Pocket Sheaths & Sliced Stitching?

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blue333

blue333

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I just very recently purchased a JouFuu sheath from a member at another forum, I picked it up to use with my Hiking Buddy. Upon receiving said sheath, I noticed that the stitching on top and in the inside of the pocket clip stitching was undone/loosening up. The sheath is barely used and looks brand new, so I dont think it was a over time thing. At any rate, after reaching out to JouFuu without seeing pics, he said the original buyer sliced the thread with his knife. To fix said issue, it would cost quite a bit as the whole sheath would have to be cut open. Needless to say I declined that option.
But my thing now is, I was sooo set on rocking a pocket sheath for my hiking buddy, but now im second guessing buying another sheath, I am considering a Diomedes pocket sheath, and am worried now that eventually the stitching will be sliced and I will have the same issue? The sheath is a nice chunk of cheese and I dont want to have this issue arise again.
I know there's a ton of people here using pocket sheaths, so maybe some of you can chime in and let me know if this a common occurance?
I've sheathed a knife a many of times, but never on this style. Is there a trick to it? I wouldn't think so, but thought I would ask to cover all my basis.

To sum it up, im on the fence with pocket sheaths, but is this problem with stitching even a thing? Here are some pics:

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Bummer... I carry my Surls Patch in a Diomedes taco style pocket sheath every day and never have had any issues. I think a thread does get sliced every once in a while on sheaths, but a little mindfulness while sheathing the knife should prevent that on a well made sheath.

NHqXCFol.jpg
 
Thanks for chiming in Odaon! From what I have heard, the leather used by Diomedes is nice and thick. This is a big plus for me. The leather on the sheath I just got, seems to be a bit to thin for my liking. I have pretty much made up my mind and will go with a Diomedes sheath. Not sure what size will work with a Hiking Buddy though, can anyone tell me what model works? Thanks
 
blue333 said:
Thanks for chiming in Odaon! From what I have heard, the leather used by Diomedes is nice and thick. This is a big plus for me. The leather on the sheath I just got, seems to be a bit to thin for my liking. I have pretty much made up my mind and will go with a Diomedes sheath. Not sure what size will work with a Hiking Buddy though, can anyone tell me what model works? Thanks
Click to expand...

I have sheaths from RLO and Diomedes. I personal have been so please with both of their work that I have no reason to get sheaths from anyone else. That's just how it happened for me, I know there are a ton of awesome sheath makers out there.

As for models, Fiddleback Outpost has tons of info on that. If you wanting something specific just send them or Diomedes a message.
 
Thanks for chiming in fellas! I will be picking up an Diomedes Earl from Fiddleback Outpost in the near future!
In the meantime, got lots of posts to look through in the Fiddlebacks & leather thread. I have seen so many cool set up's!
 
Got a reminder to stay aware the other day when I was putting my Surl back into the sheath, I put the tip and another inch or so right through side of the sheath! Went through easy. I have cut the top edges of sheaths but never the side, learn something new everyday. I was rushing that day I think, as I cut my finger not long after....
 
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Odaon said:
Bummer... I carry my Surls Patch in a Diomedes taco style pocket sheath every day and never have had any issues. I think a thread does get sliced every once in a while on sheaths, but a little mindfulness while sheathing the knife should prevent that on a well made sheath.

NHqXCFol.jpg
Click to expand...
Hey Odaon,
Does it have a clip on the other side or is it a simple slip design?
The blue thread is very nice, btw :thumbsup:
 
That style of clip installation is a commonly used method that prevents having any metal in the sheath. The stitching is exposed on the inside and can be cut when inserting the blade. Doesn't happen very often, but no way to fix, just have to build a new one. Same thing can happen with sewn belt loop or the way I do a cross draw carry. It really is just a quirky thing that happens sometimes. I do 200+ sheaths a year and (knocking on wood) haven't had this come up but a couple times in last 5yrs. My policy is to just replace. Jason (Diomedes) does his the same way and they are really well done.
 
Sheath choices are either going to be leather or kydex and kydex will be more likely to scratch a blade, so I go with leather when it comes to customs. Any thread or any leather, no matter how thick, is going to get cut if you run that sharp edge across them. You just really need to make sure you're placing the knife into the sheath along its intended path, and also don't push too far. The other option is to dull your tip and carry an unsharpened knife. ;)

And there's your Captain Obvious reminder of the day to all us knife carrying foo's (including myself)

images.jpeg
 
Easy fix. Pull a couple of stitches out and melt the waxed thread into the hole. Done. A few stitches less in that area isn't a structural concern IMO. I'd melt those back in and keep using the sheath. The stitches on the inside should be in a groove, which should protect them from getting sliced. But, leather isn't edgeproof and neither are stitches. That said, I've never had this happen to any of my personal sheaths by Joufuu, or anyone else.
 
