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Getting tools for my first pocket sheath, updated with pics of progress.

M

mp31x

Joined
Jul 16, 2012
Messages
206
Update below


Hi everyone, I am looking into making my first leather sheath. I found a lot of good info searching so far but would like some more specific info. I recently picked up this pocket sheath, SAK, and flashlight combo. I have really enjoyed using and carrying it and I would like to replicate it and make my own.



For anyone reading this looking for info the thread link below has a huge amount of great info along with videos.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1139038-Making-a-pouch-sheath-Apprentice-Thread



Sheath Pic, I will take the sheath with me and try to find a helpful employee for info as well




Its seems like a pretty simple design. I have a Tandy Leather near me and I was about to jump in the car and head over but I do not want to waste money on tools I do not need. If you could help me add to my list and if you have links for the Tandy products that would be great!!:thumbup:


Tools on list so far:

Ordered Douglas Tool Awl Blade - https://www.sheridanleather.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DT-awl-blades
Rivet Kit
Waxed thread (will look at Tiger brand)
Diamond shape awl - Awl haft # 3318-01 ($20)
Edger
Some type of needle to sow with - Osborne needles, needle sizes 0 and 000
Leather
Punch for making rivet holes
Stitch marker
Stitch groover
Stitching pony (optional)
Weldwood contact cement



For making the holes I do have a dremel but no drill press so I will read into a diamond shaped awl. If you can think of anything else to add or if you see something I don't need please let me know. I will update the list and thread when finished the project. The dog is calling me, time for a walk :)

Thanks for the help




***************************************************************************************************************************

Update:

Made my first piece finally

Tools used:
6 prong diamond shape punch
2 prong diamond shape punch
Exacto knife
Waxed thread
000 Needles
Rivets with setting tools
Rubber Mallet
Rubber Mat
Leather pieces


I need to get an edger and a few other tools still but my lady and I really enjoyed doing this together and she is currently stitching up a holder for her vape. I look forward to making more and cleaner looking ones but it is functional and will be loved and carried. Too many beers during the UNC game last night so it will work for now. :very_drunk:
The diamond awl is very sharp all the way to the back, ask me how I know lol.





Before corner trim, the top of the Sak side was like that from the edge of the scrap and I slanted the other






***********************************************************************************************************************************

4.8.16 Update


I made a few more from the scrap pieces I have. I really need to get some veg tan but for anyone beginning like me Tandy had a few bins of scrap pieces to look through and I paid $6 a pound for them. Its great because I can practice and not feel bad ruining a piece of nice leather.


This was my first one of the morning the other day. It was originally going to be just a Dragonfly2 holder but I had enough left to roll up the side and fit an AAA light in there. I call her "Less the Beautiful" lol. If the seem matched more I would feel better but it can always be cut off and go with the original plan.



Using the flashlight to hide her shame:cool:




Up next I wanted to make something for my Pioneer X. My Thrunite T10T was about the same thickness so I went with that. This piece of leather was very stiff. I thought I would try wetting it but it would not absorb water (need veg tan). This one would have been nice but I had problems getting the corners right. None the less it is still functional.

Whats hiding under there?




Next pic is a combo photo of the rough corners and another shot at giving the dragonfly a better place to hang. The DF2 one is nice, its a tight fit on the flashlight side, a bit tighter then I would like but it looks nicer. There is a black mark on the back that came on the scrap but its ok.





Another shot of the DF2 and a second shot out of some softer leather that stretched a bit more and I could get a thicker click AAA in.



I am happy with these and they do look a bit better. I am a big fan of the DF2 and sometimes I do not like having it clipped and this is nicer then having it loose in my pocket. Im sure someone knows a cleaner way to do the corners on the SAK piece but getting some nicer veg tan and wet forming will be coming.
 
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I would suggest a stitch marker and a stitch groover. They aren't very expensive and will be needed. The stitch marker on this project the stitching groover not so much. The stitch marker will make a series of uniform depressions so that you know where to pierce with the awl. This will keep your stitch lengths uniform and professional looking. I would suggest 5 to the inch as a good size. The groover won't make much of a mark on the soft leather as shown but it will make a scratch and is useful for keeping your stitch line in a uniform depth from the edge. When you start making projects out of veg tan (a firmer leather), it will become very useful. If $ is tight I'd get the stitch marker and leave the groover till later. If ya could swing it a stitching pony would be ideal too. Holds your work while you sew.
 
I added those 3 items to the list. My budget is not to tight for this but I do want to make sure that I only get things I need. I read a few post that some of the starter kits at Tandy had items that are either useless like a wooden hammer or that will not be used. Thanks for your help and input



Horsewright said:
I would suggest a stitch marker and a stitch groover. They aren't very expensive and will be needed. The stitch marker on this project the stitching groover not so much. The stitch marker will make a series of uniform depressions so that you know where to pierce with the awl. This will keep your stitch lengths uniform and professional looking. I would suggest 5 to the inch as a good size. The groover won't make much of a mark on the soft leather as shown but it will make a scratch and is useful for keeping your stitch line in a uniform depth from the edge. When you start making projects out of veg tan (a firmer leather), it will become very useful. If $ is tight I'd get the stitch marker and leave the groover till later. If ya could swing it a stitching pony would be ideal too. Holds your work while you sew.
Click to expand...
 
