Pouch sheath tutorial

[rapidboy]

Someone asked about a sheath tutorial recently and i was making this sheath for a friend this evening so i thought I'd post a few pic's of how i do it.
I'm not saying this is the best way to go about it but it works for me. I know this process is very obvious to many on here but i hope those you haven't tried before can learn from it.

I start by cutting the leather from a paper template.
The template is the result of trial and error to get a good fit and a design that looks right.
It's worth spending a bit of time here to get everything right on paper before cutting leather

Then cut some grooves to help the fold along the spine

And some more to fold the belt loop

Then fold ,glue and stitch the loop in position

Next cut and glue the welt in position.
The welt is to protect the stitches from being cut by the blade

Then fold along the spine and glue the sheath

Next it's time to clean up the edge ,i use a sanding drum in a pillar drill for speed but you can do this by hand with some sandpaper and a block of wood

You should end up with a nice smooth clean edge

Next using an adjustable groover ,cut the stitch groove

And use an overstitch wheel to mark out the position of the holes

Then back to the pillar drill and a small drill bit.
Some people use a drill others use the traditional awl.
I use a drill because it's easier and i like to double stitch so this makes life easier.

Finally stitch using a saddle stitch and some waxed thread then run an edge beveller around the edges to clean them up.

The final stage is to wet from and apply dye / finish to your preference.
I didn't do this one as my friend wanted to do that himself.
Sorry it's a bit of a rush job but feel feel to ask any questions or correct me or give advice as you see fit.

rb

 

[falcon]

That's really neat RB - cutting the grooves to help with folding the leather is a good idea and having a pillar drill also helps to keep the holes perpendicular. I don't have one and with my one and only sheath (so far) I found the drill strayed off vertical a bit through the latter part of each hole, although I was drilling through 5 layers as I used two additional tapered pieces in the handle area. I think I'll invest in one of the models Axminster have on offer in their sale before I do the sheath for my F1 .

As regards finish, after staining, do you use something like Mars oil to make the sheath soft and supple?

 

[rapidboy]

When i wet form i use Resolene which waterproofs the leather so i doesn't loose it's shap if and when it get soaked.
If i dont wet form i dye and use KIWI shoe polish "Outdoor - weatherproof -Neutral)

How's the F1 coming along ?

rb

 

[falcon]

Finished the handle on Saturday - it's receiving linseed oil now. I'm about to start the sheath. Thanks again for your help with the rivets.

 

[rapidboy]

No problem ,im looking forward to seeing the end result

 

[Buckshot]

RB, what thickness leather do you use?

Looks good btw

Cheers

mark

 

[TheViking]

That's fantastic RB! Thanks. I'm gonna bookmark this.

 

[hootchi]

Thanks rb. That will come into use if ever I get around to making one.

Cheers.

 

[rapidboy]

RB, what thickness leather do you use?

3 - 3.5mm Shoulder

 

[leon-1]

Nice one RB, I have just used the same process on a sheath that I took to Namibia, looks good

 

[Stew]

RB,

How do you cut the folding grooves? Doesn't look that easy to do well.

 

[rapidboy]

Use a large groover like this

I use a steel rule as a guide.

rb

 

[Biddlesby]

Ah I have a question.

How would one go about adding a little pocket for a FireSteel?

 

[rapidboy]

Usually i make the firesteel holder as part of the sheath but often it's made as a seperate part.
It's harder to make it all from the same piece but it looks neater when finished.

Basically just shorten the welt ,make a loop ,glue and stitch it in place.

rb

 

[Dorian Gra]

just found this post, very good tips and well illustrated, think i'll give it a go. A nice homemade sheath to fit my homemade knife.

thanks m8

 

[VIRULENT SALAMANDER]

.... .. I found this when I was wandering about and think its very inspiring,thank's for posting it.
Only I now have a question which may seem a simple one but never the less,"where would someone buy leather of that grade(?) and how much would it cost?".

 

[leon-1]

There are a couple of places that you can get good leather, but the last lot I got (which is very good) is Le Prevo

 

[leon-1]

I should also mention that the service is very good as well and they are very helpfull on the phone.

 

[rapidboy]

I also buy my supplies from LePrevo.
They are very helpfull as leon-1has already mentioned.

 

[VIRULENT SALAMANDER]

Thank's for the link Leon-1, it may come in useful.what kind and grade did you use
for your demo? Rapidboy.What every grade it was you did a good looking job.