Leather sheath - need feedback

defaultuser

defaultuser

Joined
May 3, 2006
Messages
2,401
Hello all,

I thought I'd show you leather pros this attempt:

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Here's the cool part (for me at least - maybe you seasoned pros all know about this?); I cut a small identation in the side for greater retention. The fit has to be very precise, the the knife is very secured in there. You hear a distinct "clack" when you sheath the knife.

SheathInTheWorks.jpg


Learned a few things making this one (I learn as I go :o): burnish the edges AFTER you dye the sheath, and put rubber gloves when you dye it dammit!
I can already hear the nasty comments at work tomorrow :eek:

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I'd like you to write down your immediate reaction after having seen the pictures, whether it is positive or negative. Be honest please :)
 
The WORST part about not wearing gloves in your case is the fact the crack users have blackened finger tips by burning their hands trying to light and hold the rock at the same time.

At least with other dye colors you can get away with it... now you look like a tweaker... ;)

Does the sheath have a belt loop?

Did you use a sander on your welt to make it blend into the two other sections of leather?

TF
 
OK TF...I asked all of you to be honest, I feel I should do the same :)

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Here you can see the gum leaving area where the dye didn't penetrate the leather.

As far as the sander, I'm not sure I understand your question (english is not my first language - this may explain why). If you're talking about the sides of the sheath then I guess the answer is "yes". I used a sanding drill attachment you find in automotive shops.

I don't do drugs - I swear! :D
 
Your english is MUCH better than my French or French Canadian... I guarantee.

1) Dye your leather RIGHT before you glue (you said Gum - we say glue) your pieces together.

2) Don't tie knots in your stitching - simply backstitch a few holes and you can then just cut off the thread.

3) 'Burnish' the edges with a hard brass rod (or a bone folder) it will give the edges a more hard and slick look.

4) Put the crack DOWN! That stuff will kill you.


TF


p.s. PLEASE do not see me as correcting your English - I am just making sure we are using the same words for the same things... ;)
 
Hey no sweat TF! Thanks for the pointers!

When I said gum, I meant Tragacant...OH The heck with it...Gum, you know, to burnish the sides. Don't make me fetch it in my messy shop to have the spelling right :D

Where did you see knots? Probably my bad pictures...no knots in there.

The bone to burnish the edges is a good trick; Scott Gossman just told me the exact same thing in my W&SS thread, using a piece of deer antler. I did it and it works great :thumbup:

One last crack fix and I go to bed...
 
While I'm not a "seasoned pro" like TF, I will say that you've done a good job, and looks like very good solid construction which will last a long time. That is more attractive to me than the cosmetic details.:thumbup:
 
While I'm certainly no pro... I think the sheath looks good. Could it be prettier? Sure. But like rayban, I think it looks to be a nice, rugged user. You've already pointed out a couple things you could do better. I think the knots Tal refers to is when looking at your belt loop. It looks like there's either some dangling thread or a knot in there. Either way, there's really no need for knots or danglers in your stitching. :D Just back-stitch a few times and cut the thread flush, like Tal said. Only other thing I can add is to avoid molding tools that have sharp edges or corners that can mar the leather.

Talfuchre said:
(you said Gum - we say glue)

TF
Click to expand...

Gum Tragacanth is a snot-like substance (available at Tandy) that is used along with your rod/bone folder/whatever other burnishing tool you use (I personally use a Sharpie marker and/or deer antler tine). You apply it to the edges before burnishing, and it helps mat down and seal the edges. Through the burnishing process, it forms a hard, shiny edge. You can acheive this without the gum, but the gum simplifies the process when you don't have any specialized equipment. I usually use bee's wax for this, although I do use Gum Tragacanth on occasion.


By the way... Tan dye is the worst to explain at work the next day........ :D
 
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You can get you hands clean by soaking them in a mild bleach/water mix.
Nice sheath.
Richard
 
TXBulldawg said:
I think the knots Tal refers to is when looking at your belt loop. It looks like there's either some dangling thread or a knot in there.
Click to expand...

Ah I see. No, this is no a knot, it's a piece of cedar leaf from when I put the sheath down to take the picture. The stich at the bottom of the belt loop looks like the top one.

Thanks all for your great comments and tips :thumbup:
 
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