Sheath making

S

Screaming Eagle

Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
47
This may be posted in the wrong place since it's not specific to Buck knives. Feel free to move it at your discretion mods.
I know the rudiments of making sheaths from leather. I'm about to go on a snake hunt for pythons and big snakes. I expect to have several large hides that would make some nice sheaths and I'm wondering about any special considerations in using snakeskins to make sheaths.
I'd really like to make one for my 119 and a few 110's as well as some other knives. I'd really appreciate any suggestions or leads you have for more information.
Thanks for being here.
 
There is a specific forum for sheathmaking that you would probably get better results. It is under the "General" drop down menu "sheaths & such".

I am not a sheathmaker, but from what i've seen, snakeskins and more exotic leathers are usually used for inlays, and heavier grades of leather for the main body of the sheaths.

Sheathmakers I know are usually interested in obtaining snake and other fancier skins for their work however.

Peter
 
Screaming Eagle, you can use any snake skin for a full sheath.....BUT it has to be over laid on a veg. tan base of at least 7/8 oz. weight, in my opinion. I don't know of any snake skin or tanning process that would yield a skin heavy and stout enough to make a useable sheath by itself. I use quite bit of Rattle Snake for inlays. The tanning is the next thing you need to study. I am NOT a fan of Glycerin tanning.

Paul
 
Paul,
Thanks for your input. I'm off on the road here in just a few minutes so I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back to you.
What kind of tanning do you recommend if not glycerin? I've heard that diluted antifreeze works and that salt dries snakeskins out too much.
 
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