SIMPLE SHEATH BUILD ALONG

[el oso]

Well this is my first attempt at a build along. I hope some of y'all get some good out of it. Remember I'm not claiming this is the right way, just my way. T will be glad to hear any tips from anyone. Here we go.                                                 First I start with a old folder or shirt box or shue box or the like, and I draw around the knife. Next I sketch out how I want the sheath to look.                                                                                                  

[elk ninja]

Looking good!  I like the knife too!  Keep it up...
Mike

[el oso]

I then cut it out and trace it on the leather. I would use 8 to 10 oz. leather for shis kind of sheath. be carful witch way you lay it out or you will end up with a left handed sheath. after it is cut out I sand the edges smooth and check the fit.                                                                                                                                              

[el oso]

[imskippy]

Very nice. Keep it coming. Oh yeah don't forget to mention the secret ingredient in the longhorn koozie!!!! That is the most important part of the build isn't it?  Skippy

[skullworks]

Sweet! I like it!

[el oso]

I then use a groover and a stylus to make stitch grooves. wet the leather before useing the stylus.                                                                                                        

[el oso]

Next I use a stitching weel to lay out the holes. and then an awl and mallet to the holes.                                                                                                

[el oso]

Turn the leather over and groove the holes on the back side of the belt loop. The reason to groove all the stitching is so the stitches will be recessed and won't rub on things and get worn out.                                                    

[el oso]

Now wet down the leather and you can do all your stamping and carving.                                                

[el oso]

Now lay it out on another piece of leather and trace out a piece for the welt. Cut out the welt and check it for fit. Sand the smooth side to rough it up for cement.                                              

[el oso]

Let every thing dry and then you can dye it. I hope you have better luck with dyeing than I do. I usually go dark or not at all. If you go natural, use plenty of neatsfoot oil with super shene or some other sealant.                                            

[skullworks]

Great leather work and tooling!

[Over&Under]

This is awesome!!!!  

I have some knives in dire need of a sheath.

Looks like I will need a few tools.

Thanks alot el oso!!!

[el oso]

after it dries then use an edger. I allways did it before dying but after reading robs build along I will be edging after, because the dye stiffens the leather. This makes it easier to edge it.                                                          

[el oso]

Now fold over the belt loop and mark it on the back of the sheath. you will probably have to wet the area of the fold. Now sand the parts that are to be glued. cement the loop down and let it set.  

[el oso]

Now use the awl and mallet to make holes in the back side of the sheath. Flip it over and push the awl into the holea to open them up. next ' groove the holes on the inside of the sheath.                                              

[el oso]

Now you can stitch it up. I use a stitching awl, but it can be hand stitched. hand stitching looks and holds up better but I never learned to do it. I super glue the knot and the inside stitches.                                                  

[el oso]

Now cement in the welt, and let set. after it sets, punch holes in the welt from the front then flip it over and finish the holes.                                              

[el oso]

My pics were starting to get fuzzy. Must be whatever was in that Longhorn Hugger  :D