So the Brukskniv itself is complete (maybe I'll buff it on the wheel, maybe I won't) so now it is time to dress it.
Last night was the first chance I've had to start this stage and I called upon my Tidioute #53 for some help in doing so.
I selected an area of my leather that was thickest and least flawed/marked. Unfortunately I'm running out, so there was one minor blemish. I made sure that these would be on the backside of Andi's left side carry sheath though.
The leather is naturally tanned and of about 2.5-3.5mm in thickness. The stiffness ranges across the half hide I ordered, so I select a suitably stiff piece, for this 'western' style sheath.
For the Nordic (wet-stiched) sheaths I make, I also use this leather. In such an instance though, a more supple section would be desireable (but not too much so).
You get to 'learn' or at least make educated guesses on how each hide will perform and shrink (as it does in wet-stitching) and I've found the really stiff stuff to shrink less....it must more dense and/or more 'dynamically stable' as my Garment Technologist good lady would say.
This piece was actually sourced from Finland. In my limited experience, I have found the German hide to be better quality and consistent suppleness.
Anyway, enough waffle, here's how things come begin to come together.....
Paper template:
Cut out:
That wharnie blade is sharp indeed after my fine tweaks
Stiching groove cut and edge bevelled (ALWAYS in that order!):
Welt pieces cut are cut out, using the original template as a guide.
Just wanting to illustrate the grip I used here:
I didn't want any fold-ups! Just took it nice and steady, letting the blade do the work, usually in a couple of passes.
I then use a skiving tool to taper the 'side welts' (the additional pieces to accomodate the hande):
And also skive a little leather on the crease of the knife:
Using a stitching wheel, I mark out where I will prick the leather, using a diamond profile awl:
Pricking is done parrallel to the edge and the diamond profile separates the leather, and allows it to close back up slightly, 'hugging' the stitch a little.
Finally, for today (or rather last night), I glue up the welt pieces using contact adhesive:
More to follow later this aft/evening.
As always, thanks for following along and please ask if I have missed anything....and no, I haven't missed the belt loop!
(galows humor is some kind of my speciality)
