Leather for Knife Sheaths

[Triquetra]

I'm going to attempt to make some leather sheaths for my Mora's, TAK-1, Old Hickory butcher knife mod, etc. What kind of leather should I use and what weight should I use? Anyone know of some good sources besides Tandy?

 

[Gossman Knives]

I get my leather from www.leatherunltd.com I use 8/9 oz but 7/8 oz would be good also. Quality leather will be hard once it's dyed and dried.
Scott

 

[enix]

I was wanting to make some simple ones for my moras and TAK-1 also. Thanks Gossman.

 

[StretchNM]

Depending on the Moras, (I own 3 of the 700 series), I'd use 7-8oz (with 7-8oz or lighter welt). The TAK I would almost certainly use 8-9, with either a 7-8oz or 8-9oz welt. I can't speak for the Old Hickory because I can;t picture it, but you'd probably choose the right weight.

Make sure to get vegetable tanned leather.

Here's a BRKT Highland in 7-8oz. THe Highland is about the same size as the Moras, albeit a little heavier.

 

[ilbruche]

Depending on the Moras, (I own 3 of the 700 series), I'd use 7-8oz (with 7-8oz or lighter welt). The TAK I would almost certainly use 8-9, with either a 7-8oz or 8-9oz welt. I can't speak for the Old Hickory because I can;t picture it, but you'd probably choose the right weight.

Make sure to get vegetable tanned leather.

Here's a BRKT Highland in 7-8oz. THe Highland is about the same size as the Moras, albeit a little heavier.

I dig the tooling on that sheath. Nice work. I did these with 8-9oz. veg-tanned.

 

[Fiddleback]

I get mine from siegel of ca. They're the cheapest I've found and they eat the shipping if you spend 75 bucks or more.

 

[StretchNM]

I dig the tooling on that sheath. Nice work. I did these with 8-9oz. veg-tanned.

QUOTE]

Thanks, Ilbruche!
Excellent work on yours too! I'm going to have to learn how to make the decorative thin lines like the first one pictured...I see that alot and I like it. I imagine I could do it with a stitch groover.

How did you finish those? Post your method. I love that color and sheen. :thumbup:

My tooling was done with the but end of some small toenail clippers
I followed the "veins" I could faintly see in the damp leather until they became invisible, then I just free-handed it. I recently made another one for that same knife with a rivet on the back for the strap. It's sewed and riveted. Inside, the leather is cut out for the rivet and thread, and also inset deep enough for a 2oz piece of deerskin to protect everything. I used the same tooling technique but it didn;t come out as nice as I wanted. Oil finish with Fiebings mahogany dye.

 

[ilbruche]

Thanks, Ilbruche!
Excellent work on yours too! I'm going to have to learn how to make the decorative thin lines like the first one pictured...I see that alot and I like it. I imagine I could do it with a stitch groover.

How did you finish those? Post your method. I love that color and sheen. :thumbup:

I use the adjustable groover and freehand groover for the lines.

I dye them with dark brown Fiebings diluted with Absolut Peppar vodka and peppermint schnapps. It was the only alcohol I had for diluting dye. I like to go over several times versus one heavy coat. I just treat them with neetsfoot oil.

I like the freehand groover a lot.

 

[Gossman Knives]

Since we're posting pics , here's some of the leather I use, 8/9 oz. veg tanned.
Scott

 

[Triquetra]

These are all great examples. I hope that I can do as well when I finally get some leather.