- Joined
- Jul 3, 2001
- Messages
- 6,135
Back in May, a gentleman was selling a 110 with a custom sheath on eBay. The 110 was a standard, late 80s model, however, it was the sheath that caught my attention because of its unique Western styling, unusual design, and my affection for high quality leather goods. After the first two auctions ended with no bids, I emailed the seller and asked if he would consider selling the sheath separately. He politely declined saying that he wanted to sell them as a set. He listed the set for a third time and still no bids, so I emailed him again asking if he would reconsider selling the sheath separately. He said that he had decided to keep the set because my complimentary remarks and interest made him re-appreciate the knife and sheath all over again. I told him that I understood, was glad that he had reconnected with his knife, and hoped that he would enjoy it for many more years.
Two weeks ago, I received an email from the seller saying that if I still wanted the sheath, he would be pleased if it went to someone who truly appreciated it. When the sheath arrived, I was blown away by its quality and craftsmanship. It was absolutely beautiful, spectacularly constructed, and best of all, in unused condition. With child-like excitement, I grabbed my 110, slid it into the sheath, and the fit was as if it was custom made for my personal knife! The saddle leather is rich in color, the stitching was obviously done by hand, and the four brass rivets add a feeling of strength and rigidity.
Now for the rest of the story. On the back of the sheath, there is a small maker's stamp that reads, "Casa Zea, Juarez Mexico". Without hesitation, I searched the internet to learn more about Casa Zea, but unfortunately, I didn't find much information. Long story short, I did discover that Casa Zea was located across the border of El Paso, Texas and was one of Mexico's finest leather shops. They offered handmade saddles, bridles, boots, gunbelts, bullwhips, rifle scabbards, and of course, knife sheaths. I also found a reference that Casa Zea closed in 1986 and that their products are hard to find. If anyone has more information on Casa Zea, I would love to hear it.
Here is an old post card that I found on the internet showing the Casa Zea store front and below is my new sheath. Thanks for reading!
Two weeks ago, I received an email from the seller saying that if I still wanted the sheath, he would be pleased if it went to someone who truly appreciated it. When the sheath arrived, I was blown away by its quality and craftsmanship. It was absolutely beautiful, spectacularly constructed, and best of all, in unused condition. With child-like excitement, I grabbed my 110, slid it into the sheath, and the fit was as if it was custom made for my personal knife! The saddle leather is rich in color, the stitching was obviously done by hand, and the four brass rivets add a feeling of strength and rigidity.
Now for the rest of the story. On the back of the sheath, there is a small maker's stamp that reads, "Casa Zea, Juarez Mexico". Without hesitation, I searched the internet to learn more about Casa Zea, but unfortunately, I didn't find much information. Long story short, I did discover that Casa Zea was located across the border of El Paso, Texas and was one of Mexico's finest leather shops. They offered handmade saddles, bridles, boots, gunbelts, bullwhips, rifle scabbards, and of course, knife sheaths. I also found a reference that Casa Zea closed in 1986 and that their products are hard to find. If anyone has more information on Casa Zea, I would love to hear it.
Here is an old post card that I found on the internet showing the Casa Zea store front and below is my new sheath. Thanks for reading!
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