I propose a dual.... I am calling you leather benders out....

[TPVT]

Tpvt

Are you about 1/8th away from the edge with your stitches? If so - you are fine with that. If 1/16 - it will work - but a little more would be better.

If you want to set those sheaths out in the sun to dry them - they will 'tan' on you just like your skin. Gives it a nice mellow look.

I noticed you ran your stitch groover all the way around - if you are going to do that - burnish that goove (when done stitching) with the tip of a bone folder or what have you - it helps it look a little more finish.

Concerning the leather - the raw material has a LOT to do with the final outcome. If you buy an economy side of leather from Wickett and Craig it runs about 100 dollars shipped - and you will have about 50 sheaths worth of QUALITY leather. Ask them to skive it to whatever thickness you want (Around 8 ounce would be good).

Here is what matters - in my opinion - you dared to fail. You learned a ton - and those knives are not safe to carry. You know how to get better and your learned and I hope you had fun. That can only be a success.

I think your best result is the one in the middle of the first picture - a great start and I am sure that it will work for a long time to come. Well done bro.

TF

good idea on the "sun tanning." i wouldn't have thought of that. thanks for the feedback.

 

[Rick Lowe]

I also think you've made functional sheaths and different form will follow. I fully agree with Tal in that you jumped in, made the effort and will learn a bunch from the experience.

Here's some, IMHO, thoughts on what you've accomplished. Yes, that sew line is really close to the edge. If you cut your welt 3/8" wide and put the sew line at 1/4" from the edge, there will be plenty of room for an even line of stitching and a nice finished edge.

The quality of leather makes everything better! Give an experienced leather worker some poor leather and the product will probably be inferior (not to mention the language he'll use while working it). Stay away from bellies, go with shoulders or double shoulders. I've bought and used a lot of leather from W/C, but have been buying from RJF Leather for about a year. Down side to W/C is that they only sell sides, which cost more per foot and you will have a portion of the belly hide that won't be useful. RJF double shoulders sell for $5.50/sq.ft. (#2 grade), average 15-18sq/ft. and I can get 20-25 average sheaths from one double with a minimum throw away.

The natural oil finish is just fine. If you like it, stay with it. I like pure neatsfoot oil and use it on many items. If you do order from W/C and get their russet color, it will take on a very rich finish with neatsfoot oil.

Keep going and improving!

 

[TPVT]

I also think you've made functional sheaths and different form will follow. I fully agree with Tal in that you jumped in, made the effort and will learn a bunch from the experience.

Here's some, IMHO, thoughts on what you've accomplished. Yes, that sew line is really close to the edge. If you cut your welt 3/8" wide and put the sew line at 1/4" from the edge, there will be plenty of room for an even line of stitching and a nice finished edge.

The quality of leather makes everything better! Give an experienced leather worker some poor leather and the product will probably be inferior (not to mention the language he'll use while working it). Stay away from bellies, go with shoulders or double shoulders. I've bought and used a lot of leather from W/C, but have been buying from RJF Leather for about a year. Down side to W/C is that they only sell sides, which cost more per foot and you will have a portion of the belly hide that won't be useful. RJF double shoulders sell for $5.50/sq.ft. (#2 grade), average 15-18sq/ft. and I can get 20-25 average sheaths from one double with a minimum throw away.

The natural oil finish is just fine. If you like it, stay with it. I like pure neatsfoot oil and use it on many items. If you do order from W/C and get their russet color, it will take on a very rich finish with neatsfoot oil.

Keep going and improving!

thanks for the advice and encouragement Rick.

 

[HWF]

Ok, so i still have Hugh's knives.

Todd!!! Those look great man. Means a lot to me that you made them. Thank you so much! I'm sure they will do their job just fine. Looking forward to getting my hands on them! Let me know if I can do anything for you.

 

[TPVT]

the sheaths are done (enough). they are en route back to Hugh. thanks very much for the time with your knives. very cool.

 

[HWF]

Those look fantastic! They'll do just fine! :thumbup:

Thanks for taking the time to make them and post pics! You Rock.

Hugh

 

[Fiddleback]

Well, I know I'm late to the party, but this is my entry. Its a sheath I just finished up for my own personal Small Gaucho knife. Woot.

 

[NoFair]

Very nice and gorgeous knife. Nice light and gun as well

 

[Rick Lowe]

That's really well done! Got it lined with a rolled top edge and all. I can see the visits with Dad have paid off for sure. I'm getting ready to do a holster for my Kimber with the same design and clip. My favorite way to carry that model pistol.

 

[HWF]

Wow! What a beauty! LOVE that gaucho and the sheath as well. Nicely done!