If you’re a hunter, or if you just have a knife that you want to keep close by, then you should make a leather sheath for it. It’s easy, and will help your knife stay safe and protected!
The process of making a leather sheath involves selecting the proper leather, cutting it, and stitching it together. This Instructable will show you how to do all of that!
Selecting the Leather
Choosing the right leather is an important part of making a good leather sheath for a hunting knife. You want to make sure that the sheath you select will be comfortable in your hand and will do its job well.
When selecting the right leather, you should choose a material that is strong and sturdy. This will help ensure that the sheath will last for a long time.
Another thing to consider is the texture of the handle. This is an important factor since it will determine how easy it is to hold the knife.
You should also be sure that the handle is made from a durable material. Some people prefer handles that are made from natural materials such as bone or wood. However, you can also choose a synthetic material that is more durable and will hold up better to the elements.
Cutting the Leather
When cutting leather, it is important to use a good quality knife. It should be sharp and able to withstand heavy strain. You should also maintain it regularly and keep it in good condition.
The knife should be well lubricated, but not too much so that the blade is slippery. Linseed oil works best for wooden handles, mink oil for leather ones.
Several tools can be used to cut leather, but the most effective are scissors or leather shears. Scissors are best for thinner and more pliable leather, while shears work better for thicker or stiffer leather.
A rotary cutter is also an excellent tool for cutting leather, but it should be used with caution. It can be dangerous if not done properly and it can cut jagged edges.
When cutting the leather for a hunting knife, you should follow the pattern that you have drawn on the leather. This will ensure that you get a clean edge and that the sheath will fit your knife.
Stitching the Leather
When stitching leather, it’s a good idea to take your time and triple check your work. This will help you get a better result.
After you’ve selected and cut your leather, it’s time to stitch it together. This can be a tricky task, and there’s a lot to consider.
Fortunately, there are a few tools that can make the job easier. These include a groover, a diamond-shaped awl puncher (pro-series with interchangeable heads), a cutting wheel, and an edge beveler.
First, use your groover to make a small groove around the holes in your belt loop. Don’t make it too deep, just enough to allow your stitches to be held in place. Once you’ve done that, you can stab your stitches in to the loop and attach it to the back of the sheath. Repeat this step on the other side of your loop. This will ensure that your stitches are held in place and the loop will be strong enough to hold a knife.
Finishing the Leather
Leather is a great material to use for sheaths. However, just like all things made of natural materials, it needs regular maintenance to keep it looking good and working well.
If you neglect your sheath, it may dry out, crack, or grow mildew. It can also react with nearby metals and cause corrosion.
Fortunately, there are many products available to help you take care of your sheath so that it will last a long time and look its best.
One product that you can use to finish the leather is a honing compound. Honing compounds are typically wax-based and coat both the rough and soft sides of your leather strop. They help your knife’s blade maintain a consistent sharp edge.