If you want a durable leather knife sheath that can stand up to wear and tear, this Instructable will show you how to make one.
Start by making a paper pattern that will be used to cut out the shape of the sheath from the leather. This will ensure that you get a precise and clean result.
Marking the Pattern
A leather knife sheath is a useful accessory to help protect the blade of your knife. The sheath is usually made of durable material such as genuine cowhide leather and can be used to carry your knife with you while you are hiking, hunting, or working outdoors.
The first step in making a sheath is to mark the pattern onto your leather. This is done by placing the paper cutout of the sheath on your leather and using a silver pen or a leather-marking pen to trace around it.
Now that you have your sheath pattern marked on your leather, it is time to cut it out. You will need to use a rotary cutter to cut out the sheath, but don’t cut too close to the inside edges where the sheath will satisfies your belt loop as this will cause unsightly nicks.
Once your sheath is cut out, you will need to sew it together. Using the guide lines on your sheath pattern, stitch up both sides of the sheath and angle the bottom so that it mimics the curve of your blade.
Cutting the Leather
Cutting leather is a bit daunting for the first timer, but with the right tools and a little practice, it becomes an easy process. A good pair of scissors and a sharp knife are essential for making clean cuts in the leather.
Once you have cut your sheath to the correct size, it’s time to start moulding. A piece of wood is handy to help you shape the leather, as well as nails if you want to make it tighter.
Before you start bending it, moisten it so that it will be easier to work with and the corium will shrink, allowing you to shape it. It’s important to get the leather the right thickness so that it’s touch-to-fold, but not impossible to handle.
Stitching the Sheath
Stitching the sheath is a critical step in creating a high-quality knife sheath. It will protect the knife and make it easier to carry. It will also improve its longevity by securing the rivets to the sheath.
To start, mark where you want the stitch holes to go. Then, puncture the leather with a drill bit or awl to ensure even stitches.
Once the stitching is complete, soak the sheath in hot water. This will help the corium shrink, resulting in firmer leather.
When the sheath is slightly wet, it’s easy to mold the leather to fit your knife. Pay particular attention to the bolster or guard and the transition area where the bolster and blade meet.
Once the sheath is fully shaped, it’s time to cut it from the leather. The sheath can be cut in one piece, but it’s usually best to cut the front and back separately.
Finishing the Sheath
A leather knife sheath is a great way to protect your knife and yourself. However, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure that the sheath will perform as intended.
A good knife sheath should not only protect your blade but also look neat and presentable. To achieve this goal, you must ensure that the sheath is well finished and has rivets on it.
Ideally, you should use oak or vegetable tanned leather for your knife sheath. These types of leather do not contain chromium which reacts with brass hardware.
Aside from being better for working and wet forming, they hold their shape much longer than chrome tanned leathers. In addition, they are easier to dye and can be colored with a wide variety of dyes available at most craft and leather stores.