First attempt at a sheath

[Tat2trev]

Well well well,you guys on this forum never cease to amaze me,i've just recieved a PM from one of you who have commented on my sheath.and have posted out some leather ,thread and needle so i can have a go at making a real sheath .I'M GOBSMACKED and lost for words this has to be the best and most awsome forum ever your all like family thank you all so much for help advice and general friendship
regards trev

MY MISTAKE THE PERSON WHO HAS DONATED THE LEATHER, THREAD AND NEEDLE DID NOT POST ON MY THREAD I'VE JUST CHECKED

Mark my words i will do us proud hopefully with my very first leather sheath .

 

[Tat2trev]

question to the skilled peops on here once you have made your leather sheath how do you finish the edges so they are smooth and rounded .This question is asked as i have no idea how to get a nice finish

 

[John Fenna]

john what thread should i use for such jobs and where can i get it

I use saddlers linen thread (from horsey type shops or a good sewing shop) which I run through a block of beeswax, or artificial sinew - got mine from Decorum of this parish

 

[John Fenna]

question to the skilled peops on here once you have made your leather sheath how do you finish the edges so they are smooth and rounded .This question is asked as i have no idea how to get a nice finish

Dampen the leather very slightly and rub it like mad with a piece of smooth wood, bone or even glass - this glazes the leather

 

[Robbi]

as John says, rub so much your arm hurts then carry on for another hour !

 

[Tat2trev]

Dampen the leather very slightly and rub it like mad with a piece of smooth wood, bone or even glass - this glazes the leather

Thanks john and rob for your replies i'll give it a go .When the leather sheath is finished i'll post up pics

 

[Tat2trev]

Dampen the leather very slightly and rub it like mad with a piece of smooth wood, bone or even glass - this glazes the leather

john i've cut out my template in leather for my sheath pre drilled sewing holes how and when do you wet form for knife fit PLEASE HELP i'm stuck as brand new to leather work

 

[mountainm]

john i've cut out my template in leather for my sheath pre drilled sewing holes how and when do you wet form for knife fit PLEASE HELP i'm stuck as brand new to leather work

Personally I wouldn't wet form but go for a friction fit. More versatile.

 

[John Fenna]

OK - I do not do everything the same way as some others do ...
I first cut out the leather following a paper pattern that I will make fresh for each knife.
Then I dampen the leather and apply any decoration (stamps or pressed freehand ) plus a groove for the stitching which I press in using a bent fork - one tang bent down to follow the cut edge of the leather, one , two or three tines bent to mark parallel lines for stitching and /or decoration. I then use a stitch marking wheel (mine is an embroidery tracing wheel with every other tooth removed - 50p from our sewing stall on the market) to mark the stitches positions. I then let the leather dry
Then I glue the sheath together using impact adhesive (if the belt loop is going to be fixed to the back of the sheath I glue drill and sew this before glueing the welt seam) drill the holes and then sew the main seam.
I then wet form the sheath and dry it out in my dehydrator. The edges are then trued, bevelled and glazed. If I am going to dye the leather I do it just before I glaze the edges.
As a final touch I then polish or wax/oil the leather (my own wax/oil mix).
I too am still learning but this works for me and some happy customers.
I hope that helps

 

[Tat2trev]

OK - I do not do everything the same way as some others do ...
I first cut out the leather following a paper pattern that I will make fresh for each knife.
Then I dampen the leather and apply any decoration (stamps or pressed freehand ) plus a groove for the stitching which I press in using a bent fork - one tang bent down to follow the cut edge of the leather, one , two or three tines bent to mark parallel lines for stitching and /or decoration. I then use a stitch marking wheel (mine is an embroidery tracing wheel with every other tooth removed - 50p from our sewing stall on the market) to mark the stitches positions. I then let the leather dry
Then I glue the sheath together using impact adhesive (if the belt loop is going to be fixed to the back of the sheath I glue drill and sew this before glueing the welt seam) drill the holes and then sew the main seam.
I then wet form the sheath and dry it out in my dehydrator. The edges are then trued, bevelled and glazed. If I am going to dye the leather I do it just before I glaze the edges.
As a final touch I then polish or wax/oil the leather (my own wax/oil mix).
I too am still learning but this works for me and some happy customers.
I hope that helps

Massive help thanks bud your a star

 

[Dreadhead]

looks nice and sturdy mate solid effort