Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: beachbowhunter on March 20, 2007, 04:06:00 PM

Title: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 20, 2007, 04:06:00 PM
I've been clumsily putting together a couple of Helle knives, having fun and would like to make a sheath or two. Problem is I have no leather handy and don't know what type(rawhide, tooling, etc?)to get. Can anybody point me in the right direction?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/beachbowhunter/knives/Polartop.jpg)  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/beachbowhunter/knives/Polarbottom.jpg)

Thanks!
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: Ian johnson on March 20, 2007, 04:22:00 PM
I use vegitable tanned double shoulder cowhide
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: vermonster13 on March 20, 2007, 04:25:00 PM
That knife would look really cool with a matching wood sheath. I know you asked about leather but that's what came to mind seeing the knife. Very nice job on the handle.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: Whip on March 20, 2007, 04:43:00 PM
I have some leather scraps that would probably work.  I don't know much about the tanning and how they were done.  Kind of soft and supple, not what you normally see as sheath material, but you know you are welcome to some if you want to give it a try.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 20, 2007, 04:55:00 PM
Oh man, I'm woodcraft-challenged enough as it is. Don't know how I could pull that one off! Got me thinking though....

Thanks Joe, might take you up on it.

I kind of need the name of the type of leather. I can find suppliers online but I don't know anything about the various kinds, thicknesses, etc.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: vermonster13 on March 20, 2007, 05:04:00 PM
Get a hold of Brian(Carboncaster) he can walk you through how to make a wet mold sheath.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 20, 2007, 05:28:00 PM
Thanks, I think I know how to do it, I need to purchase the leather....
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: Ray Hammond on March 20, 2007, 06:27:00 PM
7-8 oz. vegetable tanned shoulder should work great, beachie.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: albertakid on March 20, 2007, 09:53:00 PM
Send them to me I will make them for free as I owe you an armguard anyhow!!


Jordan
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 21, 2007, 11:01:00 AM
Jordan, I made this knife to go on the armguard but it is a little bulky. I'm going to make a thinner one and send it to you. I appreciate the offer and you can bet I'll take you up on it when I make a real nice one!

Ray, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: M60gunner on March 21, 2007, 11:10:00 AM
Beachbowhunter, look up Stonehedge Leather in our yellow pages. They are in P.B. or O.B. I can not remember which. They used to have a box of odds and ends that would be enough for your knife. There is also a Tandy by SDSU. I use veg tan about 6oz weight to make what you want.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 21, 2007, 11:14:00 AM
Thanks! Now we're cooking with gas.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: jgbennett6 on March 21, 2007, 12:02:00 PM
beachbowhunter, i know soem like to use veg tan, but i am very partial to latigo to me it is the best all around leather you can get, its alittle more expensive but is great to work with, I've used latigo, chrom tan, diamond tan, oil tan, veg tan. they all can be used, its teh thickness of teh leather and the style of sheath that matters.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: Bjorn on March 21, 2007, 12:44:00 PM
Norb I have a bunch of stiff, Python imprinted leather that has worked well for sheaths; send me your address and some will be in the mail to you.
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: DesertDude on March 21, 2007, 01:12:00 PM
Hey Norb,  call me  760-815-2586  I have leather.

Mark
Title: Re: What leather to use for a knife sheath?
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 21, 2007, 03:49:00 PM
Thanks guys. Bjorn, I'll send you an email. Python? Cool!
Mark, I'll call ya.