Sheath Question

Disco Stu

Disco Stu

Joined
Nov 9, 1999
Messages
1,137
I'm know this question has been posted before but I haven't posted in a long time so I'm gonna ask again, so there. :p

I recently got tired of working for brainless drone managers with no personality and was looking for a new career direction. I've gotten to the point where my forging is good enough that I feel comfortable letting other people see the monstrosities that I call blades so I figure I'll make a go of selling knives, not just making 'em.

Well, as I'm working through all the bits that are involved in marketing these things one question has me stuck: is it ever okay to sell a knife without a sheath? Normally I'd say 'no' but the one I'm finishing up now is giving me hell trying to figure out how to carry it without causing an accidental vasectomy. So what do you guys think? Do I make a funky awkward sheath or sell it as is?
 
Stu - as a long time sheath maker my opinion is if you can't make a GOOD sheath than don't make any sheath at all or better hire a pro to do it for you. There are lots of us out there (look back through this forum and you will find several threads naming various makers) and prices start at around $20.00 and go up from there.

In my opinion a GOOD sheath will enhance a knife and a bad sheath does just the opposite (kind of like hanging fuzzy dice of a Porches rear view mirror.:D)

Not only that a BAD sheath - as you noted can - cause grievous harm - not a good thing.
 
nothing wrong with selling knives without a sheath.and i mean besides culinary knives.i always have a few hunters at shows without, and quote two prices. because some people will want left or crossdraw or make or get their own.
 
Thanks guys. It's not that I can't make a sheath, I've actually been told my leather working skills are quite good, I just can't think up an attractive and functional sheath for this particular knife.

Sigh.

I guess I'll have to give it some more thought. I'm sure a good sheath design will come to me. Maybe I should delve into Kydex? Anyone have a Kydex tutorial they can point me at?
 
DiscoStu-- Of course it is OK to sell a knife without a sheath, particularly if it is a culinary type (kitchen), flatware type (table), or folder type (pocket). Most other knives are known as "sheath knives" and a sheath is considered part of the package. Buying such a knife without a sheath is rather like buying a pick-up truck without a bed-- The use it can be put to is limited. The knife can be sold "as is" if you are fortunate enough to find a buyer that is content to either make or have made a sheath that will fit the knife. Ready made sheaths seldom fit a custom made knife. You speak of your blades being monstrosities (which I seriously doubt) and a challenge to make a sheath for and maintain all your body parts. Not having seen the knife in question I am unable to suggest any solution to your problem although I am certain that it is not insurmountable. A picture or a sketch would help in order to give you some answers. It is a fact that the package (knife and sheath) will greatly increase the marketability over the knife alone-- and isn't that the bottom line? --Sandy--
 
Good points Sandy.

The problem I'm having is, the blade is short (under 2") but the handle is relatively heavy (all steel). I wanted it to be easily accessable but for that to be true the handle can't be covered by the sheath. The blade alone however is not enough to keep it sheathed. I proceed to spin around in circles at this point.

I think once I get this one presentable I'll post a pic. Maybe you guys can give me some sheath ideas.
 
Originally posted by Disco Stu
Good points Sandy.

The problem I'm having is, the blade is short (under 2") but the handle is relatively heavy (all steel). I wanted it to be easily accessable but for that to be true the handle can't be covered by the sheath. The blade alone however is not enough to keep it sheathed. Maybe you guys can give me some sheath ideas.
Click to expand...


How about rare earth magnets, imbedded in the blade portion of the sheath? It works for neck knives, and they hang handle down.
http://www.magneticarts.net/ceramic_block_disc.html

http://www.indigo.com/magnets/neodymium-magnets.html

http://www.wondermagnet.com/dev/main.shtml

Edited to add; Wild Rose, sorry, we posted at the same time.
 
Mike-
Looks like you and me were on teh same wave length.

Hope things have cooled down down your way - we're actually getting a bunch of rain and temperatures in the low 80's.
 
Funny you should say that guys becuase last night I had the exact same thought. I happen to have a surplus of old hard drives in a box just waiting to be torn apart. Hard drives have some pretty damn strong rare earth magnets in 'em that'll be perfect. Thanks for your help. You'll get pics when it's all done. :)
 
Originally posted by Disco Stu
Funny you should say that guys becuase last night I had the exact same thought. I happen to have a surplus of old hard drives in a box just waiting to be torn apart. Hard drives have some pretty damn strong rare earth magnets in 'em that'll be perfect. Thanks for your help. You'll get pics when it's all done. :)
Click to expand...


The hard drive magnets will work great. Be watchful with them, two of those things snapping together, with fingers too close, can literally pinch skin off. :eek: :D
 
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