My contribution to Shark Week :)

[mt_hangglider]

Been seeing all things Shark on TV recently so I figured I'd contribute. It's been a while since I shared anything here. Haven't been doing much leather work lately until I got a new knife the other day made by Chad Nell. A superlative, finely crafted knife in every way.

So naturally it needed a sheath. It's definitely not the best work I've ever done but is making a nice home for the knife for now. I also lined the inside with some thin 2/3oz Herman Oaks veg tan since I'm pretty sure the shark is chrome.

and a grainy on the belt shot...

So far, a great little belt sheath. Have a great rest of the week guys!

 

[Gadsden]

I would were it. Good job.

 

[sheathmaker]

Two words, Very nice!!

Speaking of Shark it makes a really nice "bullet proof" sheath either as the base material (Over veg. tan body) or inlays and overlays

Paul

 

[mt_hangglider]

Thanks Paul and Gadsden! I appreciate the kind words! Paul your work is absolutely outstanding! You are spot on with the bullet proof nature of shark. I always joke (may end up being true) that the nylon thread holding it all together will wear out before the shark leather does.

I've definitely been thinking of ways to use my exotics differently too. I think the next project will be a classy black gator / brown veg tan pocket sheath for a friction folder a knife maker is finishing up for me. Picked up some nice gator at the leather show this year from Jerry VanAmburg and haven't had anything I really wanted to use it for until now. I was thinking something similar to this with a cutout window inlay (which is one of your creations if I'm not mistaken). Any tips for me to consider?

Two words, Very nice!!

Speaking of Shark it makes a really nice "bullet proof" sheath either as the base material (Over veg. tan body) or inlays and overlays

Paul

 

[sheathmaker]

Wow, that sheath of mine you pictured is about 10 years old. If you have access to a good splitter, I always spit the 7/8oz block cut about in half and then cut the window and install the inlay and then cement the two pieces back together, and then cut out the final pattern shape. Makes for a much smaller "step" in the window and a better looking inlay. Save the window cut out for the backing or padding for the inlay when you reassemble.

Paul

 

[mt_hangglider]

Ah, so that's the trick! I've only tried one cutout inlay for a fixed blade but it was like the 3rd or 4th sheath I had ever made. Looked ok but you're right the "step" was much too deep as you can see from my photo. Also didn't use a backing which I will try this time. Now that my skills have improved, I'm confident I can do better. I also want to edge slick / finish the inside of the cutout so it looks more refined. I appreciate the help Paul!

Wow, that sheath of mine you pictured is about 10 years old. If you have access to a good splitter, I always spit the 7/8oz block cut about in half and then cut the window and install the inlay and then cement the two pieces back together, and then cut out the final pattern shape. Makes for a much smaller "step" in the window and a better looking inlay. Save the window cut out for the backing or padding for the inlay when you reassemble.

Paul

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Looks great. Shark is the best imho. I have zero wear on the things I've used it for. I always thought the stuff would be like sandpaper (as people describe it), but it just feels like it looks.

I've never used it on a folder sheath. I will now.

 

[mt_hangglider]

Thanks Anthony! I appreciate it! Glad I could give you some inspiration. Shark is the best. I have to keep myself from wanting to use it on dang near everything I make .

Looks great. Shark is the best imho. I have zero wear on the things I've used it for. I always thought the stuff would be like sandpaper (as people describe it), but it just feels like it looks.

I've never used it on a folder sheath. I will now.

 

[Macan]

Those sharks look really good, but that croc is great picture and sheat:thumbup:

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Those sharks look really good, but that croc is great picture and sheat[emoji106]

The only downside to shark that I've seen is that it isn't necessarily unique looking enough for people to identify what it is. I've had several people comment on the stuff I use it for, then be very surprised when I tell them it's shark skin. Everyone knows croc when they see it. Even so, shark is my personal favorite.