Okay, please note that these pics are for the purpose of showing my
extreme use of rivets. This is my own personal user sheath. Normally, I try to limit the use of copper rivets to what I deem as necessary (from what I learned in my testing.) In other words, don't look at this sheath for all it's aesthetic flaws(the dirt, grit wax and scratches are optional)... It will never be in a customer's hands. A few of the rivets in this particular sheath style are especially redundant.(The spine-side rivet at the sheath mouth and the bottom rivet at the upward curve of the tip.) Note that nothing is ever riveted only... they are there to reinforce the potential stress points.
I leave about a 1/16" of the post above the washer and hand peen it over... there is zero chance of a popped rivet...
The snaps are also riveted in...
Here it is, in all its riveted glory! Do you now see why I don't post my stuff in the sheath forum? They would be all over me... lol.
I can describe the testing I do, as well. All these tests are done while the sheath(knife in) is strapped to a 6"dia cedar fence post....
1.
Upward lift - Grab the tip of the sheath and lift it out and up 180degs, to simulate it getting caught up while sliding down a hill or getting off a horse, etc...
2.
Sideways swing - Grab the tip and swing/rotate it clockwise/counter clockwise a full 180degs. Again, to simulate getting caught up under great force.
3.
Handle pulls - Hold the knife handle and pull away from the body. This is also done forward and backward,
then repeated with the knife part-way out of the sheath This is one of the biggies... I think it is realistic to believe this scenario can occour under certain circumstances. Rivets rule the roost when the welt is exposed to a sharp edge under force. I completely understand if you think this is unrealistic... I just happen to think it is.
4.
Downward push - From the top of the handle apply force directly down through the sheath. This is especially hard on friction fit sheaths.
All of the above tests are done at modest levels of force and eventually, to destruction.
ETA: Longterm deterioration is something I had never included into the equation.... I really do thank you for bringing this to my attention. This is the kind of experience that someone like me can't find in testing and has little chance to come across on the internet. Bladeforums Rocks!
Rick