You could simplify this by not using rivets , just stitch it .
You should glue the sheath together as well as stitching it even if you do rivet it , so some contact adhesive should be added to the list .

Ken
 
You can probably do without the stitching pony at this point. I use my wooden mallet all the time to keep from damaging the leather tools. Unless you have a rubber or rawhide mallet, you should get a cheap wooden mallet for tooling and stamping. You should use it for setting rivets too. Unless you are going to take up leather craft as a hobby, your lookin at about at least a hundred dollar sheath with all the tools your buying. Lol. I did the same thing. I bought tools and leather and ended up making myself a hundred and thirty dollar i-phone sheath. See below. Now I'm hooked on leather craft for sure. look at the Tiger brand waxed thread. They should have it at Tandys. My hundred thirty dollar sheath. [emoji41]:
59113b6cb85afadc9ce8ebd2375be521.jpg
 
harronek said:
You could simplify this by not using rivets , just stitch it .
You should glue the sheath together as well as stitching it even if you do rivet it , so some contact adhesive should be added to the list .

Ken
Click to expand...

Agreed, It's a pocket sheath and the rivets are just not necessary and unless you intend on doing A LOT of sewing, a stitching pony is is also not needed.
 
Great looking sheath, I have a lot of knives that could use a sheath and the mrs likes to sow and is down with the idea of sheath making and wants to help so I feel it will be a fun and worthwhile hobby to get into. Thanks for your help and pics!


Spyder59 said:
You can probably do without the stitching pony at this point. I use my wooden mallet all the time to keep from damaging the leather tools. Unless you have a rubber or rawhide mallet, you should get a cheap wooden mallet for tooling and stamping. You should use it for setting rivets too. Unless you are going to take up leather craft as a hobby, your lookin at about at least a hundred dollar sheath with all the tools your buying. Lol. I did the same thing. I bought tools and leather and ended up making myself a hundred and thirty dollar i-phone sheath. See below. Now I'm hooked on leather craft for sure. look at the Tiger brand waxed thread. They should have it at Tandys. My hundred thirty dollar sheath. [emoji41]:
59113b6cb85afadc9ce8ebd2375be521.jpg
Click to expand...
 
If this is the only thing you make I wouldn't get the pony either. If you are going to do more, at $29.99 I would. Here's why. It would allow you to learn to hand sew correctly from the get go as opposed to having to relearn. The orinetation of your diamond shaped awl is important and consistancy is the key. The pony will allow this to happen and you to learn to handsew where you have one needle in each hand and the awl in the stronghand as well. Why learn one way and then have to relearn. Course if you are drilling your holes on a stacked leather sheath this is all moot. Just a thought.
 
I do have a Dremel and some small bits but I would like to try it with an awl. I was looking into diamond shaped awls last night and a lot of people said that the Tandy one was pretty dull. I have a series of stones so I think I can get it sharp enough. If get the Tandy awl haft can I use other company's awl blades in it? I'm guessing it's like a chuck that you tighten down so yes. Also does anyone have the Tandy awl haft and is it comfortable? At $40 it's not too cheap. Link to awl haft below


http://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/craftool-pro-awl-haft
 
If thats what ya wanna do maybe look at the Osborne needles.
 
Take a look at Tandy/LF 3318-01 flat side haft. Half the price and does the same job.

Paul
 
Just a thought, but you can make a stitching pony pretty cheaply. Pine 1x4, a 4 inch hinge a carriage bolt, wing nut and leather scrap. Mine took me about 45 minutes. rtmind/randy
 
Sheathmaker - Thank you for that part number. That looks just as good and half the price, good tip.

Horsewright - I will check out Osborne needles. The apprentice thread above he recommended 0 and 000 needles

rtmind - I will check out the one they have and if it looks or feels cheap I will look into making my own. Thanks.


I have not had time to make the journey to Tandy yet but I am hoping to make it this weekend. Which is fine with me, y'all have been a big help and I am getting a solid shopping list together.
 
Are you getting into leather crafting or just getting supplies to make one pocket sheath?
 
I would be interested in seeing the plans.

I had to link your thread in my post. That was very nice of you to take your time to help us all out. Great information you provided :thumbup:
 
Updated original post with pics of my first piece. Its not a work of art so go easy on me lol but it was great fun and works well.

Thank you everyone for the help!!!
 
Hey man, function first. If it works for you then your good to go. :D

Form follows after a lot of practice. If your project is any indication your on the right path.
 
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