Help in forming a sheath - Leather.

[Diomedes Industries]

I want to make my leather sheath form fitted to my Aurora. It is broken in now - and is loose enough to allow the Aurora to fall out with it shaken a bit. I want it tighter and form fitted.

Can someone point me to a guide or give me a step by step?

Thanks,

TF

 

[Gossman Knives]

Wet the sheath with warm water. Put the knife in and form around the handle. Take out the knife, let the sheath dry overnite. Then apply a leather protectant. I use Kiwi neutral paste shoe polish in the can.
Scott

 

[BlackHills]

It's pretty easy to wet form a sheath. Basically you wet the sheath well, wrap the blade in wax paper or something else to keep the moisture off if, mold the wet leather around the knife and let it dry. I use the cap of a Sharpie to form the leather.

Here's what ragnar has to say on it.

After the seam is stitched, mold the sheath to your knife. Wrap your knife in cellophane to protect the blade from the wet leather and provide additional space around the blade in the sheath. Re-wet the sheath. Work the sheath over the knife with the seam centered in the back. When it's all the way in, mold it to the knife with your fingers, or a smooth hard object such as the handle of a table knife. When you have it the way you want it, set it aside in a warm place for a day or two, with the knife still in it.

 

[Mentor]

+ 1 on the advice already given.

One thing to add - when shaping, you can definitely use a hard object, but make sure it doesn't have edges that might leave an impression. Any dings or impressions made in the leather while you're wet-forming will be more-or-less permanent. I like to use my hands instead of a tool for this reason.

Also, I'm a big fan of Neetsfoot oil for finishing. It darkens the leather a bit and hardens it nicely.

All the best,

- Mike

Edited to add - in my experience, the sheath will be 'formed' around your knife pretty quickly, so there's no need to keep your blade in it for a few days. Just make sure that you remove the blade gently after forming, and the sheath should take the shape.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

I wrapped the knife in cellophane - wet it a bit with warm water. Worked it in with my hands - taking my time to make it look right. Used a hair dryer to speed the drying process some - and then took the knife out. Dried the knife completely - put masking tape on the knife and then put it back in for 1/2 a day in a dry windy spot. Pulled the blade out when dry. Knife was in great shape - sheath was just like I wanted it!

Thanks!

TF