Need sheath advice, please.

weo

weo

Basic Member
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Sep 21, 2014
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Hello all. Here's my latest completion. I'd like to make a sheath to include before I put it up for sale, but to date I've only made pouch sheaths and I'm pretty sure that won't work for this style.

PSwKOdl.jpg

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I'm pretty sure I need a safety strap around the bolster, but I don't like snaps on a sheath. So what do I do?

Thanks

as always
peace and love
billyO
 
Actually if I was handed that knife for a sheath, a deep seat pouch style is exactly what I would make for it tailored to show the blade shape. An example is shown below. Fully lined with Deer skin and a simple basketweave tooling pattern. The deep seat of the knife makes any retention straps, snaps etc, totally unnecessary. I didn't photograph the back of the sheath, but there is roll to the back integral belt loop hidden back there

Paul100_2895.jpg
 
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Thanks, Paul. I've never lined a sheath with deer skin. What's the benefit?
 
The benefit is it creates the perception of higher quality work in the eyes of the consumer. Many of the makers don't bother to line their work. The lining kind of sets that work apart, and the real tangible benefit is if you are working with very expensive knives as I do then the softer Deer skin or other top grain linings help protect the blade from scratches and other abrasive damage or wear.

Based on today's leather prices, lining a sheath makes the material cost just about exactly double. Lighter weight leathers used to be scaled cheaper, but now everything (weight wise) is the same price per foot. 2/3 costs exactly the same as 7/8 or 8/10 etc.

Finally after so many years of never making anything that was not fully lined....my customers just kind of expect it from me. Your experience may be different.

Paul
 
Thanks Paul.

On a mildly related note, pretty much all I do is damascus and not stainless, and to prevent rust, I wipe my blades with camelia oil. Is it a good idea (or bad) to give the inside of the sheath a coat of oil so that the blade gets a dose each time it is put in the sheath?

~billyO
 
I can't speak from experience because Im have never oiled the inside of my sheaths, but logic leads me to believe if you do put oil or any other attractant to grime, dust ,dirt or foreign debris it could easily be a recipe for disaster. Common sense tells me to keep the inside of the sheath dry and if it does get wet be sure to air dry it for an extended period before reinserting the knife. The light coat of oil you put directly on your blades shouldn't have much effect on the interior of your sheath or at least that has been my experience.

Finally anything I write here is my personal opinion and the way I see and do things. I do not intended to imply my way is the only way or even the best way........it's just MY way.

Paul
 
That makes sense. Thank you.

And just because it's your way doesn't mean it's not the right way....

~billyO
 
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