Looking for some leather and tool advise.

D

DirtyPhill

Joined
Nov 13, 2007
Messages
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I would like to attempt to make pouch style sheaths for my smaller Busses. Suggestions on what leather works the best, what leather working tools will be needed. Or any other supplies or advise would be appreciated.
Thanks Phil
 
For the smaller knives I prefer 7-8 ounce leather, shoulders preferred. Stay away from the lure of the belly leather, its not worth it.

As for tools, look at the basic leather crafting set at Tandy as a guide. Its a decent overall set. It gives you the basics plus a few more.

Look at a lot,and I mean a LOT of the tutorials posted here and on YouTube. They are an invaluable resource. We have a sheath making forum here that has a ton of information to look through.
 
From another beginner, perhaps you can learn from my mistakes. They say that insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. LOL

I've always stunk at:

Selecting quality hides. I need thicker leather, I think. 7-8 is your MINIMUM! (I think I was stupid multiple times and got 4-5.)
Burnishing edges. I've tried 4-5 different ways - it doesn't work. Perhaps it's easier on thicker leather. I just stink at it.
Cutting a sheath LARGE enough - they always LOOK bigger on the drawing board than they turn out sewn.
 
Dennis in MA said:
Cutting a sheath LARGE enough - they always LOOK bigger on the drawing board than they turn out sewn.
Click to expand...

If you're making a pattern for something that folds be sure to add room in the template for the leather's thickness.

I second scouring the Intertubes for tutorials.

See if your local Tandy store teaches classes. If they do, take all you can.
 
A good rule of thumb is for pouches for blades up to five inches, 7-8 ounce. Over five you can go 7-8 but 8-9 holds up better. Large heavy blades get at lease 8-9 but most of mine are 9-10.

Edges, now that is the bane of most sheathmakers, they can make you crazy. Some simply dont want to go smooth no matter how much you sand. Here's my recipe, your results may vary.

**Even up on a sander, either belt or disk, this helps you get the edge evened up and straight. Then sew.
**Take back to the belt on a light grit, the sewing will compress the leather making it a little uneven, I use either 120 or 150 for this.
**Hand sand with varied grades of paper, 300-600, wetting the leather with a sponge. You are polishing while you are sanding. When it feels and looks smooth your good to go.
**Apply gum tragacanth with a rag and rub vigorously, No burnishing required.

Getting the pattern sized correctly for a pouch is difficult. I always over size and then fit the sheath to the knife during construction.
 
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