Leather QD khukuri sheath prototype

Bri in Chi

Bri in Chi

Joined
May 28, 2003
Messages
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I thought it might be fun to make a stacked leather Q.D. sheath. It ended up 8 layers thick at the thickest point. Almost an inch.
I think it might be #1 of 1. A lot of work, and I'm not sure it's any better than a wood frame sheath.
Anyway - it's fun to try this stuff.
 
Whoa..that a *lot* of leather Bri! Some cow somewhere is hiding in terror... ;-)
 
Brian, you must have "Thumbs of Steel" if you hand-stitched that thing. :eek: You, sir, are a real man! :cool:

Hey, howzabout posting some other views of it? :)
 
That was just the glue-up stage. I sewed it today, it took 2 hours and about 12 feet of thread (cord actually). I have a shop-made needle pusher, and I use a pair of pliers to pull the second needle through. I've got everything clamped-up until some glue dries, then I'll post some pix.
I followed Yvsa's instructions for taking the handle off the 12" AK and things went smoothly. I used an electric heat gun and the laha melted right out. Doesn't smell too nice :barf: The tang is really wide and the full thickness of the blade. I can see why they're so strong.
 
Whale of a difference between photo #1 and #2. Looks to be coming along nicely.
 
I'm sure that it's more labor than a wood sheath wrapped with thin leather. I just had to prove it to myself. When dry, I'll weigh both and see what that difference is.
 
Looking great Brian! I'm particularly interested to see your final evaluation between the two ways to do it!
 
looks good so far, Brian. Keep us posted w/ more pics. :D
 
Well...it's finally finished. Weighs 8 oz (as compared to 5 oz for my basswood and leather QD) - but the same as the original sarki-made sheath with tools. What are the advantages? Other than the original design, which I can't take a bit of credit for, I dunno. It won't break if you fall on it in the woods. It looks cool. It might be more durable, but I doubt if I'll use it enough (or, for that matter, live long enough) to find out.
Would I make another one? Probably not for my own use, as far as making one for someone else...? I'd want a lot $$$ to bother with it. The sewing alone took 2 hours. Cutting out the parts took an entire afternoon - it's 6 - 8 layers thick. All-in-all, I probably have 20 - 25 hours not counting design time, worry time and glue drying time. :D Plus a lot of leather :eek:
Here's a composite view - side, front, back.
 
Hey Brian, wuddaya think of using rivets, wood/plastic spacers instead of layered leather? I know it would not be the same. But if you cut leather front and back, made the handle snap, and used brass rivets spaced a couple of inches apart, the time saving would be enormous, yes?

dunno, just asking. Leather is heavy, wood/plastic (like lexan) is not.


Lovely craftsmanship.


Kis
 
I've made a lot of wood framed, leather-covered sheaths over the years, Kis. For this project, I just wanted to know what this would be like to make one out of leather. Also, I have this side of very heavy (3/16") vegetable tanned cowhide that I wanted to use for something worthwhile. Now I know. Whewwww....
 
Nice job Brian.:cool: :D I don't think the one I made for my Chitlangi as forged blade that I finished is quite that thick on the thick side, maybe six layers all total.
I used my Ryobi ,Dremel style, tool with a small drill to punch the holes in mine.
I had a little trouble with the small drill wanting to walk off through the multiple layers. A drill press would be the perfect way to drill the holes nice and even as well as straight.:D
 
Yes, Yvsa, a drill press makes a lot of difference. Especially when drilling so many holes :D I have enough trouble keeping the spacing even, without worrying about 2 other dimensions.
 
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