Sheath Making...

69_knives · Jan 18, 2009

I bought the leather and awls shortly after I forged my first knife a couple of months ago but didn't get around to (or rather avoided) making a sheath until yesterday.

During the process I wondered if I would ever make another sheath ever again; I was doubtful.

However, now that it is done, it doesn't seem like it was that bad of an ordeal and am looking forward to the next one.

The finish is a 60/40 mixture of carnauba/bees wax melted together and rubbed in with a piece of wool cloth and them melted in with a soft flame on the torch, did that several times. The decoration was done with a small tool set and white leather dye and walnut dye before the wax.

Thanks for looking.

Will Leavitt · Jan 18, 2009

If you admit to enjoying sheathmaking we have to revoke your maker's card

69_knives · Jan 18, 2009

Heh, well it's kinda like having a sore tooth pulled, once it's over, it doesn't seem that bad.

John M Cohea · Jan 18, 2009

I, like most makers used to hate sheath making. But when I started making the rustic stuff, it was such a challenge to figure out how to make a decent looking rawhide sheath that I really got into it.I still don't care for doing the "regular" stuff, but I really enjoy the rawhide sheath work. If you keep at it, it will come easier, and this one looks great.

69_knives · Jan 18, 2009

Jonh, thanks for the complement.

I've seen photos of some of your sheaths and it shows that you enjoy them, they are very nice.

PIndelicato · Jan 18, 2009

Good job! I also thought sheath making was going to be something that I hated but a necessary evil. I found that I actually enjoy working with the leather as well (it's good there's no danger of me ever being considered a real maker, so don't need to fear having my car revoked!)

indy · Jan 18, 2009

So far the sheaths are pretty low on my fun list.

I'd like to see some of the rawhide sheaths mentioned.

J-siah · Jan 18, 2009

wow this is very enlightening, I though I was abnormal for despising sheath making. I feel better.

good looking sheaths

-Josiah

Keith Montgomery · Jan 18, 2009

indy said:
I'd like to see some of the rawhide sheaths mentioned.

Go to John's website (you can find a link in his profile) and you will get to see many of his sheaths.

Sheath making is a totally different set of skills than knifemaking.

Jim Adams Customs · Jan 19, 2009

I dreaded making my first sheath. But once I figured out have to make a simple pattern and developed a method of doing it. I actually enjoy doing a sheath.
Check out Mike Carter tutorial on sheath making. http://www.cartercrafts.com/foldoversheath.htm