Retention Strap Question

[JerkeeJoe]

When building a sheath that requires a retention strap like the one below, how do you atach the strap to the back of the sheath? I've seen some that appear to have the strap integrated into the back peice of leather, but others like this one appear to be stitched onto the back of the sheath. How do you guys do it and make it look clean? Thanks in advance.

(Please excuse the rip off of this picture from the show off thread)

 

[leatherman]

I've seen them stitched on, integral, riveted, bolted, and snapped. My favorites are rivets and bolts. They allow for the strap to be pivoted away from the blade edge. And thats a good thing.

 

[JerkeeJoe]

I've seen them stitched on, integral, riveted, bolted, and snapped. My favorites are rivets and bolts. They allow for the strap to be pivoted away from the blade edge. And thats a good thing.

Damn, why didn't I think to rivet it on so that it could pivot.

Thank goodness for BF! Thanks for the quick reply too.

 

[sheathmaker]

A picture or two could be worth a thousand words, so.........

The first two photos show my "bow tie" retention strap which works with any knife, but does require the use of a Sam Browne type stud instead of a snap. It is very flexible with regard to use. Relases either right or left, can come off completely, or left hanging on the front of the sheath by one of the button holes if the knife is going to be in and out of the sheath frequently.

The third photo is of the attached single strap and can be used with either the standard snap set up or the SB stud. This one is installed in a slot between the lining and the sheath exterior, or it can be one of the welt wedge pieces and come out of the welt on either side.

Paul

 

[JerkeeJoe]

A picture or two could be worth a thousand words, so.........

The first two photos show my "bow tie" retention strap which works with any knife, but does require the use of a Sam Browne type stud instead of a snap. It is very flexible with regard to use. Relases either right or left, can come off completely, or left hanging on the front of the sheath by one of the button holes.
The third photo is of the attached single strap and can be sued with either the standard snap set up or the SB stud. This one is installed in a slot between the lining and the sheath exterior, or it can be one of the welt wedge pieces and come out of the welt on either side.

Paul

So the bow-tie never attaches to the sheath other than securing to the SB stud?

 

[Martin Swinkels]

what leatherman said.
a fixed strap gets in the way too often and gets cut eventualy.

when the blade has a double guard you could fold the strap on the spineside to secure it.

this one is removable

this one pivots

it's a chicagoscrew secured with loctite and has 2 fosforbronze washers too secure smooth operation witout working the screw loose
It can be removed to replace the strap when it's worn..

let it hang loose on the back of the sheath, or get it out of the way like this

 

[Martin Swinkels]

this one has the button on the backside, to help preventing it to work loose when moving through thick brush. the front is pivoted, to let it hang loose..

 

[sheathmaker]

So the bow-tie never attaches to the sheath other than securing to the SB stud?

Bingo! You got it. Easily replaceable if something should happen to it.

Paul

 

[JerkeeJoe]

Bingo! You got it. Easily replaceable if something should happen to it.

Paul

That's a great idea! Now you've got my gears turning... I'm trying to decide if I would lose the strap too frequently if iI used that setup on a camp knife that would be in and out of the sheath often.

Thanks for all of the illustrations and ideas everyone. It's nice to have an experienced group of people willing to help at the drop of a hat.

 

[mikeymoto]

I don't like the idea of attached straps either. Lately I'm using pull-the-dot snaps to fasten the strap at both ends.

Nobody has told me they have trouble with the bulk of a snap in back with these larger knives/sheaths. I would do something else for a small sheath so it lies flat.

 

[superc]

Buying old knives on Ebay, as many come with the old sheath, I notice some things. Often the riveted straps either have ripped, or are beginning to, come off the sheath. The rivets make micro slices each time they pivot. Eventually they come free of the sheath. Corrosion, drying or leather rot is also a factor. Sometimes if the overall condition of the sheath isn't too poor adding a new riveted strap is an option. Alternatively, I have seen some straps sewn into place, but the front snap is missing or the strap itself bears cut marks. I have never seen a missing sewn-in strap. It seems to be, six of one or half a dozen of the other.

 

[Martin Swinkels]

... Often the riveted straps either have ripped, or are beginning to, come off the sheath. The rivets make micro slices each time they pivot. Eventually they come free of the sheath.

I think adding washers will help in preventing, or delaying, just that..

This strap pivots free, without any retention.
the side of the sheath can be screwed loose, and the pivot will be accesable to change the strap if it eventualy will wear out.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=556401

My latest strap has a tab of supertough lappleather in which the hole sits. My next strap will have 2 of those tabs,for both holes, and a strip of supple veggie tanned in between...
All the holes will be in halftanned leather.