What type of sheath for this knife?

M

Maelstrom78

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Sep 21, 2013
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Hi all,

I'll be making my first sheath as soon as the cowhide comes in from HH. It will be for this knife.

5ckb34.jpg


I was thinking just a pouch type but I would like some retention and I wasn't sure about what shape to use as the blade is 1.5" at the heel.

I've got 8-9oz premium dyed black double shoulder coming from HH and a load of tools and supplies.

No doubt I'll mess it up a few times but I'm rarin' to go!
 
A pouch should work well. I don't use any straps for retention on pouch sheaths because part of the handle is inside and you can get the retention from wet molding around the ricasso area.

The knife is interesting, is it a kitchen knife? I'm guessing not since you are making a belt sheath(?). I don't believe I've done a pouch for a knife with as prominent heel as that has but I doubt it'll be too challenging.

Have you seen Tal's thread on making pouch sheaths? It has everything you need to accomplish your goal.

Nice choice going with HH. I'm curious to hear what you think of it when it arrives. :)

Please feel free to ask any specific questions. I know the others would echo when I say that I'll help as much as I can.
 
Very nice knife. It reminds me of a punal, a knife carried by a criolla or gaucho (South American cowboys). Google criolla punal and hit images and you'll see what I'm talking about. You might try one of their type of sheaths where it is held in the belt by a leather tab, similar to what we do with Sam Browne studs. This has worked very well for them for centuries on similar shaped knives. Might give it a try.
 
Thanks guys.

I think Horsewright's punal thought is pretty accurate. My Dad wanted a knife from me and likes a tanto style tip although he doesn't own one.

So I made him a Japanese inspired camp/belt/kitchen blade. Kind of a jack of all trades master of none thing.

I'll try to post a sheath template/design for critique.

Also would/should I buy this DVD from the URL below?

http://chriscrawfordknives.com/basic-pouch-sheaths/4544768339

Thanks again!
 
You can buy that DVD direct from Chris at the URL listed below in my sig line.

Quite honestly, I have watched the DVD and I didn't learn anything I didn't already know.:D

Seriously, I have been told it is quite helpful for beginners.

Good luck!

Paul
 
Can't seem to find the Talfuchre instructional location. I'm having a heck of a time searching on the forum.
 
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The Tal build along was excellent. Would there be a problem gluing and profiling the sheath before stitching? It seems like it would be easier to keep the stitch holes straight from front to back?
 
That is the method I use. Glue up, complete the profile, square the edges and then run the groover and then stitch.

Paul
 
Thanks Sheathmaker.

Anybody ever use a kydex foam clam type press for wet forming? (Haven't gotten my hide yet)
 
That be the thread. I would watch the videos, but beware the funny looking guy in it. :p

I too glue then stitch. Be sure(!) you stitch the loop first though. I've never screwed that up but it's easy to forget I'd think. If you are adding a d ring be sure to put it on the loop before you stitch it. THAT I have pooched more than once. I've gone to the removable hardware like Jason shows in his thread just for this reason.

When I first started making pouches, it helped to write down every step on the back of my drawing pad. I find if I write something I forget it less even if I don't read it.

Pauls dvd's are great. I really wish I'd gotten them at the beginning because I've had to unlearn a couple of things (that guy is sharp!), but it's worth the investment for sure.
 
Got my invoice from HH today so my bovine dermis must be shipped. I realize I only have brown and black thread and the hide is already dyed black. Should I get a different color thread just to make it pop a little bit? Tiger brand is good I gather. I see some on eBay.

Thanks!
 
If you go with Tiger I highly doubt you'll regret it. The stuff is worth the price. I have read a lot about some Chinese stuff that rivals it, but I haven't bothered.

The color is obviously up to you. As Ken pointed out somewhere, light thread shows more when there's an error, even if it's small. Make sure you have your holes perfect, if you have a (slightly) errant hole you can try to move it (slightly) with a needle, or stitch black. It's good to have more than one color anyway. I say shoot for perfection and make them stitches pop. ;)
 
Not a pest at all. I use 1mm for almost everything, sometimes .8mm but I'd start with the former.

Get some John James needles too if you can. I bought and broke plenty from another brand before I got a free sample with some thread. I have exactly 3 JJ needles and have stitched over 30 sheaths using two. I wear rubber palmed gloves and those mostly let me skip using pliers. Tape your jaws or use jewelers (or other smooth jaw) pliers and they'll last a good long time. I wish I knew what size the needles are but there are charts that show the proper size. Different companies use different designations unfortunately.
 
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