What leather to use for a knife sheath?

[beachbowhunter]

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?
 

Thanks!

[Ian johnson]

I use vegitable tanned double shoulder cowhide

[vermonster13]

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.

[Whip]

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.

[beachbowhunter]

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.

[vermonster13]

Get a hold of Brian(Carboncaster) he can walk you through how to make a wet mold sheath.

[beachbowhunter]

Thanks, I think I know how to do it, I need to purchase the leather....

[Ray Hammond]

7-8 oz. vegetable tanned shoulder should work great, beachie.

[albertakid]

Send them to me I will make them for free as I owe you an armguard anyhow!!


Jordan

[beachbowhunter]

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!

[M60gunner]

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.

[beachbowhunter]

Thanks! Now we're cooking with gas.

[jgbennett6]

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.

[Bjorn]

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.

[DesertDude]

Hey Norb,  call me  760-815-2586  I have leather.

Mark

[beachbowhunter]

Thanks guys. Bjorn, I'll send you an email. Python? Cool!
Mark, I'll call ya.