Leather help please

[Waldganger]

Hi there.

I'm a member of a few knife forums but I thought I'd ask here as I've taken to this joint quite a bit in the past couple of weeks. Lots of good gear to see.

I have some 4mm leather coming this week that I plan on making a couple of sheaths with. In a few months I'll be buying a shoulder so this will be good practice.

Eyelets So a couple of projects I want to put eyelets in. thick enough for two pieces of paracord. These are what I'm thinking of. Is the 6.4mm the diameter? Will these hold on through two pieces of 3.8mm leather? Also will these same eyelets work on 2mm leather?

Wetforming So how do I do it? damp the leather or soak it? clamp it down over the work and let it stiffen like with kydex? Or do I pull it tight and clamp?

Pouches Will 2mm thick leather be sturdy enough for a possibles pouch, or phone/compass/gps sheath? I've seen a knife sheath in 2mm but it was far too flimsy, although that was most likely the welts problem.


Will these following bits be good for sheath making
http://www.maclace.com.au/product.php?id=715&list_page=2
http://www.maclace.com.au/product.php?id=1885&list_page=1
http://www.maclace.com.au/product.php?id=633&list_page=1

will these be good for pouch/small bag making
http://www.maclace.com.au/product.php?id=1862&list_page=1

Thanks for the help

 

[stevesteve]

Hi,

I am not an expert! However, I have wondered much the same thing about the eyelets while looking at a local haberdashers which sells them mainly for fabric etc. At least your supplier is a leather specialist. The leather itself seems a bit dear compared to some of the prices I have seen in the UK but I guess you can look around in Oz to compare prices.

As far as the suitability of the fastenings etc for the thickness of leather that you want to use goes, I would ask them. If they're any good they will give you a straight and clear answer. They should know the max/min thicknesses for each product. If they don't then try someone else that does! I am going to be dropping an order with Le Prevo in the UK as they keep getting referred to as a reliable supplier.

As far as the wet-forming goes I have not done very much but there are some great tutorials and 'how to's on older threads here. When I have made sheaths previously I have dampened the leather in warm water and then molded it around the knife (completely wrapped in cling film!) before leaving it to dry near the boiler.

As far as thickness of leather for pouches etc? I have just made my possibles pouch out of 3mm and it is fairly rigid. I would think that it depends on the leather and the tanning though so again, I would talk to your supplier. They should be able to advise you about what would be suitable from their stock.

Cheers,
Steve