Turned my old boot into a hatchet sheath (lots of pictures)

J

Joe L. Bachs

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Aug 1, 2012
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My redwings were totally shot, I bought a new pair but couldn't bring myself to throw away the old ones even though the sole was worn through. I've been wanting to try wet forming a leather hatchet sheath but didn't have any leather. So I grabbed a beer and a knife and went to work.

The heel/ankle piece looked about perfect



The first round of wet forming. I don't have clamps, so I used these super hardcore chip bag clips… I know what you're thinking "Badass".

After 3 rounds of wet forming, I glued the front and trimmed the excess leather.

Put some boot oil on it and it's finished, it has a good friction fit but I'll probably end up adding a retention strap. Unfortunately those clips left "bite" marks in the leather that i couldn't massage out.


 
Wonderful (and functional) improvise! I love it. And "Green" to boot! Don't tinker too much with the burrs and hammer marks of previous owners on the head and try to figure out a way to retain or reproduce the original handle. This 'baby' is now entirely become yours and didn't cost 1/2 months rent in order prepare for service.
Is there an obvious delineation of blade steel vs soft steel on the head? Oftentimes it is nice to see/know there are reassuring maker stamps on the head to tell you that your and their effort are similar.
Last little bit of advice: go to Town! She's your's!
 
I love it. (especially the monkey clips) Now you and your axe can both go out well heeled.
 
Thanks for the comments guys. I'm pretty sure its an unmarked true temper tomahawk head, it's a 1.5lb.er, has a big poll and ridges in the eye. I just fitted it today to a 19" octagonal house axe haft, I'm hoping it will be a good in-between. Bigger than a hatchet and smaller than a boys axe, similar to Gransfors bruks small forest axe but for much much less money.

Bill- Lagunitas has turned into my go to brew, my personal favorite in the lil sumpin wild. If you like good beer and you're from NY you should check out Southern Tier brewing, their 2xIPA and the "un-earthly imperial pale ale" are really good.
 
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I liked this project a lot. Nothing like making something out of a possible nothing and recycling. :thumbup:
 
Good recycling there! I've got a pair of 14 year old Grizzly brand leather boots that have been resoled twice and the soles are getting worn again. I might try to get one more resole-ing out of them but the stitching on the leather is finally getting iffy so i'll wait and see. Might cannibalize them like you did eventually. Don't you just hate to see leather go to waste? Waste not want not for sure!
 
Thanks for the great idea, Joe! I've got several old pairs of boots sitting around collecting dust. And I have several axes that need sheaths! Tt.
 
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