More of My Recent Sheath Work

L

lowes48

Joined
Jan 25, 2010
Messages
45
Hey Guys,

Just wanted to post a recent sheath I did for one of Kyle Gahagan’s knives. I actually did 8 in total but this one is for a Stag handle Hunter to be exact. The sheath was originally done with natural thread but the new owner wanted it changed to rust, so here is the updated result! Thanks to you all for your inspiration and tutelage! I'm getting better on my edge burnishing!











 
Very nice work. One suggestion. I've had sharp points, like the bottom of your sheath and the top corner, curl, get dinged up, abrade get knocked out of shape etc. I kind of nip those off these days. Here's a pic to illustrate what I'm talking about. This slip sheath for this paring knife had 3 sharp corners, but I trimmed em off.

Knk1MGe.jpg


Some guys really like those sharp points though and they aren't wrong. Just saying they are a wear point if the sheath is really used.

Your stamping is excellent. Real nice job.
 
Dave,

Thanks for your input! I do fully understand that the sharp points would wear with use, but as you've probably guessed, this one will never get put to use! But again, for a true user I would take your suggestions to heart!
 
That sheath is REALLY well done! I would grade it at about 97.5. If you are looking for the other 2.5 points, they went with the size of your stitch holes compared to the thread of your choice. The thread should fill the stitch hole completely to look its very best. I don't know if you used a drill bit or not, but if you chuck up a heavy stitcher needle (a 24 or 25) and punch the holes, without the press running. You will get a: smaller holes to start with, and b: holes that will close up some under the tension of the thread with each stitch. Be sure to lube the needle every few stitches when punching with either bee's wax or paraffin wax, that makes the whole process much easier.

Again, great job on this one!

Paul
 
I think Paul is right - and the stitch holes seem to be because you are using a drill press. May I suggest a 0 needle chucked up in that same drill press and 1mm thread in a #2 needle to stitch.

Good work brother!

Jason
 
Must chime in. sorry. Its not the drill press and bit, its the bit size honestly. Use the smallest bit your comfortable dragging that needle through. Weather it be a 1/16ths or one step larger. I find the 5/32nd a little easier to work with, but I stitch several sheaths a week so its a matter of survival honestly. I do not machine stitch or use a needle in my drill press. I tried both and neither one suited me.

My favorite mentor Dave Cole used a drill bit chucked backward with an angle ground on. This makes the holes both smoother and none of that pooch that you get with a standard chucked bit. That said there is nothing wrong with using a standard bit, just dont use then past their sharpness, that is where you start seeing bad holes.

When I started this whole mess back in 1996 no one used a machine in my little network, 2001 when I went pro it was still seen as production stuff, now it seems the side has turned to machine as being the only way to professionally make a sheath. Whatever way you do it is fine, just as long as you dont disparage someone for doing it differently, right? Its interesting to watch the evolution of the craft from one way to the other.

Sorry for the rambling, I'm just very passionate about my craft and simply want everyone to learn that wants to learn in their own way.
 
Gentlemen, thank you all for your input! I'm very flattered by Mr. Long's assessment, not to slight any of the other talented craftsmen who offered their feedback as well! It is all welcomed and will be put into practice! I just finished up another sheath so I'll post it in a bit!
 
Great job on the sheath sir.
I peruse these forums for tidbits of info on sheath making and I am never disappointed. Thanks all for great tips and advice.

Sent from my KIW-L24 using Tapatalk
 
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