murf said:
Hi could anyone help me with a good design for a leather axe sheah/ cover?
Cheers
Murf
Murf:
I always keep this simple and utilitarian. This might not be what you have in mind. I used two basic axe sheaths.
First one:
Take a piece of new cut birchbark four times the length of your axe blade (between the bit and where the handle goes through the blade). You might want to wet your bark before beginning - makes it more pliable. It should also be 1/4 inch wider than the widest part of the bit. Lay the bark on the table with the white side up (inner bark is showing when finished). Fold each end in so they meet in the center. Where they meet - fold again.
Take some thinner bark, about 1/2 inch wide, and start from the center fold. Starting from the fold, lace this thinner bark between the two pieces (fold) on one side of the sheath, through the fold on the other side of the sheath, then wrap around the outside - inbetween the two pieces (fold) on the first side of the sheath - inbetween the fold on the other side of the sheath, wrap around etc. round and round the sheath in a spiral - until you run out of fold.
Wrap it tight. Getting the last bit through is tough, but with perseverence, you can do it. The folds will trap the ends and the bark is stiff enough so it won't come undone. Makes a great sheath, and a great conversation piece too. If you've done it tight, it won't slip off the bit. You can add a bit of lace to tie the sheath off to the axe handle if you like extra security.
After a couple of tries, you will be able to do this in a couple of minutes. Makes good knife sheaths too. Good for quickly constructing a sheath in the field.
Second method:
Take two pieces of leather about 1/2 inch longer then the bit on your axe is wide. Make an outline of the bit on the edges. Add 3/16 inch to the outside of the outline, and 3/4 inch to the inside. Cut leather at the added 3/16 line and at the added 3/4 inch line. This sheath covers only the bit.
Use an awl and make evenly spaced holes along the outline - 3'16 from the outside edge (punch through both pieces at once - make sure your awl is straight up and down when punching the holes). Sew along the bit outline and in 3/4", at each end, at a 90 degree angle, to the end of the leather.
Punch a hole through both pieces and put a lace in each side with an overhand knot to keep it in place. Make sure the lace is long enough to wrap each lace once around the haft of the axe and tie in a bow knot. All done.
As my axe goes in my pack, or the handle is stuck in my belt - there is no belt loop.
PG