Pouch sheaths with stitching partly up the spine?

[PIndelicato]

Sorry for the dumb question here, but I've been unable to figure this out. I see quite a few pouch sheaths that have stitching that goes part of the way up the spine/fold side of the sheath...maybe ~1/3 of the way up.

What is the purpose for this design? Is it aesthetic, functional, or???

Thanks!

 

[sheathmaker]

Paul, most every pouch sheath I make is of the design you mention. Some call it spit toe, some call it butterfly, or some other name. I do it mostly so I can follow the blade shape more accurately which in turn looks better and also offers a much better finished fit.

The other Paul

 

[PIndelicato]

Thank you for the pic and reply, Paul! That was more or less what I thought but hadn't seen anything written that explained the style. I will give one a try sometime.

 

[SBranson]

I do this depending on the blade shape. I like the wrap around style for the top but if the blade is a drop point then it doesn't make sense for the fold to go all the way to the tip.
It is more secure to stitch up the spine. The welt at the junction between the cut and the wrap around can be a bit tricky not to leave a hole but I'm getting better.

Here's a recent one I did.

 

[Ebbtide]

Not a dumb question at all.
Why?
Because I've been wondering the same thing myself

Any tips, tricks or directions where the welt and fold all come together?
My first attempt was a wreck.
I hate wasting leather.
Hard to see in the photo, but that junction just got worse and worse.

 

[SBranson]

Not sure if this will help but I have been working on this idea.

You can ignore the little extra piece that matches the dip in the spine of the knife.

I use a punch at the top of the cut and then trim the welt with the step in it and round it so it fits into the rounded notch made by the punch when the sheath is folded.
It seems to work well but this may be more necessary for knives like this that are quite thick. I haven't perfected it quite yet but the "hole" is quite minimal in most cases.