Source for simple, quality sheaths/covers for axes?

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phidauex

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Jan 6, 2015
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I've got enough hobbies right now, and don't need to pick up leather working. Any supplier/maker recommendations for simple, effective sheaths/bit covers for single bit axes and hatchets? Not looking for anything particularly historical or authentic, just good value.
 
phidauex said:
I've got enough hobbies right now, and don't need to pick up leather working. Any supplier/maker recommendations for simple, effective sheaths/bit covers for single bit axes and hatchets? Not looking for anything particularly historical or authentic, just good value.
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I just recently got one of the Nupla rawhide sheaths from Amazon, $10 shipped and up depending on size. Heavy rawhide, very white and stiff, but I dyed with alc. Based oil (LMF) and oiled with neatsfoot oil. Pretty serviceable sheath that should last a while.
 
cubezombie said:
are you looking for sewn, riveted or does it matter?
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Doesn't matter, as long as it works well and is practical. The Nupla ones look like a good start, but I'd be interested in something a little more minimal - don't really need full coverage.
 
For machetes, axes, and hatchets, I just use a piece of garden hose slit long ways. Slip the blade in and it will grip the blade and protect the edge.
 
I've been using this brand for some of my single bit axes. They are riveted and sewn and seem to be fairly well made right here in the U.S.A.. Not the very best I've seen but not bad either. There are some small holes punched on the back sides for riveting a belt loop to or lacing, I guess. The real drawback is that they are on the small side - especially the "Scout" axe model (haven't used the small "Camp" axe sheath). I soak the leather and wrap the head in plastic then build up the length with some masking tape or cardboard over the bit and jam a 1/4" piece of wood into the wet sheath against the poll while it dries. That seems to create enough slack for an easy on and off. Once dry I soak the leather down with oil. I've been using Redwing brand but I'm not too sure it's anything special.

Here's the number for R & J. They're located in Riverside, California.

R & J LeatherCraft
4023 Trailcreek Road, Riverside, CA 92505
(951) 688-1685

I'm gonna call them and let them know about the sizing issue. I've often purchased them through these guys....

https://secure.armysurplusforless.com/productView.php?id=776

Note: The full size single bit sheaths will not work on a wide Jersey or Connecticut axes without a lot of stretching. Just an FYI.
 
I think places like Forestry Suppliers also carries basic axe sheaths (at least they did a while ago).
 
Just got off the phone with R&J. The guy there informed me that they have a sheath that fits between the two sizes I've been ordering (doh!).

The full size model is number 74405 and the "scout" model that I complained about is number 74403. The inbetween size is 74404 and, from their description over the phone, is likely a better candidate for a traditional boy's axe. They're sending me one so I'll report back when I have it

UPDATE:Received the larger 74404 "Boy's" axe sheath from R&J. Whereas the smaller 74403 sheath works well for most axes with a blade length of 6.25" MAX (6.0" is a safer bet. I have a Sandvik and a True Temper that both have 6.25" lengths and fit but a Plumb at the same length that will not.) the 74404 will work better for blade lengths up to 7.0" - maybe a little longer. With a good water soaking you can stretch these out a bit if you desire. You can bulk order by the dozen from R&J but no onesies or twosies.
 
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This thread is timely, since I've been looking for some sheaths myself. I'm not sure about the sizes, though. For instance, I have several smallish scout-sized hatchets that measure 5" long with a 3 1/4" bit. One site actually lists a sheath that's 5"x 3 1/4", but are they talking about the overall measurements of the sheath, or the size of the hatchet that fits in it? They list the "Scout Axe" sized sheath as 6 1/2"x 3 1/2", so am I correct in assuming they're listing the overall sheath size?
 
I've actually referred back to this thread a couple times over the past few years. I recently purchased a few more sheaths from Army Surplus for Less (though they've changed their website & I had to call to order 'em.) I got the 74401 Camp Axe Sheath, which are actually made by R & J Leathercraft in California, and they're a great fit for most 1 1/4 lb scout sized hatchets.

I still haven't found a sheath for my Plumb National pattern hatchets though. Because of their longer beard, most sheaths made for similar weight heads won't fit well. I have a couple that measure 5 7/8" long with a 3 7/8" cutting edge, so I guess they're the next size up from the usual Boy Scout Plumbs (though I've never weighed 'em since they're already hafted.) Anybody found a good off the shelf solution at a reasonable price? I could make my own if it comes down to that, but won't waste the time if you know of something already out there in the $15 neighborhood.
 
Hi Guys,

Does anybody have any experience using one of the smaller models with a Fiskars X7 hatchet ... with its unorganic (inorganic?) straight
lines and chisel angles?

Looks like a good and fairly-priced product ... I'd be curious to know if there is a leather "welt" inserted between the two sides at the front of the blade pocket.

I like them. Kuny's (also here in Canada) also makes a solid product ... but it takes a lot of work to make the thick shiny hard coated black leather look (and feel) like real leather. Supple it ain't ...
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One of the smaller ones would sure give your Fiskars X7 (the best $29 that I've ever spend at Canadian Tire) a much smaller "footprint" on your gunbelt or in the side pocket of a rucksack.
 
I have one and I like it for what it is. The reputation of fiskars axes is that they have soft steel at the surface of the bit but better steel underneath. This sounds like a problem with their grinding technique - softening the temper on the outside of the bit.

Mine was acquired used and I had to file it before use. It's held up fine since. I use this only as a backpacking hatchet where weight is the primary concern. The hollow handle is lighter than wood. The small weight is concentrated in the head where it's put to best use. It's adequate for kindling duty and light chopping or limbing work. The only thing it's lacking is a nail notch which I cut into mine. I put mine in an aftermarket leather sheath. There's room for a few 16-penny duplex nails in there with it. Those nails are really handy in camp as hooks or anchor points.

It's a decent hatchet and a good value.
 
Here are today's freshly oiled sheaths.
Freshly%20oiled%20leather.jpg


The full cover sheaths are from Harry Epstein, 2 full size, 2 boys axe and 3 hatchet sheaths. The 2 half masks are full welt masks from Weaver Leather. Very well made! Those are for large axes like my Plumb rafting axes or my 6 pound Council flat head fire axe. The 22" machete sheath is also full welt, made by Custom Leather Craft.

I like Huberds for leather.
 
Square_peg said:
I like Huberds for leather.
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That's good to know. What do others like to use? I am in need of getting some leather oil; the hardware stores sell a couple of products but they aren't great I don't think.. should I head to a cobbler shop and ask if they have some leather oil? Perhaps the stuff they use on boots etc would be perfect for my sheaths..
 
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