Hi...i just started doing knives....for right now i'm buying some blanks and attaching handles....i've done 2 knives and now i want to try me hand making leather sheaths..

i would like to hand stitch..but have no experience...what tools do you recommend...type of thread, finish, what type and weight leather..

and also a source for these materials.....i have looked on line but before i make any purchases i want to get the right stuff!!!

any and all comments, pictures, videos appreciated...thanks for your help

Bob

Hi Bob,

Look at Tandy/Leather Factory or Jantz Knife Supply, they have everything you need, plus I highly recommend AL Stohlmann's book on hand stitching leather.

I use 8-9 ounce tooling leather for most sheaths.
I have a 5 stitch per inch stitch spacer, an adjustable groover, freehand groover, an edge beveler, a CS Osbourne awl, and some big harness needles, waxed linen thread, Fiebings leather dyes, Montana Pitch Blend, and I think that is about it!

Oh and pliers to pull the needle through, a piece of leather to push the needle is helpful, and a stitching pony if you are going to do more than a few sheaths.

Chuck Burrows of Wild Rose Leather fame has a great video which I highly recommend. It is packed full of knowledge and is well  worth the money.

Good luck and post some pictures when you are done

a nother place is springfield leather co you can go to ther web page and get a catalog

I buy my leather from "The Leather Factory" in Chattanooga, Tn.  They are excellent folks to deal with.

Tandy Leather is a good source.
Predrill holes for your stitching, size depending on your thread size.  Should be tight enough to need pliars to pull the needle through.  I use the larger thicker needles available in the fabric section of stores.
Dan