Sheath Design Element....Good, Bad or Ugly?

Dave Kelly

Dave Kelly

Joined
Dec 17, 2003
Messages
597
I was just about ready to do this carving applique to a sheath I'm making (not the sheath in the pic.) when I thought I better do a mock-up and ask for your opinions......because now I can't decide if I like it or not :confused::)
The carving practice piece was cut out quickly and loosely laid on the sheath so don't look too closely :)

I plan to carve a design that goes well with the knife/sheath on 3-4 oz. or less leather, cut it out carefully, finish the edges, recess slightly into sheath leather and cement it on using Barge.


Do you think it looks OK? or forgetaboutit.


A very happy Holidays to you guys!
Thanks for your help,
Dave


orig.jpg
 
I think if you recess it it will look fantastic. If you do it, make sure and post pics!
 
Dave - I like it sort of - Personally I would extend the "tail" of the carving towards the tip of the sheath. I'd sketch it out and see what you like best - I'd try patterns 1/3, 1/2 , and 3/4 of the length down and taper the design so it "fades" away?
To my "eye" it just ends too abrubtly - but then again that's me. :D ;) :D
 
David, I believe the recessing and cementing part is what will do you in. My personal opinion is that this is not a good idea unless the sheath will be part of a static display. What is gained by not just putting the carving directly on the face of the sheath and then let your beveler do the recessing?

I'm 50/50 on the design length. I think it would look okay as chuck suggests, but I think it looks okay now as well. You might consider laying the quilt pattern "under" it for the full length of the sheath, but I like it as you have displayed it as well.

Paul
 
Thanks Erik!

Hi Chuck, This was a practice carving I did a long time ago and one I didn't mind cutting up for this mock-up. If I decide to do this I'll make the carving flow better with the sheath, like you suggested.

Paul, the sheath I'm making is for Joe's other sheath and if he uses it for work maybe the more traditional carving method would be best. One of these days I'd like to do some kind of carving applique though.

Thanks for your help!!
Dave
 
Dave, dear friend, I concur with Chuck and Paul and favor the carved inlay and beveled border rather than an applique. Whatever you decide to do, I am sure will be done to perfection. If you were to background the work in a simulated rayskin, the carved work would appear to be an overlay over an inlay that could be extended further toward the toe of the sheath, thus high lighting the carved work. ---Sandy---
 
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