Chris Railey
Well-Known Member
I am guessing the "antique" is more of a finish than a dye?
Simple sheath build along
- Thread starter Dennis Morland
- Start date
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
Store bought sheaths have there place. Learning to make sheaths is not all that difficult. Like knife making, you need to collect the right tools and that initial outlay of cash always hurts/stings. Several makers on KD, experienced makers, choose not to make their own sheaths. Usually, they find a leather guy/gal to make them for them. A good fitting, attractive sheath, helps to sell their knives and they find someone that they trust to provide the sheath for them. Randy Lucius comes to mind. His sheath maker does a great job. I like his/her product. I think John Doyle has someone make sheaths for him. Bruce Bump has someone make his sheaths. I forget his name, but, he is very good. And if you want the Cadillac - buy a Paul Long sheath.
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Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
Yes. I would call it a topping of sorts. Not really a dye although it does provide color. I like it because it makes the stamping more pronounced. Darker in the crevices and lighter on the top.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
Chris - I struggled a bit with this issue. Heck, I still do. I am going to respond to this, as I may end up braiding the edge of this sheath. If I use thread, I will show you how I attempt to overcome the matching up issue. Otherwise, I cut my groove line for the stitching on the front side of the sheath. I do not cut the back side. I then use a diamond shaped pricking iron for setting all the necessary holes. Make sure you are perpendicular on each setting so the holes stay lined up on the back side. After cutting all the holes, I will cut the groove line for the stitching on the back side of the sheath and use the holes as a guide to follow. It beats trying to blindly find the groove line on the back side of the sheath. More often, you miss at least once. I hate that!!
Chris Railey
Well-Known Member
The pricking iron makes a hole through your leather and welt? Do you drill the holes at all?
Perhaps this would simplify things???
Amazon.com: Leathercraft Pricking Iron Leather Stitching 1 Chisel Nippers 4mm
Shop Home Arts Leathercraft at the Amazon Arts, Crafts & Sewing store. Free Shipping on eligible items. Save on everyday low prices.
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Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
Sorry Chris, I misspoke. I use a diamond hole chisel not a pricking iron. Brain fart! It is a cheap adjustable one from Tandy. I used to drill holes, I switched to a chisel set. It helps me keep better spacing. Also helps to keep everything in line.
Chris Railey
Well-Known Member
OK, got it. So you drive the chisel all the way through the backside?
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
It has a sharp point. I hit it all the way until the sharp points comes out the back side. When I cut the groove the holes are bigger in the groove.
Randy Lucius
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the WIP Dennis. I really need to get back into leatherwork.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
Every once in a while a plan just comes together. The plan was for the sheath to somewhat match the colors on the knife handle. I got lucky.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
Up next is to stitch the loop into place. I really hope I have some brown thread.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
After stitching, I will need to make a decision on whether to stitch the edge or braid the edge. I planned on stitching but I want to braid. This is the welt. I made it thicker for braiding. If I stitch it will get thinner. You just need more space for braiding because the hole is so much bigger than a stitching hole.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
To set the holes, I have three choices with the chisel. Small, medium or large spacing. Unfortunately, small worked out best which means I get more stitches.
Just line it up and hit with a mallet. Make sure it is straight up so the holes are straight.
Just line it up and hit with a mallet. Make sure it is straight up so the holes are straight.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
Chris Railey it looks like this on the back side.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
The nicest thing about using a chisel instead of drilling is the holes line up better/easier. Front side.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
Chris Railey - Back side. If I was going to stitch, I would use the groover and just follow the holes. That way, I cannot miss the groove on the back side. I hope that makes some sense for you. Let me know if I need to explain it better.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
A little bit of barge cement, let it get tacky, set it into place, punch the holes through the shield, and start stitching. Easy peasy.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
And we are off. Some time ago I came across a killer deal on close out. I bought thread for $1 a pack. I think I bought 3 each in black, brown and tan. I should have bought them out. Duh!
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
I would not be able to hand stitch without this little needle nose plier. It is a godsend to old arthritic joints.
Dennis Morland
KNIFE MAKER
All stitched. I cannot sing the praises any louder for the chisel. I used to drill each hole with a 1/16 inch drill bit. I never got the hang of it and always struggled to make the stitches look decent. I got the chisel after a leather buddy suggested it. 10x better in no time. I will never go back.
