WIP Leather Boot Knife Sheath

[GrizzlyBear]

I've never done a WIP before, and I figured now was as good a time as any. First and foremost, forgive my errors as this was the first one of these I have made and I've learned a lot so far. I didn't have plans or anything, I just studied a few different designs and went for it.

So, here we go: leather boot knife sheath for this knife (also a WIP).

I particularly liked this sheath, so I printed the design to use as a starting point (thanks Ebb).

The sheath is a gift for a police officer and his girlfriend wanted the leather stamping to somewhat match the basketweave they use, so I did it on the lower 2/3s of the sheath since the top will be wet formed to the handle and I didn't want any disruption in the pattern. Also, his badge number is going to be stamped up top.

This is my pattern in the center with the front and back pieces cut. Front is stamped and ready.

Closer shot.

I laid the knife out to cut the welt around the design of the blade, then laid it onto the sheath with the knife to trim down any hang up spots. Ebbtide gave me the idea of using the welt as a locking point in the half circle areas of the handle.

I worked with it a bit and it seemed like it would be very hard to pull a blade out, quickly, having to work past these spots. So, I tried splitting the leather in the middle to allow the blade to pass through...didn't work. Then I decided to thin the leather down so just the skin side remained as a locking point. That worked much better, but still made the knife hang up more than I wanted. Here is a shot:

So, I took those little 'ears' off and made it a smooth transition. Glued in and stitch holes placed. BTW, it was WAY easier to put holes in the face, then holes through the welt rather than pushing that awl through 3+ pieces of leather. I will be doing it like this from now on.

 

[GrizzlyBear]

BTW, I realize I should have waited to gouge my stitch line on the face till after I had sanded the edges down smooth and equal after stamping. I didn't take into account that the leather stretches out as it's stamped. I think I can still even it out after its put together on the belt sander, but I will know it's uneven. The customer is likely not to notice one bit.

Ok, so now it's time to work on the belt clip piece. My black clip from Jantz didn't arrive in time so while at work last night I picked up a Craftsman cell phone case and robbed the belt clip off the back. It's a decent size, and fairly strong so I think it will be fine.

I laid out the clip, marked and cut a notch for it to fit through, marked the holes for the rivets, and also marked an area that will be thinned out to allow a secondary velcro strap to go through to secure to the boot.

Here is the piece trimmed down and ready.

Side view of the thinned area.

Clip installed, riveted, back of sheath and clip retainer dyed. Ready for glue up.

Glued:

And stitched:

Since I am working on the knife at the same time, I decided to go ahead and install a tapered welt spacer to allow a bit of extra room for the handle. I probably could have made the handle fit using a single welt, but I didn't want to take that chance.

Spacers installed, inside of sheath dyed:

Now, back to work more pics will be forthcoming.

 

[Dusty One]

Looking good so far.....

 

[GrizzlyBear]

Front side of sheath dyed:

Back dyed (dye is still wet), my maker's mark, for now, is a 3-D bear stamp and the letters GK embossed in the center of the bear with a modeling stylus.

Dye is Fiebing's Pro Oil black.

Camera went dead right after those 2 pics, then had Valentine's day stuff to do. So, more pics soon.

 

[rshives]

Looking really good so far. I'm looking forward to seeing how you wet form the front piece. Placement of the knife and all that.

 

[GrizzlyBear]

I had a few more shots of stitching and what not that are apparently lost to the void. I swear, I think this camera has multiple personalities. Good pics on a dead battery...crappy pics (and some lost) on a fresh charge, what the heck.

So, here are 4 pics of it finished up.

The sheath was finished with gum trag on the edges, pure beeswax rubbed onto the warmed surface then soaked into the sheath with a hairdryer, and a final coating of Herman Survivors Boot Conditioner, (appears to be a blend of beeswax and oils)

I'm having trouble getting my edges to be as glassy as my 2nd sheath I made. The edges were almost perfect on that sheath and I don't remember my exact steps, lol.

Some things I learned in doing this first boot sheath that I will carry on to the next one.
-Bring the welt closer in to the handle to aid in better retention
-Don't hand stitch so close to the edge
-Make the tapered welt spacer a bit thinner overall
-Learn how to draw a rounded V shape for the sheath better

I had a lot of fun making this knife and the sheath to go with it, definitely a learning experience.

 

[Ebbtide]

Looks good!
I bet the new owner will be pleased as punch

 

[GrizzlyBear]

Wally, I got your email, I didn't think the comment was left handed at all And I agree with what you said about comparing works to the likes of Paul, Sandy and Chuck (among others).

The man it was for, had it on within minutes of receiving it (from what I was told) and immensely enjoyed getting it! I'm hoping that translates into more work for me

 

[Ebbtide]

There ya go
Gotta love a happy ending!