Question on measuring knife for sheath template

JG Custom Metal Works

JG Custom Metal Works

Joined
Nov 27, 2013
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Hello folks. I've been making knives for a decent amount of time but have mainly focused on kydex sheaths. I have made a couple leather ones and, while they're turned out to be fully functional, I'm having an issue with plotting out my template. I don't really like asking for help but I've searched the forum and net to find info on this but have come up with nothing. I know there are some incredibly talented sheath makers here and I was hoping I could draw on your wisdom and learn to do this right, from the start. I would greatly appreciate the help.

I watched the Chuck Burrows sheath making DVD and his instructions for the process are as follows: Use a manilla envelope and place the knife in the center on it's spine. Role to the right and outline the knife. Then, using a ruler, draw and outline 1/2in around the outline of the knife. This line is to mark the outside of the sheath.

This is the point where I have the problem.

I followed his instructions to a T and cut out my sheath outline using my template. It won't fit around the knife. My handle is too thick and I don't think his 1/2in measurement is wide enough for my knife. Does anyone have any ideas for accounting for handle width? If you have any methods for measuring a knife for sheath making I would greatly appreciate it if you shared them with me.

Here is the knife I'm making the sheath for:




 
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Using your template, see how short it is wrapped around your knife. You'd probably want about 1/2" past the handle to allow for fitting the welt. Then just make a new template that much wider. Of course you can then lay the spine down the center of the new template, roll it over and see how much larger it is than the handle, to give you a reference for future work.
After you do a few you'll get the hang of how much larger the template needs to be than the knife. With knife in hand you should be ok, since you can check the fit to the template prior to cutting leather. Hope this helps.
 
Good advice above. You're making a pouch so it'll need to be wider at the top, but don't forget that the welt will give you a bit of space. I've seen people use a layer or more extra welt at the top to get a bit more space. I would rather have one welt that tapers to the tip of the blade (full 8oz thickness at the handle).

I had the same design issue when I started. The advice that you'll get better with practice is sound. I don't have a formula, just go by eye now.
 
JG send me an email at the address below in my sig line ( pfl@cebridge.net ) and I will return a photo pattern making tutorial to you via email which may help you considerably.

Paul
 
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