Sheath molding

G

GRapp

Joined
Nov 14, 2022
Messages
197
I started this thread because I didn't want to crash Pablo's glue thread like some drunk loud mouth. I bought a couple generic leather sheaths from McMaster for fairly cheap because I'm struggling to make good knives and don't want learn leather work at the same time. "Wet molding", does this mean moisten the leather, insert knife, and dry to shape?
 
That is the basic idea. Wet leather stretches very well and then holds it's shape once dry. You can either do it when the leather is unfinished and wet a little from both sides, or after finishing the smooth side you can wet the inside of the sheath with a dauber and then just work the leather around the knife with your finger pads. Make sure to trim your nails first haha!
Stuart
 
Also, wrap your blade in tape, saran wrap, etc so that it doesn't rust. After molding the sheath, you leave the blade in while it dries to keep the molded shape.
 
I just soak run water over mine for a minute or so (I tried soaking in water for like 30 minutes to experience and didn't see any difference) and then it's really easy to form with your fingers. Like said before, make sure to wrap it in Saran Wrap or the blade might rust. I also leave mine alone for a good day or two before even taking the knife out otherwise it might not be as tight.
 
If you have a food vacuum sealer? Here's a neat trick. Throughly wet the sheath, wrap the knife in saran wrap then vacuum seal the whole thing for 12 hours. Then let it dry. I've been using this to form knife sheaths and gun holsters for a while.
 
my process doesn't involve keeping the knife in a wet sheath for any longer than it takes to mold the leather. I drop the sheath in some water for 10-15 minutes, daub it with a towel and let it dry for a little while before forming. I use a smooth stone to form the wet leather
 
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