Soften a New (to me) Leather Knife Pouch

pinkpearl8130

pinkpearl8130

Joined
Aug 20, 2013
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104
Recently acquired a KSF Leather moccasin with a knife purchase off a member on youtube. Very nice item! The pouch is malleable and soft to the touch. However, the inside feels really scratchy. I'm afraid it will scratch up the bolster and ivory covers of my knife.

Is this typical of these leather pouches or should I be concerned? Is there a way to soften it up or should I just put the knife in it and not worry?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!
Krystal
 
You could always pick up some neatsfoot oil and coat the inside of the pouch. If you put too much of the oil on the pouch it will likely lose it's rigidity. But then again, that might be just fine in this case.

.
 
Just use it, it will soften up pretty quick, I have 3 or 4 KSF slips they start out stiff but soften pretty quick and mold to whatever knife is in its shape.

Pete
 
Pet's right - the best way to soften leather is to use it. I wouldn't worry about scratching. It's vegetable tanned leather - I can't imagine it's going to be abrasive enough to scratch steel and ivory.
 
Don't oil the inside of the sheath as it will transfer to the ivory. I do think the inside will put micro scratches in NS bolsters and dull them.

Regards

Robin
 
Just make sure the inside of the pouch is clean & free of dirt (grit). The leather by itself would likely only burnish or maybe 'haze' the bolsters a bit, assuming it's clean. One embedded particle of dirt or sharpening abrasive grit, on the other hand, can leave a deep scratch. Good news is, nickel bolsters are easy to clean up when they get scuffed. Some high-grit wet/dry sandpaper (1000-2000+) will take care of most light scratches, and simple metal polish after sanding will make 'em shine again.


David
 
If you are going to carry a knife, it's going to get used right? I wouldn't expect it to stay perfect..... otherwise a pouch lined in suede is what you need. Lots of gun holsters are offered with a lining to protect blued guns.
 
Thanks for the responses, all!

I guess I won't be putting any oil on the inside as I don't want it to transfer to the ivory.

I'm hoping to use the pouch to carry the knife and to keep it safe while in storage.

Scratches on the knife from use doesn't bother me. But scratches on the knife from merely being placed into a leather pouch does, lol.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
Just make sure the inside of the pouch is clean & free of dirt (grit). The leather by itself would likely only burnish or maybe 'haze' the bolsters a bit, assuming it's clean. One embedded particle of dirt or sharpening abrasive grit, on the other hand, can leave a deep scratch. Good news is, nickel bolsters are easy to clean up when they get scuffed. Some high-grit wet/dry sandpaper (1000-2000+) will take care of most light scratches, and simple metal polish after sanding will make 'em shine again.


David
Click to expand...

Thanks for this info! Never even thought about dirt or grit being inside the pouch. Very good point.

Also good to know that nickel bolsters are easy to clean up! 👍
 
Woodrow F Call said:
If you are going to carry a knife, it's going to get used right? I wouldn't expect it to stay perfect..... otherwise a pouch lined in suede is what you need. Lots of gun holsters are offered with a lining to protect blued guns.
Click to expand...

Ah a pouch with suede lining... Now you're onto something! Haha thanks.
 
Arne Mason makes some really nice goatskin knife cases lined with suede.....but they are pricy! I have one for my best traditionals. I also have two of the KSF cases, as said above they soften nicely. When I first got them I folded and kneaded them for a couple of days while crawling along to work down 45, then they were good to go!
 
Ernie1980 said:
Arne Mason makes some really nice goatskin knife cases lined with suede.....but they are pricy! I have one for my best traditionals. I also have two of the KSF cases, as said above they soften nicely. When I first got them I folded and kneaded them for a couple of days while crawling along to work down 45, then they were good to go!
Click to expand...

A custom stress ball to deal with traffic on 45, you might be onto something there! :thumbup:
 
Buy a 5 dollar pair of leather gardening gloves, cut the fingers off, turn the surface leather inside (suede makes fluff))))) and slide the whole package into you KSF pouch. OR, these are easy to make, I fold Deerhide so the skin is in and out.

Regards

Robin

 
Pipeman said:
Buy a 5 dollar pair of leather gardening gloves, cut the fingers off, turn the surface leather inside (suede makes fluff))))) and slide the whole package into you KSF pouch. OR, these are easy to make, I fold Deerhide so the skin is in and out.

Regards

Robin

Click to expand...

I must say, Robin: You. Are a bloody genius.

It amazes me that there isn't a way to get the inside of this moccasin soft again so it won't scratch my beautiful knife. I wonder how it became so scratchy in there in the first place. I suppose there is a way to soften it but just not without compromising the integrity if the knife materials.

I'll be on the lookout for $5 leather gardening gloves!
 
The glove fingers was someone elses idea,maybe Codger. I have a great memory but it's short '-)) The other thing you could do is find and old leather jacket at a thrift store for the leather, sheep skin is good and thin. Cut a piece that is double the length of the KSF pouch and just under the width, contact cement the piece to the pouch just above the opening and the push the knife in so the piece is inside the pouch and covers both side of your knife. << This may be as clear as Mud. Email me if you'd like to do this and don't understand my ramble, I send you pics or drawings.

Best regards

Robin
 
Pipeman said:
The glove fingers was someone elses idea,maybe Codger. I have a great memory but it's short '-)) The other thing you could do is find and old leather jacket at a thrift store for the leather, sheep skin is good and thin. Cut a piece that is double the length of the KSF pouch and just under the width, contact cement the piece to the pouch just above the opening and the push the knife in so the piece is inside the pouch and covers both side of your knife. << This may be as clear as Mud. Email me if you'd like to do this and don't understand my ramble, I send you pics or drawings.

Best regards

Robin
Click to expand...

Haha thanks so much, Robin! What you're saying is pretty clear although I don't know what contact cement is. I'll probably be emailing you in the near future :)
 
This will make it clear :D The deerhide is 1 1/2inches by 8 inches. Glue on the line (contact cement is rubbur cement, you put it on both pieces, wait till it drys to the touch and press together) It would be good to punch small holes and sew it together but the glue will likely hold for a good while by itself. You'll have to pinch the pouch together to open it up, then push the liner in with your knife or a butter knife handle. Leave a tab for pulling the knife up in the sheath.


Regards

Robin




 
Pipeman said:
This will make it clear :D The deerhide is 1 1/2inches by 8 inches. Glue on the line (contact cement is rubbur cement, you put it on both pieces, wait till it drys to the touch and press together) It would be good to punch small holes and sew it together but the glue will likely hold for a good while by itself. You'll have to pinch the pouch together to open it up, then push the liner in with your knife or a butter knife handle. Leave a tab for pulling the knife up in the sheath.


Regards

Robin




Click to expand...

Wow Robin this is awesome! Thanks so much for the pictures. This really makes it clear. Can't wait to try this. Although, I'm note sure as to where I can find a strip of deer hide like this...
 
Hi Pink,
Robin is the man. You might find a piece of soft leather at a fabric store or an old purse/wallet at a goodwill outlet. ;)
 
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