Making a metal sheath for middle eastern dagger?

J

joseph vitullo

Joined
Dec 9, 2014
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I was intrigued today when I saw these funky looking daggers online of middle eastern origin. I believe they were refered to as Jambiya or Khanjar daggers? Besides the unique "J" shape of the sheaths, I was impressed by the highly detailed designs on what appears to be a metal sheath. some were of brass, silver , or other types of metal. The part that's gets me is HOW though? The designs did not appear to be engraved, they were like metal wire crafted into designs on the sheath but then again I am not sure. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge in how these metal sheaths are made? I think I'd like to tackle this challenge and attempt to make one.
 
Welcome Joseph.

Those style sheaths require very advanced metal working experience and engraving skills. The two sheath halves are formed on shaped mandrels and then welded or soldered together. The gold designs are inlaid into the sheath with gravers and inlay tools.

Not to sound silly, but this type work is one of those, "If you have to ask, you probably don't have the skills and equipment to do it" things.

Bill Moran made a video on sheaths that covers the basic construction of a simple metal sheath. The ABS sells it through their on-line store. There are probably many on-line and you-tube sources for making a metal sheath, as well.

The inlay is complex and really for experts only. If you want to learn how to do it -
1) Take a course on engraving from GRS, buy a couple thousand in equipment, practice for a few years
2) Apprentice under a master jeweler for a several years.

An alternate to the metal sheath is a curved and embellished wooden sheath. These can be as fancy and amazing as the metal ones...and can be done with much simpler tools and skills.
 
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