Making my first sheath, what do I need?

[Fletch Helical]

I've recently completed my first knife and need to make a sheath for it. I would like to make a sheath that has a strap that goes behind the finger guard and snaps to the side of the sheath. I'm not sure how advanced something like that is but that is what I'd like to have the knife in. I'm also planning on doing some pouch sheaths as well at some point for future knives I'm working on.

To the best of my knowledge I have no leather stores in my area. So anything I'd need to get would have to be ordered. Bear in mind I am completely clueless, about all I know is I need some type of leather.

For reference here is a quick pic of the knife, still needs to be sharpened, cleaned up a bit and have better pics taken.

 

[NoahL]

I've recently completed my first knife and need to make a sheath for it. I would like to make a sheath that has a strap that goes behind the finger guard and snaps to the side of the sheath. I'm not sure how advanced something like that is but that is what I'd like to have the knife in. I'm also planning on doing some pouch sheaths as well at some point for future knives I'm working on.

To the best of my knowledge I have no leather stores in my area. So anything I'd need to get would have to be ordered. Bear in mind I am completely clueless, about all I know is I need some type of leather.

For reference here is a quick pic of the knife, still needs to be sharpened, cleaned up a bit and have better pics taken.

Well, there is a lot to leatherwork, so I'm not going to be able to cover everything, but here's a start:

7-10oz Vegetable/Bark-Tanned Leather (since you're in New Jersey, you're relatively close to where I get my horsehide leather--a company called Milton Sokol, if you want to give them a call)
Dye (spirit or water based, whichever you prefer)
Adhesive (contact/impact cement like Barge Cement or Masters Cement)
Stitch marker (overstitch wheel, or a fork will work as well)
Awl (diamond shaped and sharp, alternately, a drill press with a bit the size of your thread will work)
Thread (waxed linen/cotton/hemp, sinew, artificial sinew, etc.)
Harness/Saddle Needles (thick with blunted points)
Finish (Leather Balm w/ Atom Wax, Montana Pitch Blend, Sno-Seal, etc.)
Hardware (in your case, a snap and snap setter)

Some suppliers you can Google for these things:
Zack White Leather
Tandy Leather Factory
eLeatherSupply
Springfield Leather
Siegel's of California

As for building the thing, there are lots of tutorials online. In general, you will want to draw out the design on cardboard to make templates, that way you can make sure it will fit. Don't forget to include a strip of leather that will go between the front and back pieces to protect the stitching from the blade.

~Noah

P.S. I can't believe I forgot the most important thing! As Sandy says below, be adventurous, and have fun!

 

[helmar4578]

If you want to enjoy the results be adventurous. Use your visual senses, picture the knife and its sheath in your mind. It does not take a rocket scientist to come to the conclusion that the sheath is primarily to keep the knife from inflicting damage to the user. Chances are that you have the minimal tools to create your masterpiece or at least give you a picture of what you need if you care to proceed into future additions to your sheathing requirements. You will get more satsfactioin in fashioning YOUR sheath than following the instructiions of others. Having been in the position where you are a long time ago, I think the advice I proffer is valid---give it a try! ---Sandy---

 

[efahl]

I'm a total noob, but I'd suggest you read through the stickies in this forum as a start. There is a wealth of info right here that is worth its weight in gold.