A folding knife is a type of fixed blade knife that can be opened with one hand. The opening mechanism may involve a stud, hole, disk or flipper located on the blade or in the handle.
In most folding knives, a lock back (also called a stop pin or spindle lock) prevents the blade from rotating clockwise. The lock back usually features a hook on the tang of the blade engaging with a hook on the rocker bar. Excessive stress on the hook can shear it and render the knife useless.
Stitching
Leather sheaths are great for keeping a knife, pocket watch, compass, or any other small item close at hand. Sheaths can be shaped to fit different items, and they can be stained or dyed to give them a custom look.
Traditionally, sheaths for knives are made from one piece of leather that is folded over and sewn along the sides. You can also make a two-seam sheath, which uses more than one piece of leather and is sewn around both sides.
To stitch a sheath, you will need some basic tools. These include a groover (for marking stitches) and a pricking wheel (to mark stitches in curved areas), a stitching awl, and thread.
You will also need to prepare your leather for stitching. Wet-shaping leather helps it to fit the sheath better.
Dyeing
Leather sheaths have been around for centuries, and they are a great way to protect your knives. However, leather sheaths also require some maintenance and care in order to last for a long time.
To make a sheath, you need leather that will fit your knife properly and be easy to work with. Fortunately, making a sheath is not difficult, even for beginners.
After cutting out the sheath shape, you should first test it to make sure that it fits your knife perfectly. This step will save you a lot of time and effort in the end.
Once you have determined that your sheath will fit, dye the leather to your preferred color. Once it dries, apply beeswax and burnish the edges with a wooden stick (burnisher).
If you want your sheath to last for a long time, you should treat it regularly. The type of leather, its original treatment, and the environment in which it is stored will play a role in how often it needs to be treated.
Sanding
A leather sheath can be a useful way to keep a knife or other specialized tool close at hand. They can also be used to store other items like a pocket watch or compass, which are otherwise difficult to find in a bag.
To make a sheath, you will need to sand the edges of the leather. This can be done with a belt sander or by hand. You will need to be sure that the edges are smooth and free of any dents or scratches.
Next, you will need to mark out the stitch holes on the leather sheath. To do this, you will need to use a scratch compass and a spacer set.
Using the scratch compass, draw a line along the edge of the sheath, about 1/4 inch from the edge. Repeat this process on the other side of the sheath to make the stitch holes. Once you have made the holes, you will need to drill them with a 1/16-inch bit.
Finishing
A leather sheath is an essential accessory for your folding knife. It protects your blade from damage and keeps it clean and dry.
When creating a sheath, it is important to use the proper tools. This will help you achieve the best results for your project.
The most important tools in leather crafting are your cutting knives and cutting and marking tools. These will be used for the different stages of your project.
Cut your leather to the size of your sheath pattern. If your sheath has curved edges, use a round knife for this step.
Now, cut a shallow groove into the leather where you want your stitches to go. You can do this freehand or use a gouge with a built-in guide.
Once you have a groove, punch your stitch holes with a Stitching Awl and Rawhide Mallet. Be careful not to over-punch or the holes will not be spaced evenly.