Leather knife sheat build along

[Rancid Crabtree]

I needed to make a sheath for a knife I had just finished so I took pictures along the way. This is a wetted/formed leather sheath. I started with 6 Oz. leather for the face.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9995.jpg

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.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9996.jpg

I soaked the leather front and back.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9998.jpg

then started massaging the leather over the knife.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99991.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99992.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99993.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99994.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99995.jpg

Then I glued and sewed the belt loop in place.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99997.jpg

I then added a deer head stamp to the face.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99996.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99998.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99999.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999991.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999992.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999993.jpg

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.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999995.jpg

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

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999996.jpg

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.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999997.jpg

The knife and sheath are done.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999998.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999999.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999991.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999992.jpg

[crazimofo]

mate that's f*#^KEN awesome,.....greg

[Grunter]

Nice one, was looking at doing some sheaths up for some of the knives i have got as well. That gives me some good ideas.

[bowhunting4eva]

awsome mate. i need to make one for my mayall knife i have

[Nomad]

Thats some good *****e there! i make my knifes in a forge i have at home. i use either 440 or 420 stainless steel (you can get 416 at most steel shops as it is fairly common). i will have to take photos of my next project. a sort of Muela stealth crossed with Muela Typhoon turned into hunting and skinner.!!!. big project. i am picking up the steel today!