Leather for sheath making

[cckw]

I have tinkered with this a bit and am happy with it for most of my axes. I hit some thrift stores and garage sales for leather. Wide leather belts, leather boots, and a leather hand bag. All good sources of leather for $2 or less. You have to make sure it is real leather.

On these cheap sheaths I use parachute cord to tie them on. Or you could buy a woven leather belt (form the 90's) and unweave it for the leather strips. So they basically look like the covers on some of the axes in the Swedish surplus thread.

only tools needed, leather punch (or a drill) a knife and some type of leather rivets. I have some I got somewhere, and by chance are the right length. So I have spend about $10 total and can do a dozen or more.

Not for your show off piece, but for us obsessed guys that buy every axe head that crosses our path, it is a cheap way to protect the edges. Plus this type of recycling is very satisfying. I'm not a tree hugger type, matter of fact I think global warming is nonsense. I do like to avoid waste and trash. And I get a kick out of true recycling like this.

Hope it appeals to some you also

 

[pullrich]

That's cool, never thought about that. I'm in.... it's one more reason to check out the estate and yard sales.
If you get a minute, post some pics of the sheaths. I agree, recycling stuff is just sensible, has zero to do with left-right political stance.

 

[cckw]

I knew when I was posting that someone would want to see photos. I have only done two, both given away. I'll probably do another in the next few days, it takes 30 minutes tops.

 

[church&son]

Leather carpenters nail bags and any of the "Biker" leather especially saddle bags, chaps and "Brooks" leather jackets. ""Justin" and similar high dollar boots are lined with thin leather you can slit for stitching and fringe. Stop by your local sewing store and get yourself a seam ripper, it tears out the thread instead of cutting the leather. If you are into that tactical....stuff..., my Son bought a surplus parachute from a flea market vender that had over a mile of paracord in it. Be aware, re-use will get in your blood and you will lose your Saturday mornings snooping around yard sales with a fist of one dollar bills. .........Randy

 

[ThundarStick]

I have made lots of leather "stuff" from leather hand bags that I have picked up at yard sales and thrift and second hand stores. Be aware that some of the chrome taned leathers will discolor or rust items!
I made a nice gun cleaning vise from reused lumber and padded with an old purse leather. The only thing I bought new was some copper braid nails and one bolt.:thumbup:

 

[Pipeman]

I check out most used clothing stores for leather coats etc. I found 5 brand new Old purses covered in snake skin a couple of years ago ;-))

Regards

Robin

 

[cckw]

Please elaborate on Chrome tanning? I looked it up and understand why/how (cheaper & faster) . But how do you know if it is chrome? and remedy for this?

 

[Pipeman]

Please elaborate on Chrome tanning? I looked it up and understand why/how (cheaper & faster) . But how do you know if it is chrome? and remedy for this?

Up here in Canada chrome tanning is banned due to the contamination from chromium use. It has been replaced with Veggie tanning. It's been years since I used it but basically it looks like veggie tan. I think it's still legal in the states.

Regards

Robin

 

[pullrich]

Be aware, re-use will get in your blood and you will lose your Saturday mornings snooping around yard sales with a fist of one dollar bills. .........Randy

Come on, youre talking to the axe forum guys, we're already out there with the dollar bills and pocket change, and it's almost yard sale season in my area!

 

[Pipeman]

Come on, youre talking to the axe forum guys, we're already out there with the dollar bills and pocket change, and it's almost yard sale season in my area!

Thank god, I'm going through yard sale withdrawal. ;-)))

Regards

Robin