Sheaths

panch0

panch0

Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
3,415
I really don't like making them cause it takes away from making knives. I want to do a gun show this year and want to take around 12 knives. I have other orders I need to get done as well. TX knifemakers and Knifekits has some finished sheaths available. I was thinking about using them for the knives that will be using leather sheaths. The kydex sheaths are no biggie, but leather really takes me too long to make. Have any of you guys used these for similar purposes? I am going to let folks know that the sheaths are not made by me of course. If I have the time I will just suck it up and work late nights to get them done, but I cringe at the thought. Thanks!
 
Hey Frank, I bought a few of them when I started putting kits together. The quality is pretty good but I had a hard time getting a proper fit with blades I make myself. Thats when I started making my own. I would consider doing them for you if you're interested. I did'nt think I would like working with leather until I started, now I kind of enjoy it.
 
I've used a few of the sheaths from TKS, they're fine as long you find one close to the right size you need. They're nothing fancy but they're well made and sturdy. All you have to do is wet-fit them and dye/condition them.

I've noticed that it's mighty hard to sell a fixed blade without a sheath, but I have little to no interest in leatherwork. Luckily for me, my girlfriend loves to sew and is getting into sheathmaking as well.
 
james terrio said:
I've used a few of the sheaths from TKS, they're fine as long you find one close to the right size you need. They're nothing fancy but they're well made and sturdy. All you have to do is wet-fit them and dye/condition them.

I've noticed that it's mighty hard to sell a fixed blade without a sheath, but I have little to no interest in leatherwork. Luckily for me, my girlfriend loves to sew and is getting into sheathmaking as well.
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Your a lucky man, my wife wasn't to fond of that idea.:(
 
2 Cents
Buy a few of the TKS sheaths in different styles and then make a knife to fit them. The measurements are never quite what you expect.
I have used them and they are good quality for the price... Just wound up doing a wet form around the knives. After they dry they are snug as a Bug!
Be certain to take the blades out after forming and let them shrink a little.
 
I keep several sizes of TKS sheaths in the cabinet. When I need one, I pick the closest fit and wet shape. I think they are excellent for the price.
 
Just my opinion, but I look at sheath making as part of knifemaking. The more you make, the easier it is, and the more comfortable with it you get. After you are comfortable with making them, you may even get to like the process.
 
I agree with LRB - I see it as part of the finished product, except maybe for folders and kitchen knives. If you're really pressed for time then I can see buying some and wet-forming them to fit the knife, but to me that detracts from the overall custom knife package. Just my opinion... getting them made is of course a totally different story altogether, because the sheath is then made specifically for the knife.

I never did any leatherwork before i started filing my first blade. I got the supplies form Tandy, and then made a holster for my Kimber 1911 as a practice piece, and I actually enjoy it a lot now.
 
I have made a whole bunch of sheaths and will continue to do so. I still don't like it much. I will be hard pressed for time working the 9to5, making custom knife orders and getting a dozen ready for a gun show in four months so I am starting to like the TKS sheaths idea a whole lot.
 
Timely thread, I was wondering about this myself. I wouldn't mind learning to make my own, but for now I just need a few premade simple ones. I figure I'll wind up learning leatherwork later this year but I'd like to focus on the knives themselves for now.

The comment about the 1911 was a good point, Tedinatl, decent leather holsters are very expensive and there are a few things I'd like that aren't made at a price point I'm willing to pay. Things like holsters I'd only use once every few months but would really make a given setup functional rather than a hassle.
 
You can let me make a few of them, maybe a trade for some in kydex down the road? What kind of timeline are you looking at?
 
I also used to hate sheathmaking. Lately I started trying to put some creativity into it, and really trying to outdo each sheath with the next one. I just bought Paul Long's basic pouch sheath DVD (which I highly recommend). Now I kind of enjoy it. I acutally look forward to sheaths because I can do it inside with my while watching tv with my wife. I would suggest trying to make your own sheaths to match each knife you make. When you do it like this, you can match colors, knife elements and specific designs to each particular knife.
 
Don't get me wrong. I have a Tippman Boss and a commercial leather stitching machine, and leather from frog to elephant. I use them all. But for a quick sheath for a hunter or fillet knife, the ones from TKS work just fine. When you are putting together 20-30 fillet knives, that would be a lot of sheaths......and time. Sometimes you just gotta say, " Do I wanta make sheaths or do I wanta make knives?"
 
bladsmth said:
Don't get me wrong. I have a Tippman Boss and a commercial leather stitching machine, and leather from frog to elephant. I use them all. But for a quick sheath for a hunter or fillet knife, the ones from TKS work just fine. When you are putting together 20-30 fillet knives, that would be a lot of sheaths......and time. Sometimes you just gotta say, " Do I wanta make sheaths or do I wanta make knives?"
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Thanks everyone!

Stacy that is exactly what I am thinking about.
 
bladsmth said:
Sometimes you just gotta say, " Do I wanta make sheaths or do I wanta make knives?"
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Exactly. I don't know why, leatherwork just doesn't spark my interest. I have plenty of other stuff to learn anyway.

Without ruffling feathers, and this isn't directed to anyone in this thread, but I think it's a crock when folks say if you don't make your own sheaths you're not a "real" knifemaker. Do you have to make holsters to be a "real" gunsmith? Or run your own farm to be a "real" chef? :confused:

I guess it's like the whole "sole authorship" thing... as far as I'm concerned if you're upfront about what you use it's fair and up to the client to decide.

I'll shush now :o
 
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