Sheath

H

hellgap

Joined
Dec 17, 2008
Messages
1,189
I would like to know if this is the proper order or sequence to make a sheath. First cut it out from a patern make sure its opposite or youll have alot of left handed sheaths. Thats my most common misstake .Second sand out ruff edges . Third wet it 5 min hot water. 4 Then stamp it . Let it dry over night. Step 5 glue in welt .6 rivot belt strap . 7 use thonging chisle to prepare for sewing and then sew . 8 dye the outside the inside was done before glueing sorry . 9 treat the leather with protector. I think im doing it pretty close to the order that should be done if not let me know. I also place the knife in the sheath while its damp from dyeing and clamp it for a day for a snug fit. Thanks kellyw
 
Hi Kelly, I do it slightly differently, but that is not to say it's better. However, I think you'd want to attach the belt loop before gluing it up?

1. Make a pattern - I use file folders because they're already folded and nice and stiff

2. Tape the pattern to my leather and trace around it. Use the pattern to trace the welt too. Yes, being sure to orient it right to the leather so you don't get a lefty sheath! I do that too, and use the wasted leather for other projects. :)

3. Cut carefully right on top of the traced line.

4. Skive the lower center of the sheath to it'll fold nicely.

5. Wet the leather and do any tooling. Immerse in dye while still damp, at least a couple of hours. Let dry overnight.

6. Smooth the belt loop edges. Smooth the sheath's opening edges and attach the belt loop.

7. Glue in the welt, test fit the knife, and square up all the edges of the sheath with a 36 grit belt.

8. Cut a groove for the sewing (not the same process as lacing, I do a saddle stitch on mine). In your case, cut the slots for lacing.

9. For lacing, you wouldn't do this: Using a spacer wheel, mark for punching for the sewing, and drill out the holes with a sharpened nail in the drill press. Cut a groove on the back of the sheath for sewing, following the holes that came through the back.

10. Sew it up.

11. Refine the sheath's edges with a 220 grit belt, and burnish. I use a black Magic Marker to go over all the edges if I've dyed the sheath brown; I use brown dye if I've left the sheath undyed. It's not the best method but it's what works for me consistently.

12. Test fit the knife again. If it's too tight, I wrap the knife in Saran Wrap, wet the sheath, and do some form fitting. Let dry overnight - without the knife in it! Mine rust.

13. Test fit and polish the sheath. I just use shoe polish but I'm sure there's something better, and I'd like to know what it is.

That's how I've been doing it, with "okay" results. I'll be interested to see what others do. I may have to try lacing one of these days too. ;)

Chuck Burrows has a great sheath-making video, produced by Center Cross Instructional Videos. Until I lost mine somewhere I watched it every time I was about to do any leatherwork, just to make sure I didn't do anything really dumb again. Of course, that was no guarantee!
 
Dave thanks alot that helps me alot. I use a protector called ECO-FLO. It is a the super sheen water based product really simple to use and really good. All you do is Take a cotton swab wipe it on lightly and in 15 second take a paper towel or rag and give it a little rub all over its buffed and hardens the leather some what. Then i place the knife in saran wrap and put a small clamp on to keep it tight. thanks kellyw
 
Kelly,
Don't soak the leather in hot water. Wet it well with warm water, shake off the excess, and place in a plastic bag for 10-30 minutes. This is called "casing the leather". Hot water and long soaks can cook the leather, making it hard and prone to cracking.

Eco-Flo is a company name. They make all sorts of leather products. Their leather weld is superb for gluing up sheaths. Their other products are great, too.
I'm guessing from your description, that you are using Eco-Flo Super Sheen.
Stacy
 
bladsmth said:
Kelly,
Don't soak the leather in hot water. Wet it well with warm water, shake off the excess, and place in a plastic bag for 10-30 minutes. This is called "casing the leather". Hot water and long soaks can cook the leather, making it hard and prone to cracking.

Eco-Flo is a company name. They make all sorts of leather products. Their leather weld is superb for gluing up sheaths. Their other products are great, too.
I'm guessing from your description, that you are using Eco-Flo Super Sheen.
Stacy
Click to expand...

Stacy
I thought that the leatherweld you used was made by Tanner's Bond?
Matt
 
Nope, I use Eco-Flo Leather Weld.
Jantz, TKS, etc. carry it. The name is pretty much true. A sheath would not need stitching for a small light duty sheath. My sgian dubh sheaths are only bonded with leather weld.

IIRC, Chuck, at Wild Rose uses Tanner's Bond.
Stacy
 
I make a feeble attempt to make sheaths for all my knives. I will pass along a few tips from a couple of my good friends and master leather craftsmen (Sandy Morrisey and Paul Long).

On one of my visits to Sandy's, he advised me to use DAP Weldwood as an adhesive. You can buy it locally and it is much less expensive than the leather-houses ask for their products. One coat to each side to be glued. Let it dry until it doesn't try to stick to your fingers. (Two coats are even better) Once the two sides are stuck to each other, and after about 12 hours, you will tear the leather long before the joint releases. Just remember that if you dye after gluing, the dye will not penetrate anything that has the glue on it.

For finishing your sheaths........ Paul often uses (on non-dyed leather) a light coat of 100% pure Neatsfoot oil. This will very slightly darken the leather. This is followed up by a light coat, or two, of Fiebings Tan Kote or Bag Kote.

Kenny Rowe uses a completely different finish (I have seen him do it, but can't remember what he dips them in).

There is always more than one way to skin a cat. Try a few things on scrap leather. You will find something that works for you. If I can ever help, just shoot me an email.

Robert
 
Stacy thanks i have been using hot tap water ill use warm from now on . The eco -flo super sheen is what i use its deadly stuff.I also use fielbings dye tan and light brown . Ive just learned to use the dye on wet leather.I wasdoing it on dry leather and it made the leather really dark. IM learning lol , but listening too. I made another knife the other day and finished the sheath today ill show it tommorrow. Real impresive wood curly polyana burl stabilized. Looks like iron wood but more swirls. Thanks for all the help ya all kellyw
 
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