Leather sheath construction

[Michael Bennett]

I'm looking to exchange thoughts on making a leather sheath.

This week's project is a sheath for a Schrade/Uncle Henry fixed blade hunter. The model number escapes me right now, but I'm sure most of you would recognize it.

Last night I made a wooden cutout of the knife profile, then used soaked a piece of leather in water and used the cutout as a form. I basically laid the cutout against another piece of wood, laid the leather over that, and secured it in place with small clamps. My hope is that when it dries, it will 'remember' the shape.

My question is: what should I treat the leather with to keep it water proof?

Thanks.

Mike

 

[george tichbourne]

I lean towards an untreated sheath, something that makes the sheath waterproof also holds water inside the sheath. I think that allowing the sheath to dry quickly is more desirable as far as the knife is concerned.

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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com

 

[Alberta Ed]

I use SnowSeal, a beeswax with silicon. Rub it on inside and out, then use a blow dryer (wipe handle off when you're done) to melt it in, or just put it out in the sun until the leather absorbs it. I leave a small hole at the bottom to let any water out.