16 inch machete later :) That handle dye job is cool also!
 
looks good

the maker also said to leave it in the sun for a few days would darken it also
 
That turned out really well, I like how the stitching contrasts with the sheath. Thanks for leading the way, I've been wondering about doing something like this to mine. Dyeing the handle makes it look more like the natural micarta used on the handmade knives, or at least it does in the pics. Well done!
 
Came out really well. Couple of tips for next time:
I get my leather really wet, I mean soaked, before applying the dye. That allows the dye to spread evenly throughout the leather. Let it dry naturally or use a dehydrator (not kitchen oven). Avoids the streaks on one coat application.
You can also add about a 1/2tsp. of olive oil to the 4oz. dye. That also helps spread the dye evenly and the olive oil is good for the leather.

Regardless, nice job! I'm curious to see how the color holds on the handle.
 
VANCE said:
looks good

the maker also said to leave it in the sun for a few days would darken it also
Click to expand...

+1 on this. I left mine in a sunny window for a few days, and then applied some Obenaufs and I think it looks great. I'll let it age naturally from here on out. BTW, for the price of a 12" machete and sheath, I feel like I stole it!

~Jim
 
So after seeing this I had to try my hand at it today. I followed Rick's advice, mixed a bit of olive oil with leather dye, and soaked my sheath. I pulled it out of the soak bucket, let it drip for just a minute, and got to work. Just like Rick said, the dye went on smooth and even. Still very wet, so the bottom looks darker, but I'm very happy with the results!

 
Finished. I used a bit of boot dressing on the edges to get them darker. Used Rick's method to soak and dye the leather.



 
Nice work Swo!


If you wet the leather lightly with a sponge before dying you won't have to battle with streaks in your finish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top