Thanks to everyone who's chimed in, all good stuff for sure!
One question I just thought about is, when you draw your knife, are you able to do so without the sheath popping out of your pocket? Being able to draw said knife smoothly out, without the sheath coming out of pocket, would be very nice.
I absolutely love the look of aged leather (like a well patina'd leather wallet) and am hoping to achieve the look with a pocket sheath. This is the main reason why I want a good solid well crafted leather sheath. I don't mind paying the higher price, if the sheath is well made.
 
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Fiddleback said:
Easy fix. Pull a couple of stitches out and melt the waxed thread into the hole. Done. A few stitches less in that area isn't a structural concern IMO. I'd melt those back in and keep using the sheath. The stitches on the inside should be in a groove, which should protect them from getting sliced. But, leather isn't edgeproof and neither are stitches. That said, I've never had this happen to any of my personal sheaths by Joufuu, or anyone else.
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Thanks Andy!
I literally just took your advice and did that to the stitch that was popped out on the outside. However the inside stitching is not in a groove. To be honest, I dont even see a slice mark of any kind where the stitching is missing? I was expecting to see some kind of damage that would cause this. I'm going to try and add a few drops of superglue to keep the stitching in place.

EDIT: For the inside stitching, I tried sticking a match inside to burn/seal the stitch into place, didn't have much luck though. As you can see from the picture I added, no sign a knife slicing the stitch? Does the inside of a Diomedes have grooved stitching? I think that would make a BIG difference in protecting the stitching from a slice, I'm no leather worker though, so just my opinion.

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blue333 said:
Thanks to everyone who's chimed in, all good stuff for sure!
One question I just thought about is, when you draw your knife, are you able to do so without the sheath popping out of your pocket? Being able to draw said knife smoothly out, without the sheath coming out of pocket, would be very nice.
I absolutely love the look of aged leather (like a well patina'd leather wallet) and am hoping to achieve the look with a pocket sheath. This is the main reason why I want a good solid well crafted leather sheath. I don't mind paying the higher price, if the sheath is well made.
Click to expand...
Most pocket sheaths will need some time to mold to the knife. The clip can walk a fine line between being loose or to tight. If it's too tight, the pocket material will get all torn up (like carrying a PM2 :)). If the clip is not on the crazy tight side then it'll come down to technique and coordination to pull on the knife while pressing the sheath down with thumb or pointer finger to separate the two and leave the sheath in the pocket. I prefer when the clip is not overly tight. Seated in the car, I usually can't draw from the front pocket too easy (seat belt in the way) so it's nice when you can easily remove knife and sheath to keep them handy in the car, get out of the car and pop them back into your pocket.
 
That one looks like it came loose where the stitch line started and ended. Another quick fix is to use some super glue in the stitch line (exterior). The gel works better, but be sure to lightly clamp and let it sit for awhile. Takes super glue some time to work on leather. Just wanted to add that you'll find several very good leather guys as regulars on this forum, Mark Condos and Heber are two.
 
Rick Lowe said:
That one looks like it came loose where the stitch line started and ended. Another quick fix is to use some super glue in the stitch line (exterior). The gel works better, but be sure to lightly clamp and let it sit for awhile. Takes super glue some time to work on leather. Just wanted to add that you'll find several very good leather guys as regulars on this forum, Mark Condos and Heber are two.
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Rick, thank you for the pointers. I'm going to be picking up some gel superglue today and give what you mentioned a go!
 
Rick Lowe said:
That one looks like it came loose where the stitch line started and ended. Another quick fix is to use some super glue in the stitch line (exterior). The gel works better, but be sure to lightly clamp and let it sit for awhile. Takes super glue some time to work on leather. Just wanted to add that you'll find several very good leather guys as regulars on this forum, Mark Condos and Heber are two.
Click to expand...

Not to mention yourself my friend.
 
Hang on a minute Sunny .. you're telling a story different than the email you sent me yesterday, but let's recap what I said ..

I'm not covering obvious operator error damage. Same way a car manufacturer doesn't cover driver fault accidents.
I'm definitely not going to warranty damage done by 3rd party ownership.
The stitching has been cut. Someone stuffed a sharp knife in there at an acute angle or they tried to stuff a knife that didn't fit.
I offered to repair the sheath (yes, it is possible to repair it) but you would be responsible for my labor, $40 plus shipping - but it will not be done til after Blade Show.
You refused my repair offer.
Current retail pricing on that sheath is $83 shipped.

You obviously think my work is sub-standard, so throw it in the trash and go buy one from Jason, Rick, Heber, CPirtle, Skyler, etc. Problem solved.

For ANYONE else who's having issues with my work - I do not get on Bladeforums that much lately .. so please email me (website link in sig line). I'm reasonable. I'm fair. But I do not giveaway my time and work.

Bud
 
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