Machetes and Sheaths

L

loki67

Joined
Sep 19, 2000
Messages
330
I've been a fan of the Ontario machetes for awhile now and had been using my modified 12 light machete quite a bit for bushwhacking.
But after seeing some of the modified 12 inch heavy machetes around here I got off my butt and ordered up a couple to play with.

First thing I noticed was it needed a sheath, and being a leather goods making guy I decided to use 10 oz. vegetable tanned cow.
Here it is with the blade in the sheath.
12inch_sheath.jpg



I fitted the sheath so the machete won't move but when you draw it pulls out like nothing is touching it.

Here is the sheath with the blade out.
12inch_and_sheath.jpg



I glued, riveted, and stitched the sheath so it's not going anywhere no matter how hard I use it. I made the belt loop adjustable for drop by fastening it with Chicago screws. It's set for max drop in the picture. I left the leather natural and treated it with a carnauba wax cream for water and dirt resistance.

I like the idea of a stone pouch and will be doing another one like this with a pouch made to hold a coarse/medium Dia-Fold sharpener.

I do have some kydex and considered using it but I'm better at leather at this point so I opted for the known evil. ;)
The next thing to do is improve the handles and convex the edge. I'm thinking brown linen micarta scales would look and feel great.

Any feedback is appreciated so feel free to comment.
Let's some of yours! :thumbup:
 
wow, Great job on the sheath. Those ontario's make some very good machetes.
 
Nice sheath. Certainly beats the cardboard and duct tape one I made for my Tramontina bolo today.
 
Really nice job.

I would like to see the loop and the hardware you used as I am making one for my 12 inch ontario as well as for an old butcher knife I like to use as a bush knife.
 
Here's a picture of the machete I made the sheath for after being modified and having new scales fitted to it.
12inch_new_scales.jpg


The scales still need finishing (I glued them on last night) but they are linen micarta with brass pins.

Here's a pic of the sheath back to see the adjustable drop for the belt loop.
beltloop_drop.jpg


Here's the loop from the side.
beltloop.jpg


One thing I did notice is after the convexing and point modification the sheath no longer fits this blade like I want and I will need to make another.

I guess it is time to do one with a stone pouch.:D
 
Great looking sheath! I wish more machetes came with a good leather sheath. How did the handles come out?
 
Loki

That is some sweet work bro...I did some kydex sheaths for a customer last week that turned put pretty good, but there is something about a good quality leather sheath

VERY good work bro
 
:thumbup: nice sheath. I'm planning on getting an ontario 12" or 18" since my only machetes so far are hardware stoe cheapies. I'll try putting together a canvas sheath, or use the one that comes with coleman machetes.
my old machetes will soon become beaters for nastier work. :D
 
Suerte,

The handle turned out thinner than I like so I gave it a para-cord wrap.
I'd post a pic but I already traded it off to a buddy.
I'm doing another one soon with thicker scales for myself.

Thanks for the comments guys!
 
Thanks Leatherface!

I've been working on my finishing skills quite a bit. They seem to get better on every one.

And as you know it's the details that makes the work.:D

I've been to your page before and really liked the work you do, so your comment means quite a bit to me.

Thanks!
 
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