This is my first try at making a leather sheath. Up to now, I have only ever dabbled with leathercraft; often fashioning bits and pieces to repair an item or fooling around were my only accomplishments. I have been spending quite a bit of time watching videos and reading up on the best way to go about making sheaths for blades. After spending a little money to obtain the proper tools, I set off at trying to make a sheath for the Don Llewellyn bird and trout blank (@Valkman) I purchased from him a while ago... I had to pretty much guess at a few things, but I paid attention to the instruction I absorbed, which made this a whole lot easier. This may be my very first sheath, but it is made to last. I wanted to make it black, and I knew the only dye to use was Fiebing's Professional Oil Dye. I used Fiebing's Mink Oil to finish the leather, and on the belt loop I used some Fiebing's Acrylic Resoline to give a smooth surface to the underside of the leather and to protect it. The skull stamp is a generic one, but it suits me fine since I am not sure I will ever have a custom stamp made any time soon. It came out beautifully. The stitching is nice and tight, and the firesteel holder works perfectly. The knife sits in the sheath by friction, and I can shake it around upside down without it falling out. I made the weld to fit, and the blade seats home every time. I have a video I am rendering to cover most of the process, located on my YT channel.
It's been a while since I made any videos, so please excuse the lighting and sound, which require some improvement. The video is in HD at least. @kellory I didn't include instructions, primarily because there are plenty out there. I appreciate your compliments!
Not bad, though you do things a bit differently than I do. But overall, a nice job. for the inside of the firesteel loop, you might try a .22 pistol cleaning rod and patch, or just a coat hanger folded over with a patch. I use a belt sander to blend edges and shaped, before rubbing, and I use waxed linen with a single needle. I liked your finish knot idea better though, I'll have to try that.
Thanks, and yeah I sized the firesteel loop for a full sized one, but I can't find it. The skinny ones fit, but are a little loose, but due to the shape of the sheath, and with the large handle on the firesteel, it snugs up.
cut leather washers (or rubber) to fit within the loop. large diameter to fit loop, small diameter to fit rod. then stack them solid from end to end with the glue you used. hold them in place centered with a wood or plastic dowel until dry. (in place of your firesteel) it will make a nice snug home for it.
I already sized it to the firesteel, but I lost the damn thing. I must clean my workroom. I am currently working on a sheath for a Mora #1 (or a #2, whichever has 3" blade). Coming out nice.
Nice sheath. A couple things I do, for sheaths I cut a piece of leather strip 1/8'' or so to go between front and back to stich through so blade his it and not stiching. I gave also found I like to use 50# spider wire to stich with. I use it doubled and 2 needs going opposite directions through each hole and tie off the seam every few stitches so if it ever dose cut can only open a small part of seam even if cuts all 4 stands. Like I say nice job, looks good. Reminds me though, I have to get one out for a customer tomorrow.
Here's the latest sheath I made for a friend in Ireland: Yes, I always use a good welt to protect the sewing. I have some experience now at forming a perfect weld to help that blade snap into place.
I finally decided to make a sheath for the Morakniv Clipper. It is just a sleek and simple sheath with no frills, and comparable in size to the standard plastic sheath it comes with. I had only one issue making it, which was drying time, and I decided to cheat and apply the dye early before the leather had dried completely, which caused a discoloration. This sheath was a trial more than anything, and I know not to rush the process in the future. Still, it turned out really nice regardless.
I finished the Morakniv series now, lol. This is the latest, what I call a "Mora Supreme" sheath. I made it to hold a large Firesteel and I cut the plastic belt loop from the original Mora sheath off and attached it securely to the new leather sheath. This was a fun project, and I am impressed with the way it looks and functions. Compared next to the standard brown Mora sheath I made recently, I think it blows it away. I changed the design a bit, giving it a better form and increasing the height a little, too. I used a Chicago screw on the top center of the plastic belt attachment, and two strong rivets at the base, with some contact cement underneath for added strength. Overall, this was a huge success.
I like the uniqueness of the brown sheath. The color shading would never be found on another sheath. GB
Wow these are nice... I like the Mora sheaths... I'm a real fan of these affordable scandi ground blades :0) Great work!
