My Second Sheath Ever!

The sheath looks great, but I can't help but be struck by how great your knives always look! Truly exceptional work... they look like something that WANTS to be used, but they're finished like they could be safe queens!
 
That's a beauty for only the second shot at it!! But coming from your shop, a very high level of craftsmanship and performance is simply coming up to "The Higgins Standard" that we've come to expect of you. You are indeed a multi-talented individual in many ways.

I like the overall design of the sheath, especially the flow of the tooled area within the shape of the sheath's profile. The scallops around the edges of the tooled fields creates a distinct border that deepens the visual depth of the design. The balance of tooled vs plain leather and the way that the blank "stripe" between the tooling fairs into the curve where the sheath bulges out to accomodate the guard makes it a pleasing package to my eye.

That stitching is very well done, especially for being done by hand. I assume you used an overstitch wheel after stitching to get it so even.

I agree that finishing the edges of the leather helps create the impression of a high quality sheath. It's one of the details that shows potential buyers how focused and interested a craftsman is in creating the best product he can.

Re: color -- IMHO the rich brown wood of the knife handle deserves an equally rich sheath, so I advocate coloring the sheath to match. Whether to use dye or stain is a recomendation I leave to the experienced craftsmen in the crowd.

Again, a very impressive showing for only your second attempt!
 
I haven't seen that stamp used to make a "basketweave" pattern before. I like it a lot and will be trying it.

Personally, I like to die the leather before stitching, then touch up the edges after dressing them with the grinder after stitching. Do you stitch using an awl to make the holes or do you drill them? I got better at it after starting to use a diamond point awl on the advice of Chuck Burrows, but however you do it, your stitching is very good.
 
shgeo said:
I haven't seen that stamp used to make a "basketweave" pattern before. I like it a lot and will be trying it.

Personally, I like to die the leather before stitching, then touch up the edges after dressing them with the grinder after stitching. Do you stitch using an awl to make the holes or do you drill them? I got better at it after starting to use a diamond point awl on the advice of Chuck Burrows, but however you do it, your stitching is very good.
Click to expand...

My wife bought on ebay last year an entire toolbox full of leatherworking tools. I only had to buy a couple things to flesh it out. The stamp I used in to make the pattern looks like fishscales to me, and I have two sizes. In fact, out of around 30 or so stamps that were in that box, there were'nt ANY basketweave!

I still need a few things, but I think I got what I need for quite a few sheaths now. Oh btw, I use a square harness awl to make my holes and I use Barbour's Red Hand Linen 5-cord.
 
I have that stamp. I have only used it for edges in the past. I just meant that the way you used it was a basketweave style pattern. I like the way it works together.
 
looks great higgy, is it ok if i call you higgy? :)

The knife looks great too!!!
 
I think you're quite wrong about me being sarcastic, cdcc. :jerkit: (Edit note: the comment that inspired this retort was promptly edited out of the previous post. Since I'm an AH, I decided to leave mine in.)

I was asking about the smudges simply to suggest he clean it before dying. It can cause troubles sometimes and leave splotches. Sandy thought it was pertinent enough to suggest a solution.

End of story, unless you want to make an issue of it??
 
Jeff - glad to see the DVD helped - now my hat won't fit for sure....
As for any "boogering it up" ;) ;) ;) - as our new mod, Master Williams, is oft heard saying "If you can't fix it - feature it!"
Anyway nice job :thumbup: :D :thumbup:










PS - the "boogered up" comment is due to my overusing that term during filming - my loving wife noted that when viewing it - it's a term I seldom use but for some reason..........do you reckon maybe wearing my overalls and Willie rag while filming made me sound like Gomer........:confused:
 
Higgy........ I posted in another place about your sheath, however, again..........Great Job :thumbup:

If you have never tried cleaning the "smudgies" on undyed leather using Oxalic Acid, you just can't imagine how well it works. There are posts floating around that give ideas on mix ratios, etc.

My friend Sandy put me onto this magic stuff. Just stop by your local hardware store and pick up some "Wood Bleach".

Robert
 
OK since no one else has said it... I hate you Jeff. :)

In all seriousness, you did a superb job with that sheath. I just ordered the Chuck Burrows DVD in the hopes that maybe - just maybe - I'll learn how to make a nice sheath as well.

I look forward to seeing it once it's stained. Another pic of that hunter would be cool too. Great job on both.
 
higgy you suck, my 50th sheath didn't look that good. i have made approximately 50% more sheaths than knives and that ratio doesn't seem to be improving and i have watched chuck's video a couple times....
 
Wild Rose said:
Jeff - glad to see the DVD helped - now my hat won't fit for sure....
As for any "boogering it up" ;) ;) ;) - as our new mod, Master Williams, is oft heard saying "If you can't fix it - feature it!"
Anyway nice job :thumbup: :D :thumbup:
PS - the "boogered up" comment is due to my overusing that term during filming - my loving wife noted that when viewing it - it's a term I seldom use but for some reason..........do you reckon maybe wearing my overalls and Willie rag while filming made me sound like Gomer........:confused:
Click to expand...

My Sheath Master!

51175080-M.gif
 
Roosko said:
Higgy........ I posted in another place about your sheath, however, again..........Great Job :thumbup:

If you have never tried cleaning the "smudgies" on undyed leather using Oxalic Acid, you just can't imagine how well it works. There are posts floating around that give ideas on mix ratios, etc.

My friend Sandy put me onto this magic stuff. Just stop by your local hardware store and pick up some "Wood Bleach".

Robert
Click to expand...

Hey you old mater-gravy eating fella! :D

I was thinking once the dye and the bag-kote gets here tonight it'll take care of those smudges. We'll see. Hey also, do you think rubbing ouchy-hol will clean it a little if I use it to deglaze?
 
adammichael said:
Sorry, it wont work with a Bader, you need to get a KMG, It only works with REAL grinders..:D
Click to expand...

unless you use a worn out 30 micron on a wilton:D

Jeff for a 2nd :thumbup:
I do like a full molded pouch myself and think it's easier to work with the leather. if that was:o full soaked forgive me, where it's not molded in at the recarso < spelling? it doesn't look like it was done that way..sorry
if you dip the whole sheath when you mold the loop you'll not see a water line
anyway nice job..now do some basket weave stamping.:)

never mind on the water line I just looked again and see you sewed on the loop:o
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top