Lining a curved-mouth sheath??

[P. McKinley]

How can I account for the curvature of the mouth edge when I line this sheath?

The front face has a cocobolo inlay(as shown below). I like the aesthetic of the slightly rounded mouth rather than just straight. I can account for the 20(or so) degree angle, but I'm just not seeing how to account for the curve and still get a nice, tight, even transition when I fold the liner over the top of the front and back pieces. did I explain that right??

The sheath is an inlaid/lined, frog-adorned, stacked leather affair. This photo shows the cardboard sheath template on top fitted with the inlay piece. Below that is a version of the same sheath(reversed) but with a straight mouth.... I don't like the "look" as much as the curved template above shows, so I need to deal that curve.

This is one of those stupid-easy answers........ isn't it?

If anyone has a few tips I'd certainly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Peter

 

[sheathmaker]

Peter, based on your photo it should be relatively easy. If you use light weight deer skin (2/3 oz) it will stretch to give you a smooth roll with no problem at all. If you use 2/3 oz veg tan then after you stitch the retaining stitch line saturate the roll area with water and slowly work the roll over (much like wet forming) to get the smooth transition. Then apply the glue two both surfaces, two coats minimum and after the second coat dampen the entire grain side only of the lining to help it stretch, pull it down tight and smooth and complete the bond. Finished!

Two examples below of 2/3 oz veg tan rolled linings.

Paul

 

[P. McKinley]

Paul, I was thinking of doing the wet-forming technique. I'm using old leather jacket for a lining. A test is in order.

Thank you.

-Peter

 

[sheathmaker]

Peter, that old jacket is probably chrome tanned. Veg tan top grain works the best other than deer skin. I don't know if you can get the stretch and molding characteristics out of chrome tan like you can with deer skin and wet veg tan.

Paul

 

[i4Marc]

Paul,

I was under the impression that chemicals in chrome tanned leather can etch or damage a blade. Is this true?

 

[leatherman]

That is true. Suede is one of the worst culprits. The chromium salts always seem to remain in the leather and will leech out if it gets wet.