To sheath or not to sheath? That is the Question.

ptgdvc

ptgdvc

Joined
Feb 27, 2003
Messages
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As my sheath drawer fills with unused and undisplayed expensive leather, I have reached the conclusion that I would prefer my custom knives delivered in a high quality pouch and without the added expense of a leather sheath. Am I alone, or are there other radicals who share the same view?
 
Good Question !

Since 99% of my handmade knives will never be carried, the sheath is a pain to store. You can not long term store your knives in the sheath nor store the sheath along with the knife in a pouch,but on the other hand for resale purposes I feel a sheath is necessary.

Good Collecting !
Jocko
 
I think it depends (I know, sorry cop-out)

Some things should really come with a sheath, hunting knives, bowies, and more "standard" type designs.

However, for many knives I would just as soon not pay the extra cash for the sheath since it doesn't allow for the type of carry that I may want.
 
For some reason, I generally prefer my custom knives delivered with a good quality sheath even though I don't wear/carry my knives. It somehow completes the package for me and it has been my experience that having a sheath improves the resale should I decide to part with the knife dowm the road.

That said, it's not by any stretch an absolute requirement and I would never pass up on an otherwise desirable knife because it did not have a sheath. It's also worth observing that not all great knifemakers are great sheath makers (and others simply don't want to invest the time), and in this case I'd just as soon get a knife with a zippered pouch than with sheath that looks like something I might have been able to cobble together (translation: bloody awful). The smart ones in this group farm out the sheath work to somebody like Kenny Rowe.

Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking the maker from whom you order the knife to make the sheath a delete-option and to quote you a price without it.

Now for some entirely gratuitous pictures of knife / sheath combos, all sheaths by maker. The first two fall into the broad category of using knives (hunters) and in the case of each the sheath is simple, functional (as in perfect fit and providing complete protection) and as superbly finished as the knives they house:

Nicke Wheeler:

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Ron Leuschen:

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Next, in the small bowie category, a compact sheath with frog button provides tuck-it-anywhere versatility for carry and also a nice clean look:

Bailey Bradshaw:

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Harvey Dean:

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And then there are a few knives where you just couldn't imagine it without the sheath, exemplified by this awesome silver scabbard by Ron Newton to complement the knife he collaborated on with John Fitch (notice how the formed clip in the scabbard perfectly matches the clip in the balde and how the colour of the damascus frog matches the ferrule):

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Cheers,

Roger

P.S. - I hate it when I wake up at 6:00 am on a Saturday and can't get back to sleep. Long-winded bladeforums posts are sometimes a result...:rolleyes:
 
The frog button snaps inside a button hole in the leather frog which is a short leather mini sheath that attaches to a belt.
 
I'll second lifters sentiment!
Recently read this in the book: Early Frontier Knives & Beaded Sheaths of the American Frontier by J Baldwin:
The beautiful sheaths created for storing the knife elevate the knife one step higher. It celebrates the knife it houses.
Click to expand...

Here's a recent sheath with a frog - the button is actually reversed (attached to the frog rather than the sheath) so that the sheath can also be used as a boot knife, but it should give you the general idea:
wade-front.jpg

wade-back.jpg


The second image shows the back of the sheath but also give you a view of the frog.
 
Hey Chuck;

Some time back you made me a hat band(concho a little off center) for my Rand's Custom. Just lovin' it. Thanks for the info and such a nice band. Is the sheath you posted one of yours'?
 
Some time back you made me a hat band (concho a little off center) for my Rand's Custom
Click to expand...
You'll have to give me a better clue than that happens all the time! LOL :D :D :D
Anyway yes this is one of mine.
 
My knives have to have sheaths. They are part of the whole package as far as I am concerned. Without a sheath knives just look naked to me.
 
If it dosen't bend in the middle, it should
have a sheath, unless the customer requests otherwise.

P.S. Roger, I really like that Leuschen integral!

Thanks,
Russ
 
I like a sheath with my knife. It's part of the package. Even display knives often need to be transported safely, and a sheath is best for that.
I'm very happy that my pearl Mad Maxx came with a nice zipper pouch from Darrel Ralph. I carry that knife often, but it's nice to have a storage pouch that keeps it from getting scratched.
 
I agree a sheath is a good compliment to the knife. Here picture is a Craig Camerer bowie recently recieved in his sheath. snug as a bug in a rug.
 

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From my experience, a matching sheath usually makes selling the knife easier, but the opposite - a poor sheath or one that does not match the style of the knife will hurt it more than having no sheath at all.
Anyway, a good leather case is an excellent companion for any knife.
 
Originally posted by kcardwel
I agree a sheath is a good compliment to the knife. Here picture is a Craig Camerer bowie recently recieved in his sheath. snug as a bug in a rug.
Click to expand...

Awesome sheath!
 
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