Sheath transformation...

[C_Tanner]

Since Ka-Bar hasn't released anything new, and Moose and the boyz posting their little tease threads, I have been forced to mod some stuff to keep my sanity. So I decided that I wiuld like to turn my leather BK9 sheath black. I dyed it today, and put on some thick mink oil which I have been buffing, buffing, buffing, It's starting to look pretty slick. Here's a pic I took at about the halfway point. Will take a better picture when I have better lighting and I'm done conditioning it.

 

[Jerry D.]

Wow... That oozes awesome!

 

[hoffmanmark]

Looks awesome cant wait to see the finished pic. I am about to make my own leather sheath for my becker bk-2 as soon as I finish setting up the workshop. After 10 years I am finally installing a proper workbench with suitable electric supply.

 

[NixKustoms]

It is black now. How did it take the color? Easily?

 

[Skystorm]

Looks good! A little mink or neatsfoot and some neutral shoe wax or sno seal. Too much oil will turn it into a wet noodle among other things.

 

[C_Tanner]

I'm using kiwi mink oil, not oil-oil. It took the black OK I guess...I probably used a bit more than I should have, but the constant buffing is making it turn out nicely. I might try and find some sort of rotary tool buffer attachment I can use to get a tad more shine in the narrow parts, like the straps. Will take an updated pic when I get home.

 

[CCMI]

Nice Chris, that turned out really well. I like the contrast with the brass rivets too.

 

[C_Tanner]

This is pretty much the final product. I don't think I can get it any better than it is now, and I am plenty happy with it.

I DO miss my Nix Leather Super Speed-Release thumb snap....I switched it over to the BK2 Scout sheath since I always wear it scout. Basically he sewed shock cord on the thumb snap so when you unsnapped it, it pulled back out of your way for a clean draw. Awesome idea. I need to get another Becker that would be good for a new Nick sheath. I have plans for the 16, but it's going to kydex....Maybe I could twist Nicks arm to make me a new one for a couple bucks....???

I think if I DID get a BK5, it would be cool to have a setup like a gun shoulder holster, but with the BK5 on your weak side hanging down at an angle. Just an idea I've been mulling over in my head...

 

[MikeyJ]

Looks like it took your color well. I think the black on black is nice!

 

[C_Tanner]

Looks like it took your color well. I think the black on black is nice!

Thanks. Fresh handles courtesy of CCMI, New wrap, New Shock Cord lanyard. Debating on doing something with the blade....either taking the time to wet sand the holy heck out of it to get that near-mirror polish my BK2 has, or do some more patina to it. Right now it's a pretty even light vinegar patina that I wet-dry sanded to give it a solid look.

You guys should really give shock cord lanyards a try on your working blades. You wont want to go back to paracord.

 

[MikeyJ]

...You guys should really give shock cord lanyards a try on your working blades. You wont want to go back to paracord.

I've got about 12' of shock cord I ordered recently. Never even thought about using it for a lanyard... I may have to give that a shot.

 

[C_Tanner]

I've got about 12' of shock cord I ordered recently. Never even thought about using it for a lanyard... I may have to give that a shot.

Just tie it so it has to stretch a bit around your hand without being TOO tight. It gives great retention without having to slide rubber pieces up and down on paracord for a tight grip.