My first molded sheath.....

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

Here is the first sheath I have made doing a wet mold.
It was for a customer request, how do you think I did on it?
Learned a bit making it - the knife was a Spyderco full size Manix C95.
Any ideas you guys want to share - tricks of the trade?

.

 

[Siper]

For the first molding, it's fantastic

Couple of tips though if I may. I do the molding, on the lightly frozen leather. Wet it and put it in a freezer for couple of minutes (apx. 10). This will easy the molding process (the leather will be less flexible afterwards, and will better "remember" the shape you give it). For simple molding, you can use a tea spoon if you don't have any other tools for it. It does the trick
One think about finishing stitch. Go to the last hole, pull the thread harder then, get back on this one hole pulling the thread lighter. This way, you'll get one thread above the other, not beside it I cut the thread from inside, leaving only about 0,5mm above the leather surface, and melt the ends inside the hole, using heated needle. This way, you get nice, clean finish stitch.

 

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

For the first molding, it's fantastic

Couple of tips though if I may. I do the molding, on the lightly frozen leather. Wet it and put it in a freezer for couple of minutes (apx. 10). This will easy the molding process (the leather will be less flexible afterwards, and will better "remember" the shape you give it). For simple molding, you can use a tea spoon if you don't have any other tools for it. It does the trick
One think about finishing stitch. Go to the last hole, pull the thread harder then, get back on this one hole pulling the thread lighter. This way, you'll get one thread above the other, not beside it I cut the thread from inside, leaving only about 0,5mm above the leather surface, and melt the ends inside the hole, using heated needle. This way, you get nice, clean finish stitch.

I'll try the freezer and the other ideas too.
Thanks!

 

[sintro]

Nothing like a sheath for a folder

Just a question, why do people use leather over a synthetic material like kydex when both are available?(is it cost, smell, old fashioned person?)

 

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

Nothing like a sheath for a folder

Just a question, why do people use leather over a synthetic material like kydex when both are available?(is it cost, smell, old fashioned person?)

The guy I made this for liked the knife, but size was the issue for pocket carry?
I think? Would really have to ask him.
And I guess he liked leather?

 

[sintro]

Lol okay, so I guess it's just preference on material. Is the sheath(for a folder) to protect other things in the pocket and the pocket itself?

 

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

Lol okay, so I guess it's just preference on material. Is the sheath(for a folder) to protect other things in the pocket and the pocket itself?

Sheaths are still made the same now as when man first started making them.
Two reasons - ONE being to be able to carry the knife. And TWO be able to protect the blade (from getting banged up - or cutting himself while carrying it)

And like this knife being a large knife -he wanted a sheath to carry it?
Preference on material - they've been using leather a long time.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[sintro]

Sorry about that, brainfart. I was imagining someone carrying the folder in the sheath...in their pocket. Hopefully I wasn't too annoying with my ditzy questions.

 

[thepaladin]

Nice sheath. I might have looped the belt loop a bit or used a spring clip rather than level. It looks a little flat for fitting a belt through but the molding is nice. I sometimes double stitch and side by side doesn't bother me but if it does you Siper covered it.