Leather Sheath Help

[tueller]

Hi, I am going to order two custom sheaths. One for my Bark River Bravo 1 and one for my Esee 5. I want to get it right the first time around so I have a few questions and would love some recommendations/input. As for style, they will be similar to the Leather Sheath that comes with the Bravo 1 (mine didn't). But with a stone pouch as well as the fire steel loop. I still have to decide on color, hardware and retention strap type. For color, I am thinking black for the Bravo because it has flat black micarta scales and brown leather for the Esee 5 because it has the lighter canvas micarta scales. As for hardware, I am leaning towards a gun metal black snap for the esee's stone pouch to match the black blade and a nickel snap for the bravo's stone pouch to match the satin blade/scale pins.

I have questions for the retention strap set-up and hardware. For retention strap set-up, what should I go with, straight across the handle or diagonally across the hilt area? I am sure there are pro's and con's to each and I would love you guys to point them out. Also, not sure what it is called but I like the idea of being able to draw the knife quietly (hunting, mall ninja stuff, etc). So I am thinking instead of a standard snap on the retention strap, what is it called when there is a pin on one side and a slit in the leather on the other side, seems kind of old school. Please correct my terminology and let me know the pro's and con's of that set up as well. Thoughts???? Thanks for any input.

 

[leatherman]

The post your talking about is a Sam Browne Stud, and yes its much quieter. If you go that way I'd suggest an over the handle strap as its a lot more low profile on the body of the sheath. They tend to stick out on the handle a little excessively.

As for the rest of your wishes, looks like your going to be well equipped.

 

[tueller]

Thanks Leatherman! Yes a sam browne stud. Could you just clarify on your recommendation for the retention strap? Because of my ignorance on termonology, I am still unclear whether you recommended straight across the middle of the handle or diagonally across the base of the handle and the ricasso.

Also, cosmetically do you think the sam browne stud on the retention strap would look ok with a regular snap on the stone pouch? Or do you think that would look inconsistent? I was thinking that the snap on the stone pouch would provide better functionally and I couldn't come up with a scenario when I would need quiet access to an accessory in the pouch.

Thanks, I appreciate you giving me your professional opinion.

 

[leatherman]

Yes, diagonal across the guard and onto the body of the sheath.

I dont think it would be bad looking to do both on one sheath as long as your happy with it.

I did an ESEE-5 sheath a while back that had Sam Browne studs on both the body of the sheath and the accessory pouch, its doing well according to its owner. I will attach a pic.

He did a review on this one on his youtube channel as well.

Any of our fine leather workers would be able to do this, but I'd always check out the makers with the orange name colors first. They have contributed to this site with their memberships ( well worth it for a years membership) and should by all means get more attention.

 

[tueller]

That sheath is awesome... like you read my mind. Email sent.