Knife Sheath WIP

[kevinnator11]

So I've been taking pics of a simple wrap style sheath I'm working on.  I'm gonna just post the pics (lots of them) and answer any questions as to why or how if there are any.  Hopefully that'll help somebody.

[kevinnator11]

Anyone know if there is a limit on the number of pics per post?

[Chief RID]

I have learned a lot already. Hope to see more. Sorry I don't know about limit on pics. Probably has to do with total size. Just keep posting. Thanks.

[kevinnator11]

Alternate down the reference line and when you get to the edge just lean the tool and tap.  Try not to go over the line.  If you do no worries.  This one will be dyed black.

[kevinnator11]

If you make a mistake just correct and keep going.  That's one of those things only you will notice usually which is bad enough.  Don't worry.  I'll be making the biggest mistake shortly.  See who catches it!!

[kevinnator11]

When you clamp try to make sure you are in the stitch groove.  Use the smaller clamps so you don't leave marks.

[kevinnator11]

[kevinnator11]

A 5/64 bit works great for stitch holes and as you can see 1/8 works well for rivets.  Just make sure on the bottom side you're not drilling into anything.  You don't want to use a wood backer because it would pull wood into the leather and that could mess up your stitching.  I use a board with a 1/4 hole under the leather so the bit doesn't hit anything.






After stitching I hit the edges with the belt sander to flatten and clean them up.  I'll go back and dye that again once I work the edge.



I dampen the inside to fold and then to form I just wet the inside really good.  Not enough to soak all the way through to the outside.  That way your tooling isn't affected to much.

Pretty much done.  Put the loop on the wrong side but the guy doesn't mind.  Once I dye again and work the edge some more and finish I'll post the completed pic.  Hope this helps someone.

[JW_Halverson]

Clear enough that people like me that can't read could reproduce that sheath!  Nice work documenting!

[Chief RID]

Thanks. I learned a great deal. Looks like it will last a lifetime-plus.

[bubby]

I don't know about the loop on the wrong side all my personal ones are just like that, of course I'm wrong handed

[Tree_Ninja]

Katana's have the blade facing up when sheathed, and always on the left hip.

 Amazing build along. I was inspecting some of my own leather sheaths to see how they are constructed. The toughest part looks to be punching the holes through 3 layers of leather.

Nice job. The blade *almost* doesn't do the sheath justice.

[kevinnator11]

Thanks guys.  The punch won't go through three layers.  I just use it to mark the stitch groove where they should be and then drill them with my drill press.  That actually makes stitching easier. 

This should last a long time.  If the guy takes good care of it.  I always seal the outside but not the inside.  He can pour oil into that and let it soak in every once in a while and that'll keep it good as long as he has the knife.

[kevinnator11]

My Saturday morning view. 





Ok so this is how I finish.  Soak in Neatsfoot oil inside and out.  That hydrates the leather.  The alcohol dye tends to dry it out and you could get cracks in the leather.  Once that soaks in a dry I put a couple of coats of Super Shene on the outside for shine.  Just dampen a sponge for an applicator.  Super Shene doesn't leave spots like some of the other finishes.  And that is it.  My customer was happy so I was too.

Hope you guys can use some of this.  Any questions ever on leather don't hesitate to ask.  I'm no pro but I sure do a lot of it.

[Knoll]

Clear enough that people like me that can't read could reproduce that sheath!  Nice work documenting!

Well said.