Leather & Kydex Cleaver Sheath. No, really.

[hunkachunka]

I was recently asked to make a kydex sheath for a kitchen cleaver. That's right. Well, I took the challenge, and suggested a leather wrap on the kydex. I worked out the details with the client, and went to work.

This is photographic proof of my time with what I remember fondly as... "The Cleaver"....

That's right. 16+ inches.

Initial Kydex thermoform...

Cut, shaped, sanded smooth.

Flaring the opening to easily accept... "The Cleaver".

Drilling some holes (I love my drill press).

Leather has been wetformed, and dried, and punched ("Take THAT, leather!").

Leather cut and ready for the dye.

Done!

The two loops are for a Mini-Maglite and a 3/8" firesteel...

There it is. I'm completely open to any comments or questions or instruction... This was my first time really working with leather, at least that much of it at once, so... Bring the fury.

Thanks for looking.

 

[GrizzlyBear]

Awesome! How old is that cleaver?

 

[foxx]

Holy guacamole! What kitchen does this guy work at? Camp Crystal Lake? Don't get me wrong, I like it! No body would mess with you while that's strapped to you.
I worked in the culinary industry for 12 years, and always wanted a nice sheath to carry a couple of knives on me. Somebody is always borrowing, using, or beating up the other guy's knives.
Is there a drain hole in the sheath?

 

[Sagewood]

Nice work man! That came out great.

 

[Travis E. Daniel]

I think you did an excellent job. Looks nice

 

[Loosearrow]

Nice work. I have an old cleaver that I was going to make a cover for the edge only. You sheath idea came out very nice. Looks like a great camp tool. You could also use it as a hatchet. I also thought of a file pocket included to keep her sharp. One side of the file could be smoothed down and used for flint and steel. What do yo think about a rough diamond stick sharpener where the flashlight loop goes? It's length could be shortened up some.

 

[hunkachunka]

GrizzlyBear, I have no idea how old "The Cleaver" is, but you can definitely feel that it has a history. Hopefully a pleasant one. \

Foxx, the guy was planning on using it as a camp tool, but several hundred miles south of Camp Crystal Lake, I think. There is indeed a drain hole, at the bottom on the inside edge side. You can see bigger (and more) pics on my Flikr site: http://tinyurl.com/36b32gm

Goose52 and Travis, thanks for the kind words. There's a huge community of talented leathercrafters here, and this is high praise indeed from any member of this site.

Loosearrow, that's a good idea. There are enough attachment points to hang a kitchen sink on... I'll forward your recommendation to the owner.

 

[rayban]

Cool rig......it's yelling out "take me camping, damn it!!"

Did you run out of rivets or do those two holes up top serve a purpose?

 

[Martin Swinkels]

Well Done!
I like that style.. :thumbup:

 

[AlvarF]

That´s a good work ! You have a great style. Great sheath. Keep on showing your works