I have wanted to try a wetted/formed leather sheath. This would be the same technique for making a sheath for a tool such as pliers or really anything. Use your imagination.
I started with 6 Oz. leather for the face.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9995.jpg)
in order not to trap the finger guard (and the knife) in the sheath. I had to build up the area behind the guard. I used foam and tape.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9996.jpg)
I soaked the leather front and back.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9998.jpg)
then started massaging the leather over the knife.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999.jpg)
It's kind of like working with a piece of balogna. The white thing a bone folder/creaser
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99991.jpg)
When finished. I set it in the sun to dry.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99992.jpg)
When it dried and while I still had it on the form. I punched the lacing holes.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99993.jpg)
Then I cut it out and used it as a template to make the back of the sheath. For this I used 8 Oz. leather
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99994.jpg)
To keep the leather from cracking during the bend, I got it wet.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99995.jpg)
Then I glued and sewed the belt loop in place.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99997.jpg)
I then added a deer head stamp to the face.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99996.jpg)
Next, I cut the pieces for the welt out of the scrap from the face and glued them in place.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99998.jpg)
Then I changed my mind and added a 2nd row of lacing holes To give it more strength.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99999.jpg)
After stitching, I trimmed all around for an even margin.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999991.jpg)
next, I wetted the edge and used the slicker to round it off.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999992.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999993.jpg)
I want this sheath to have a deep rich color but also wanted to see some of the tan through the die so I diluted the stain with alcohol.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999995.jpg)
Once thoroughly saturated, I let it sit for a few hours to dry.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999996.jpg)
To waterproof the leather and give it a nice sheen, I used mink oil and then warmed the sheath of the burner of the stove to make it soak in.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999997.jpg)
The knife and sheath are done.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999998.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999999.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999991.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999992.jpg)
Beautiful work. that combo is just breath taking.
Nice sheath and excellent build-a-long!
Great build-along!
Great looking sheath! You make it look so easy.
Very nice, you make the process seem simple. I may have to try one. Outstanding job!
Nice build along, I've been wanting to see that done, thanks.
Outstanding. This is something I have been waiting to try myself. Just as good as being shown in person. Thanks.
Man... you make it look easy!!! But most of all, a real Nice Job!!!
wow that sure is nice :0)
Thank you for sharing,,, great and useful build-along!
Looks very nice,,, I want to try it now!
Dang that looks easy enough for even an old bow builder like me to try.
Thanks,
Mike
Wow great "how to". I gotta try making me one. Thanks for sharing.
Nicely done, and the pictures are great! You do a terrific job explaining and illustrating an interesting project. This would be an excellent addition to the "How-To" forum.
Killdeer :thumbsup: :clapper:
Great job and thank you. Do you stamp the stitching holes on the back of the sheath as well?
Very nicely done!!
Thanks everyone. When the welt is glued in place. I then glue the face (with the deer image) over the top of the welt. I then have 3 thicknesses of leather (with the face already stamped with lacing holes) I just place the lacing punch back in the same holes and hit it again to go through the other two layers.
QuoteOriginally posted by Benoli:
Great job and thank you. Do you stamp the stitching holes on the back of the sheath as well?
Beautiful rig and excellent build-a-long. Thanks.
Very nice job.
Very well done!!
Super looking combo!! And a great job and build along! :thumbsup:
Brent
Great looking knife and sheath. This is a great build along. I think I will have to try this soon. :thumbsup: :clapper:
SWEET!!! Shawn
Thanks, I am going to try this!
RonP
Beautiful sheath! Great write up & pictures as well, very easy to follow along.