dying leather and sheath making

[jackcbr]

HI all

I'm trying my hand at making a leather sheath for the first time and have bought some bits in to do it. The leather I've bought is very light, much lighter than I'd thought it would be, so have got some dye to use on it. But I was wondering when is the best time to dye the leather, before or after construction? And what is the best method of applying the dye.

If it all goes well, I'll post some pictures!

Cheers

Jack

 

[ian2000]

wood die dark oak put it on with a rag and it will get darker gives a nice fin all the best

 

[g4ghb]

I tend to dye post construction unless I want to use a contrasting thread then I'll dye first and then sew it up. Probably most common is a 'wool dauber' but a piece of cotton fabric held with a peg works well. I have used a soft brush to get into difficult areas and cotton buds in the past. If you want to go really hi tech you can spray it on with a airbrush....

 

[John Fenna]

I dye after making (saves dye on bits that later get cut away....) and apply it with a felt dabber.

 

[jackcbr]

Thanks guys, so post construction and babber it is.

 

[Eric_Methven]

I agree. For a sheath, post construction and a felt dabber. For larger projects like bags, pre construction is sometimes better. Applying dye to large pieces works best for me with a six inch piece of woolen pre-felt sheet and a disposble rubber glove to protect fingers. I dampen the leather then apply the dye in swift broad strokes. This covers quickly and the pre dampening helps avoid edge streaks on the leather.

Eric

 

[brancho]

I dilute my dye with meths and use a rag but always wear disposable latex gloves to prevent dying my hands.

 

[jackcbr]

OK, this is all good. Constructed the sheath last night, but didn't go quite as expected. But I know where I went wrong, so tonight we start again. Good job I bought a large bit of leather.

After all, without mistakes, what do we really learn.

 

[g4ghb]

on the bright side you have something to trial your dyeing on now

 

[jackcbr]

on the bright side you have something to trial your dyeing on now

Now there's a silver lining. Still positive and up beat about it all. Nothing ventured and all that.

 

[John Fenna]

A "mistake" is only a mistake if you repeat it...otherwise it is a "learning point" and as such a positive thing....
The gloves tip is a good one - if you are a cheapskate the thin poly bags you get fruit and veg in at the supermarket are just as good....and great recycling!

 

[hairyhippy]

The guy in Le Prevo (a leather shop) said to me that I had to go ahead and make that first sheath. It will be a bit wobbly, but you learn soo much from it.

I am a pre construction dyer when sheath making just to add fuel to the confusion.

 

[Dougster]

I do both....

I dye it when it's cut and then fold and glue it together. As the dye dries the sheath hardens to shape, I sand the edges and then groove and drill the holes (after marking wheel). I then do the edges and a last once over.

 

[luckylee]

i use an air brush for some stuff, if i want a sunburst affect, i use wool to apply my dye to, and wool daubers, and mosltly dye before i sow, as i like to cover all my leather with dye, it costs more, but i think you get a more proffesional finish rather than trying to dye the back of the belt loop, or leave it with no dye at all, i think that looks terrible, if all your measurements are right, then there i not a problem with dyeing first, you get a much more even dye if you do it this way, as you not trying to dye around things, you are dyeing a flat peice of leather.
hope that helps mate.
if you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

[jackcbr]

Now I can see the merits of both directions, so I think it's time to take a deep breath, rethink the design (or my methodology more importantly) and give it another go. I'll keep you posted!

 

[Squidders]

I use darkening oil as I have always been around the stuff with horses. It goes on evenly 100% and using some kind of witchcraft will not stain anything else it touches, including your fingers.

http://www.tacksales.co.uk/hydrophane-leather-darkening-oil.html <-- that's the stuff though I get mine from the stables so no idea about the seller.

 

[jackcbr]

As promised here is the finished object. I'm really chuffed with how it came out, stained all the bits prior to construction but after cutting. It really sets off the knife I made great.

So a double whammy of firsts, first knife and first (completed) sheath.

Thanks for all your help guys, I enjoyed this one.

 

[Black Sheep]

Nice work for your first attempt

What you find now is you start improving and changing the sheath and next thing you know you have one knife and 3 or 4 sheaths

Richard

 

[redandshane]

That is brilliant You went for it on the sheath then. Funny enough I went at it the other way round learning bit of leather work bit of carving still working up to what I see as a huge leap and making my own knife.
It must be real pleasure to use and own Well done fella
OT but did you see addos use of the squirrel skin from wild food course?

 

[jackcbr]

Thanks guys.

I must admit I've played with the design a bit. Bought an old handbag to try out a few design from it. Turns out it wasn't leather and very thin, but I kinda got the feel I was after. Then got me some leather from a supplier and some dye. The first attempt fail from the word go, and I knew that I had rushed in without thinking it through. Got a couple of Mora's knocking around, so might give them a nice sheath.

As for making the knife, I got given the kit as a present, so the blade was already shaped. I just took my time over it. It's great, being left handed and having crafted it just for me, right handed people don't like holding it. Next step, make something with it. I've already started on a mushroom picking knife, now for the next sheath.