Going to make some sheaths

Macchina

Macchina

Joined
Apr 7, 2006
Messages
5,215
I am going to make some leather sheaths for a few knives of mine, and would like to know what I need to get started. What punches, dies, chemicals, tools, etc. work best for sheath making. Also, is there a reputable place on the internet to buy this stuff (I prefer eBay). Last, is there an eBay dealer that is known for good quality leather? I don't know who to buy from.
Thanks,
Michaelmcgo
 
If you're just starting out in leather I suggest first off check out
Dan Gray's page of tutorials -
scroll down about half way for the sheath ones:
http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html
http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/tutorials/_leatherstitch.html
http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/tutorials/_stitchpony.html
http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/mexloop/_mexloop.html
http://www.knivesby.com/adj-welt.html

Below are suppliers:
Veg Tan Leather and some other types
Wickett & Craig - my favorite www.wickett-craig.com
Mid-Continent (see below - IMO the best one stop leather shopping source)also sells W-C Leather for the same price as the W-C factory and being in Oklahoma can save money for those in the west - just be sure and ask for the Wickett & Craig Leather.

Dyes, all types of leather including some exotics, hardware, etc.:
Siegel of Ca - www.siegelofca.com
Leather Factory/Tandy
Mid-Continent Leather Sales Company (800) 926-2061 http://www.midcontinentleather.com/

Tools: Cheap but OK:
Leather Factory/Tandy - the Craftsman brand

Tools: Better: Osborne Tools & Linen Thread
Mid-Continent Leather Sales Company (800) 926-2061 http://www.midcontinentleather.com/
- these are the folks to get linen handsewing thread from as well - Barbour's 5 cord left hand twist is a good all purpose thread)
Leather Factory/Tandy and Siegel also sell Osborne tools

Tools: Best:
Jeremiah Watt - www.ranch2arena.com
Expensive but worth it - made by a master saddle maker and a heck of a nice guy!

I can recommend all of the above having used them for several years (some several decades) - There are many other suppliers including Hidecrafters which folks have recommended elswhere including some suppliers on EBay - as always with any unfamiliar suppliers it's caveat emptor.....

Best advice - buy the best quality leather possible - for tools I suggest the mid-range at least - in the long run they are cheaper......
 
Listen to Chuck (Wild Rose). Oh, and since he didn't say it, I will. You should buy or rent his video on sheath making. I'm waiting for SmartFlix to deliver it right now. :)

-d
 
I just bought 6lbs. of 8-10 oz. leather scraps to make the sheaths. Thanks for all of the info Chuck, It helped a lot. Now I just need to get some tools, thread, and start sheathing...
 
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