Tooling Leather - how to determine the right weight for a project

[dschonbrun]

hi everyone,

I'm a beginning crafter learning to make knives and sheaths, it's been a great process and I'm happy to have so many knowledgeable folks here to provide information. I'm learning these skills to make grooms-man's gifts (hand made knives and sheaths) for my wedding. Luckily there are only 3 men, but I'm making them for my dad and the bride's father as well (5 total), so its not a huge undertaking. I'll post pics of the knives and sheaths once available.

One of the questions I have is how to determine the right weight of tooling leather to use for different components of the sheaths. I have purchased 6x24" pieces of 9-10 oz veg tanned leather and also 5-6 oz (reputable dealer, high quality sides).

My plan is to make two styles of sheaths, a fold over one-piece, and a traditional stacked three piece (middle for thick damascus blades).

Seems either weight can be used successfully, but I'd like to know what factors are involved in choosing the leather weight based on the project, use, anticipated wear.

Thanks ever so much for your help.

Regards,
David Schonbrun

 

[sheathmaker]

David the size and the heft of the knife will be the major determining factor. I think the 5/6 oz is a little light for the job unless it is fully lined and then it would be marginal, unless you two ply layered the 5/6 and then it would be just a bit too heavy probably. The 9/10 would be okay for unlined sheaths, but once again it will be plenty heavy and stout. It should perform and wear very well. 8/9 would have been my choice for unlined, and 7/8 for lined.

I'd say you are good to go with the 9/10. On the stacked three piece version, a single welt without a wedge or wedges will work very well. The initial insertion may be very snug, but the leather will set to the knife and you won't have to deal with 3/4" to 1" thickness at the throat. It will make stitching much easier. Same thing on the butterfly style sheath.

Paul