Need advice on making a case for a slipjoint.

cockroachfarm

cockroachfarm

Joined
Jan 6, 2001
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I'm experimenting with making some leather slipcases for my lockbacks and slipjoints, so they don't get scratched up when I carry them in my pockets.

I'm using snake skin, fish skin, etc. I was thinking of lining each case so it doesn't scratch the knife, using either chamois or Ultrasuede (tm).

The chamois just "feels" nicer. I understand the rationale for not "storing" a large fixed blade inside its sheath (rust, etc.) but would I also have to worry about this with a case for a closed slipjoint? These are knives I actually USE on a regular basis, so they would be in and out of their cases probably several times a day.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you!
 
I have used EEL SkIN before. It is about the toughest hide ever and very thin and classy. Check ebay for ladies purses.
 
Yes, I bought some eelskin also. And I will get some stingray soon. But before I start cutting and assembling, I'd like some advice on what I will use as a "liner" - chamois or Ultrasuede(tm). I'd prefer the chamois - it is natural and has a bit of "grip". But will it affect the knife in any way - even though it is slipped in and out of the case on a regular basis? (If I am not going to use the knife for a while, I won't "store" it in the slipcase.)
 
Originally posted by Graymaker
how about pig skin? for a liner
:)
Click to expand...

Yes, I like that. (Never thought of pigskin. Would have a nice "grip" to it to hold the knife.)

Still need an answer to my original concern: would a liner made of chamois, or pigskin (I like it!), have the potential to cause any damage to the closed knife - due to whatever was used to prepare the skin that I'm using as a liner? (Remember - I am not storing the knife in this slipcase, just carrying it.) My assumption would be that there would be no damage because I am removing and replacing the knife several times a day - and not "storing" it for days or weeks at a time.

Am I correct?
 
some of the guys use the pig skin to polish and clean knives .
but like anything that will take on water you have that chance
but I'd say if you use it every day just wipe her down good
and use a little oil on it or polish to help it out. :)
just My 2 cents
 
I thought of felt, but I don't think it will have enough "grip" as a liner to an open slipcase.

Since no one has come back with "No, do NOT use chamois or pigskin!" and given a concrete reason - I think I'll try all four materials as a liner and see which I like best, and which works best.

Thanks!
 
Holger, I use goatskin (vegetable tanned) to line most of my sheaths, because it is cleaner and classier than the pigskin I used previously. If you want enough to line a sheath or two, I can bring some to Atlanta if you are going to the Blade show.
 
Hi, Don! Thanks for the offer, but no Blade Show for me this year - my FIRST Blade Show attendance will have to wait until NEXT year. I'm going over to Tandy Leather next week to have a look around; maybe they have smaller pieces of goatskin I can buy. I'm not making sheaths yet, just some small, open-end slipcases for a few of my slipjoints and lockbacks. Thomas Haslinger saw a small "rough" case I made for my Bud Weston EDC "Roach" knife - and he was complimentary enough to encourage me to make something a bit nicer and more finished.
 
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