First sheath, question about care

[Shannon Carter]

All,

Just finished my first sheath, pics attached. Very fun, by the way! I used Montana Pitch Blend, but I was curious what you all recommend? It left a bit of a shiny finish to it, which I didn't mind, but just wondered if you would recommend anything other than that? That is the only product I put on the sheath. Leather came from Wickett and Craig.

Thanks ahead of time,
--Shannon

Pics:

 

[rayban]

Nice job, the sheath looks good.
I would say you've done all you need to do as far as finishing goes.
You should do a little test on some scrap leather...dye and finish it like you did the sheath..expose it to a little water...sun...dirt.....wipe it clean.....and so on and see how it does in various conditions. It will give you a good example of what you can expect from the sheath.

 

[pugs75]

Looks damn fine for your first. Bending leather is very satisfying when it all comes together. I have been using Montana dressing for a while now, and I love it. It conditions the leather and protects it. I like to use it early in the building stage also. After I dye the inside of my sheath I use it. I put it on just after I dye it, some of the dye will stain your cloth but it will help seal the inside of the sheath. I also use it after I dye the outside, again put a small coat on wipe it in real good and let it dry. This helps the dye from staining or running if it gets wet, usually on your clothing. After I finish my sheath I again use it to waterproof and condition, I put it on and use a hairdryer to melt it into the leather, you will see it absorb right in. after that let it dry and then buff, I usually get a nice satiny finish when done. Here is a pic of a few I did with the dressing, they have a nice rich finish but not to shiny. Keep it up it looks really nice.

 

[Shannon Carter]

Nice job, the sheath looks good.
I would say you've done all you need to do as far as finishing goes.
You should do a little test on some scrap leather...dye and finish it like you did the sheath..expose it to a little water...sun...dirt.....wipe it clean.....and so on and see how it does in various conditions. It will give you a good example of what you can expect from the sheath.

Thanks, that's a very good idea! I'll definitely be trying that out.

 

[Shannon Carter]

Looks damn fine for your first. Bending leather is very satisfying when it all comes together. I have been using Montana dressing for a while now, and I love it. It conditions the leather and protects it. I like to use it early in the building stage also. After I dye the inside of my sheath I use it. I put it on just after I dye it, some of the dye will stain your cloth but it will help seal the inside of the sheath. I also use it after I dye the outside, again put a small coat on wipe it in real good and let it dry. This helps the dye from staining or running if it gets wet, usually on your clothing. After I finish my sheath I again use it to waterproof and condition, I put it on and use a hairdryer to melt it into the leather, you will see it absorb right in. after that let it dry and then buff, I usually get a nice satiny finish when done. Here is a pic of a few I did with the dressing, they have a nice rich finish but not to shiny. Keep it up it looks really nice.

Thanks for the information. I'll be making a couple more this weekend and I'll take the steps you mentioned. Thanks for sharing the pictures, too. Very impressive!

 

[Diomedes Industries]

I have used MPB for years - the shine will dull some - and don't buff it and it won't be so shiny. It really is great stuff and I have yet to have complaints about working in Bushcraft situations.

TF