Recommendations on new Leather Sheath

[batosai117]

Hello there,

Gary's sheath thread was resurrected earlier today and got me interested in pulling my leather kit out and having another go at sheath making.

It's nothing like the stuff that you guys make, and I made it in under an hour and a half between classes today for my Case Sodbuster. Very popular knife here in Kingsville, perhaps once I hone my skills a bit (okay, a LOT ) I can make a few for the locals and get my name out there (after a ton of practice). The local King Ranch Saddle shop gives me leather "scraps" for free, so I think I'll stop by tomorrow and get a bit more for my time off, along with some first hand pointers.

I'm looking for some constructive criticism, I know it ain't perfect, so give me tips on how to improve, how to bend corners, and how to work the leather better. Please don't say "that sucks" and run off, that doesn't help anyone Here's the pics:

I just couldn't work the end here, I ended up cutting two slits and then folded the flap down and had to glue it to keep it in place while I punched the holes.

Let me know what you guys think, J.

 

[sheathmaker]

J, my first criticism is for your photography. It's hard as hell to critique a sheath when you can't see all of it at once. Working with leather scraps may be your biggest problem as they limit your design due to their size. The toe of your sheath looks to be the biggest area of difficulty for you. The fold over and back construction is the problem. You should have cut it off and layered it like a sandwich and then stitch allowing a little extra room for the thickness of the knife. Then mold the sheath to the knife AFTER you have stitched it up, not before.

What a coincidence! I got my start in leather work in 1951 while I was a resident in May Hall at good old Texas A&I, now A&M at Kingsville, I guess.

I sent you an email with additional information 7:33AM 9/9/09

Paul

 

[batosai117]

Thank you very much for your help, and a true coincidence indeed

I believe May hall is now part of the University Police Dept. and the rest of where the residence halls used to be (across the street) are now what is called Academy High School - made for the residents of King Ranch and anyone locally who wants to pay up for the private school.

I believe that the small "hut" across the street from May hall used to house a few ladies who would learn to cook, clean, sew, etc....now that is just an information center :grumpy:

Getting myself side tracked The "scraps" are actually really good sizes. The gentleman who gives them to me is the leatherworker at the saddle shop and has offered me a box full of leather for $25. Sounds like a great deal to me, but at this moment that would break the bank due to wedding expenses.

The toe of the sheath is a big problem for me, I couldn't make it look nice no matter what I did. I would like to do one piece construction, but this time around I went for the layers. I will also add a full shot of the sheath, I swear it looks a lot prettier in person, seeing the shots on the net makes me go .......

 

[sheathmaker]

J, you have mixed two different style sheaths in to one. The email I sent you has a link to pattern making which will turn on a lot of lights for you. The sheath designed in that pattern tutorial would be the style for the sodbuster or any folder for that matter. The last picture is an actual sheath made from that pattern. You'll note the fold is along the spine side of the knife and not at the toe of the sheath and that eliminates your problem completely.

All of my contact information appears at the bottom of each of my posts. You may feel free to contact me by phone or email off line with any questions. I'm glad to help.

Paul

 

[batosai117]

Thank you very much, I will be sure to check on that right now. I greatly appreciate your help and look forward to improving. Believe me, if I get stuck I will be sure to bug you

Take care, J.