Wet leather build along

[RGK]

I have wanted to try a wetted/formed leather sheath. This would be the same technique for making a sheath for a tool such as pliers or really anything. Use your imagination.
I started with 6 Oz. leather for the face.

 

in order not to trap the finger guard (and the knife) in the sheath. I had to build up the area behind the guard. I used foam and tape.

 

I soaked the leather front and back.

 

then started massaging the leather over the knife.

 

It's kind of like working with a piece of balogna. The white thing a bone folder/creaser

 

When finished. I set it in the sun to dry.

 

When it dried and while I still had it on the form. I punched the lacing holes.

 

Then I cut it out and used it as a template to make the back of the sheath. For this I used 8 Oz. leather

 

[RGK]

To keep the leather from cracking during the bend, I got it wet.

 

Then I glued and sewed the belt loop in place.

 

I then added a deer head stamp to the face.

 

Next, I cut the pieces for the welt out of the scrap from the face and glued them in place.

 

Then I changed my mind and added a 2nd row of lacing holes To give it more strength.

 

After stitching, I trimmed all around for an even margin.

 

next, I wetted the edge and used the slicker to round it off.

 

 

[RGK]

I want this sheath to have a deep rich color but also wanted to see some of the tan through the die so I diluted the stain with alcohol.

 

Once thoroughly saturated, I let it sit for a few hours to dry.

 

To waterproof the leather and give it a nice sheen, I used mink oil and then warmed the sheath of the burner of the stove to make it soak in.

 

The knife and sheath are done.

 

 

 

 

[pintail_drake2004]

Beautiful work. that combo is just breath taking.

[adeeden]

Nice sheath and excellent build-a-long!

[vermonster13]

Great build-along!

[madness522]

Great looking sheath!  You make it look so easy.

[swp]

Very nice, you make the process seem simple. I may have to try one. Outstanding job!

[OzarkRamblr]

Nice build along, I've been wanting to see that done, thanks.

[Missouri Sherpa]

Outstanding.  This is something I have been waiting to try myself.  Just as good as being shown in person.  Thanks.

[Slasher]

Man... you make it look easy!!! But most of all, a real Nice Job!!!

[drewsbow]

wow that sure is nice :0)

[Osagetree]

Thank you for sharing,,, great and useful build-along!

Looks very nice,,, I want to try it now!

[wingnut]

Dang that looks easy enough for even an old bow builder like me to try.

Thanks,

Mike

[CheapShot]

Wow great "how to". I gotta try making me one. Thanks for sharing.

[Killdeer]

Nicely done, and the pictures are great! You do a terrific job explaining and illustrating an interesting project. This would be an excellent addition to the "How-To" forum.

Killdeer      

[Benoli]

Great job and thank you. Do you stamp the stitching holes on the back of the sheath as well?

[Dano]

Very nicely done!!

[RGK]

Thanks everyone. When the welt is glued in place. I then glue the face (with the deer image) over the top of the welt. I then have 3 thicknesses of leather (with the face already stamped with lacing holes) I just place the lacing punch back in the same holes and hit it again to go through the other two layers.

 

Originally posted by Benoli:
Great job and thank you. Do you stamp the stitching holes on the back of the sheath as well?

[Yellowsnake]

Beautiful rig and excellent build-a-long.  Thanks.