Sheath finishes??

T

totally tactical

Joined
Apr 11, 2000
Messages
120
Does anybody out there have a recipe for a leather finish? The kind that uses paraffin wax for a prime ingredient. I am looking for something that will make the leather hard and super waterproof.

As usual, thanks in advance.

Hugh
aka; 3/16th's

------------------
Scraped, burnt, sliced, smashed. AHHHH, knifemaking!!!!
 
I use Thompson's Water seal anfd buff with Minwax paste wax. This does not make it hard but it does make it waterproof. I think "hard" will depend on the type of leather you buy.
 
Here is what I have used from the start.
The formula is not that tight it has worked with the ratios all over the board, but a 3-1 is
ideal. Take 3 boxes of canning wax (petroleum wax) melt in a container that your sheaths
will fit in. I use a S/S mud tray for dry wall.
Add SCOTTS LIQUID GOLD the stuff in the qrt can that pours not the spray stuff.
mix well and let it cool. This lets the solvents in the scotts evaporate and the oil to bond
with the wax.

To treat a sheath heat the mix to 160-180F.
Dip a clean DRY ( if it anit it will be scrap) into the mix and let it soak for 3-5min.
Lift it and dump the wax out and dip it 3 more times ( Keep it under just till the bubbles stop).
Wipe off the extra and let cool.
Wrap sheath in cloth ( I use old jean legs) and place in a 180F oven for 20 min.
Wipe down and you are done. It will harden in 2-3 weeks.
It will keep carbon blades from rusting with normal use and I have knives that have lived
in sheaths done this way for 6 yr. so I know it works.

------------------
Edward Randall Schott
Knifemaker
EdwardRSchott@aol.com

www.angelfire.com/ct/schottknives/
 
I got the "general" recipie from Wayne Goddard, but modified it to my ideal specs....

I mix 3 parts beeswax (get to know a beekeeper!!!) with 1 part neatsfoot oil in an old electric skillet I bought at a yard sale for $1.00.

I make up a wire loop that will fit down inside the sheath, and put a hook on the other end & bend it to where the mouth of the sheath hangs down.

Pre-heat the oil/wax mix to 180F. While this is heating, hang the sheath in a warm 150-175F oven (I got a toaster oven for $2.50 at another garage sale). Place a foil covered cookie sheet in the oven under the sheath as well.

When everything's up to temp, take the sheath out of the oven, and dip it in the mix for a slow 10-count. Pull it out and let any remaining mix drain back into the skillet. Use a dauber to smooth away any uneven spots.

Hang the sheath back in the oven for 15-20 minutes, mouth down, to drain out any excess.
Remove sheath from oven. take out wire, and insert knife. Mould hot sheath to knife/handle/guard & let harden.

Harry
 
Excellent recipe's gentlemen!! I can hardly wait to try them. Thanks a lot!

Hugh
aka; Totally Tactical
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top