Sheathmaker Foibles

[longbeachguy]

So, although I'm only a weekend bender, I've made and sold enough sheaths now that I notice some behavior patterns in myself, and I'm wondering whether these are just personal eccetricities, or are they common traits among the brotherhood of sheathmakers?

1. Are all your personal sheaths cosmetic seconds? It seems all the sheaths I've kept for my self are ones that I screwed up and couldn't sell. They tend to be functionally fine, but they all have some cosmetic flaw.

2. Do you keep ridiculously small and oddly shaped scraps of kydex or leather? I'm always afraid that as soon as I throw away any scraps, I'll need them, or find a use for them. My collection of scraps is growing prodigious indeed.

3. Do you wonder whether inhaling large amounts of Kydex dust really gives you super powers, or if that is just a toxin induced hallucination?

 

[Kiah]

1. Are all your personal sheaths cosmetic seconds? It seems all the sheaths I've kept for my self are ones that I screwed up and couldn't sell. They tend to be functionally fine, but they all have some cosmetic flaw.

Some are, but not all. My personal stuff usually beomes test fodder though.

2. Do you keep ridiculously small and oddly shaped scraps of kydex or leather? I'm always afraid that as soon as I throw away any scraps, I'll need them, or find a use for them. My collection of scraps is growing prodigious indeed.

I keep it till it's dust. I have 1 inch square pieces in my scrap boxes and I use them all for something, eventually .

3. Do you wonder whether inhaling large amounts of Kydex dust really gives you super powers, or if that is just a toxin induced hallucination?

I've taken to wearing a dust mask and goggles at the very least, but I tend to have a respirator on a lot too.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

I remember a good friend and leathersmith named Tom Crane, he once
told me that no leather goes wasted. He found this out himself at a
craft fair where he was making belts for people at his table. He had a
small pile of the little bits of leather that he punched out for the tongue
holes in the belt, VERY small round cylinders of leather, less than scraps
some might say.

A fellow came up to him and asked if he could have those bits?
They just about covered the bottom of a cigar box, Tom said sure.
And then asked, Why??

The fellow said he was a custom clock maker and those bits of leather
are perfect to glue onto the hammers that strike the bell inside the clock!

Amazing, nothing goes to waste
G2

 

[leatherman]

Great story Gary!

And yes, like most craftsmen, I save everything. Three tubs and running. I've still got armor grade leather from 1997, one of these days I will get back to armoring.

 

[Swivelknife]

Maybe I do not quite fit the pattern pictured here, but then no one ever accused me of being "right"! haha

If I make a sheath I am not pleased with, and to prevent it from leaving my shop, I test the sharpness of my knives by slicing it to pieces. I do not carry a knife as I have no need too now that I no longer hunt in the field, and older than dirt. I only make a sheath in response to an order and use photos of customer ordered sheaths for displaying my work.

I generate so much scrap, and find so little use for it, that I generally throw it away. Pieces that are regular in shape, and larger than 10 square inches in size, are placed in a box and when several pounds has accumulated is given to the Boy Scouts.

I am not familiar with the working of Kydex but can appreciate its capabilities.

Sandy Morrissey

 

[leatherman]

I like your thinking Sandy. 'Course I havent found any of your thinking that I dont agree with, aside from that annoying habit of being so darn upbeat about everything!

My daughters girl scout troop would have a field day with my scrap bin. Think of all those key fobs and bracelets.