LotR style gilded sheath

[robs456]

Made a sheath for my 8 year old nephew's first knife.
The kid is into Lord of the Rings so made it look 'elfish', and even gilded the carving with 23 karat gold leaf. Knife is a 'No Name Brand' mystery steel that I sharpened up to hair popping, parental guidance is required for both knife and sheath I would say.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Interesting, how did you do the gold leaf?

 

[ANovinc]

That's a nice looking combo. The gold leaf looks real good on there.

 

[robs456]

Interesting, how did you do the gold leaf?

Traditional method, I guess. Was my first time so not sure...didn't use the bookbinding method though.
But I used acrylic glue/sizing, applied twice with 24 hours in between then on with the gold leaf. I hope it will hold up.

That's a nice looking combo. The gold leaf looks real good on there.

Thanks, I do think the gold and the brown work well together, especially as it is just on the details and not too much.

 

[Maineiac1]

very nice! what weight leather is it from?

 

[robs456]

very nice! what weight leather is it from?

Thanks, it's 2mm (about 5 oz) Tärnsjö veg tanned (Swedish tannery).

 

[Hengelo_77]

I hope it holds up as well. Please let us know

 

[Maineiac1]

I hope it holds up as well. Please let us know

Because of the weight of the leather?

 

[Hengelo_77]

The gold may wear off when used is what I fear

 

[robs456]

The gold may wear off when used is what I fear

Yup, me too. I did put two layers of finish over it but it's still very thin. I'm hoping that it comes off in a cool looking way with with small scratches instead of large patches so that you'll still have a good overview of what it used to be.
Then again, I'm hoping the sheath sees hard use in the woods so wear and tear will be inevitable and just adds 'character' to the sheath. Until it's time to make another one...

 

[Hengelo_77]