THE SHEATH .......Just maybe the most important part of the equation :)

JParanee

JParanee

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Dec 23, 2006
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Sheaths

So much emphasis is put on the knives themselves but not really the sheaths

So many times the sheath seems like an after thought

If there is attention brought to the sheath it's usually on the embellishments done on the sheath

Inlays , tooling , etc

For me the simple beauty of a well designed and functional sheath overshadows almost all the other parts of the equation

The finest knife is almost reduced to a paper weight if adequate thought is not given to the sheath

For a firearm a good holster is paramount but for a knife a good sheath is even more important

I am a rather active person

Folders with pocket clips in a pocket are lost easily by me

When I carry a folder it goes in a horizontal secure pouch on my belt

Although I have a new appreciation of folders these days due to a more professional work schedule.

This at times limits me from carrying my beloved fixed blades.

When I can I will always wear a fixed blade knife and you can bet it's in quality leather with just as much thought in how it carries as every other part of my daily kit

For big knives I like sash carry

For fixed blades with 6 inch blades or shorter I prefer horizontal cross draw carry

Drop leg sheaths for me are not ideal and truly a design that comes from modern times were men have forgotten how to carry steel

I carry a firearm strong side (right) so I never carry a knife on my strong side

It is always on my weak side (left)

I am a huge proponent of muscle memory and training so I always wear my tools in the same place day in and day out

I have not been on any trips of late that have warranted carrying a big Bowie type blade Sash style so most of my my fixed blade carry has been 5 inch blades and smaller lately

For example I will use one of my favorite 5 inch blade knives of all time

This blade is the Hurak by Sam Lurquin

I acquired my first Hurak a few years ago and it quickly became a knife that I knew I would have a long relationship with

As many have heard me say it's a big little knife :)

Great handle ergonomics and a very purposeful shaped blade

Add a quality heat treat and edge geometry and it’s a winner in my book

Sorry to be so long winded but my passion for this design is well known

In fact so much that I now have 3 of them




As good as this knife is it would be useless with out a good sheath

As mentioned I carry my Huraks on my weak side cross draw

This way I can draw it with my left which is the fastest way …….. Years of practice

Or with my right

The knife rides in front of my left hip with the butt of the handle ending just before my centerline

I am fortunate to have 4 excellent sheaths for my Huraks

All 4 fit all three knives

They are made by three different makers

The first is made by Gustaff Vanbellegem

It is a very well made sheath that does an excellent job





The next 2 are done by Jeremy Guillaume again an excellent leather smith





The latest is done by my dear friend Paul Long





My Hurak sheath collection would not be complete with out one from my pappy

Paul's features Cape Buffalo straps from a big Cape Buffalo I shot years ago in Tanzania

Paul has done a lot of sheaths for me from this bull and he has even made me the finest belt I have ever owned from it





What all of these sheaths exhibit while being relatively plain is an underlining theme of quality and superb fit and finish

While they are understated they scream quality


So this is just a fun thread about one of my favorite designs and the importance to me of a quality sheath in its design and function

Thanks for looking and please put some thought into your next dream knifes sheath

You just might enjoy it more because of the carry system



I know I do :)
 
I agree. That's some killer work on both accounts.
I see you got yourself a new camera :)
 
What a good thread, Joe.
Many thanks for turning me on to the value of a properly made working sheath,
it's as paramount as the knife itself.

Just now got off the phone with Paul "Pappy" Long less than a half an hour ago…can't tell you how much I enjoy my conversations with him.
Doesn't matter, you already know. :)

Doug
 
I have been brainstorming everyday for the last week on a good sheath for my Lurquin small Raptor for adventures. Today was talking to Ryan about it, so its funny you just posted those. I think I am gonna try that style. Do you attach the belt loops or just sit it against your belt? I would love to see pictures of carry if possible.
 
BTW that micarta in the middle looks great, you must use that knife alot. Thats how my handles look after getting wet a few times.
 
It's a great when beauty and high performance come together, doesn't matter what it is.
Cool thread Joe.
 
Thanks everyone

Jon

Here is a still shot from an Archery video I did you can see the knife in both shots

Not the best photos of it ..... But something :)





 
I couldn't agree more. I have a strong interest in European swords and they usually don't come with a sheath.

A good blade is rendered mostly useless without a good sheath.
 
I love a nice sheath (whether a kydex, or leather).

I do like a cross draw horizontal for smaller blades, and sash carry for a large blade. It works great for big choppers, that would flap around on the leg.

I have the misfortune of making my own leather sheaths, on occasion.
 
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Obviously this thread is just another excuse for Joe to show off his Huraks....again. I'm not jealous. Yes I am. I haven't done a whole lot of sheaths yet but I always design them as part of the whole knife/sheath system. Use and carry requirements are a big part of the equation.
 
i4Marc, I get the humor of your post, but if Joe started a thread on just his sheaths, in fact just his sheaths from me it would take up an extraordinary amount of band width. I lost count a long time ago on the number. That Hurak is a great knife to make sheaths for. It's comfortable in many different styles of sheaths.

Paul
 
Paul is correct

I have a lot of knives and I have even more sheaths :)

It is true many of my knives sport more than one sheath














If you talk about project leather man there's been a lot



 
Thank you all

Does anyone else have multiple sheaths for dpcertain knives or am I the odd one :)
 
Great thread -

I love the look, feel and sometimes the smell of a nice leather sheath.

I have several, but I don't think I have any knives with more than one sheath.

I have found it fairly difficult to find sheath makers that have time to make sheaths, but I have seen some great leather in this thread!

best

mqqn
 
Of course I am just teasing. Joe's affection for his Huraks are well known and for good reason. Careful thought definitely goes into designing an effective sheath. I'm surprised sheaths don't get the spotlight more often.
 
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