I have been hinted to that I need to start working leather again. Very rusty. Need a few more tools; edgers, bevelers, stitching groovers, and tons of stamps. But, with that being said, I have done a couple wallets for myself for practice. Latest one is the better of the two, but I am still rusty.
This was done from a couple pieces of scraps leather I had from grab bag of odds and ends. Not really thick enough to tool much, but I like the design and may make a new one from better leather once I get a few more tools. Working on a maker's mark, also.
I guess this is a build pic thread. Willy wanted to see the process of this sheath I wanted to try. Wet molded over a SAK Tinker or Super Tinker, I forget.
This picture is after soaking the leather to get it good and wet. Then forming it around the knife. Yes, same batch of odds and ends for this one, too. The ridges are from the scale of the SAK. I attempted a G10 scale a couple years ago with some added ridges for grip. Not my best work. Best work was lost in NC.
More pictures as I progress. Have to let it dry overnight.
And they say kydex is the best at retention. Nothing underneath and it is about 6 inches off the desk. Looks like I'm holding the Tandy gift card, but I'm not. Put that down to offer a little contrast to a white desk top.
Slight derailment. This is a slip case for Chong for his fellhoelter frikkie. Just a prototype. Used the same bag of scraps that my wallet is made of that is why the dye is a little uneven.
Leatherworking is fun. I am farther out of practice than I thought. Had to mail order the eyelets because no one locally carries Kydex eyelets. For the SAK project, I want Kydex eyelets instead of leather ones. Either would work, I just think the Kydex ones look a little better. I still may change my mind before the kydex ones get here and go get some leather ones.
I drive past a Tandy Leather a couple times a week for work. Yes, I have gone in while on the clock in my work uniform. If you are looking for tools, check eBay too. There are other makers out there and even Chinese knock offs. Would be a cheaper way to get started until you can swing the more expensive tools. If you really get into it, I strongly recommend the membership cards at Tandy. Gold or Elite. I think when my gold expires, I am going to upgrade to the Elite. Better discount on everything at the stores and online.
Wife wanted a coaster for rehab. To keep her water jug on not her beer. So, I figured leather top with wooden base. Treated the top with Bear Guard waterproofing. It's made from beeswax and bear fat. Works good. Used Shellawax on the wood.
Really liking how the leather over the kydex looks. You get the retention of a good kydex sheath and the classic looks of leather. I will be tweaking this design a little over the next few weeks. Want a full coverage sheath with a couple straps around it. I wet formed the leather to the kydex so the eyelets could be seen underneath.
Flip side. Left enough space along the top I can clip a pen to it. The butterfly is a temporary makers mark until I get momma home and design my own mark.
Finally got the prototype of the wet formed SAK sheath with the kydex back for a tek lok. Very secure. Not the prettiest but it is the first prototype.
Scout carry for Little Mook. Kydex retention and leather overlay. Kind of like this one. Will probably end up remaking the leather cover with some better leather. Used scraps for this one. I can get a bag of seconds cheap at Tandy and that is what I use for prototyping.
Also want to try a kydex back leather front belt sheath for a fixed blade. Maybe this morning while glue is drying in pen blanks.
Update on the SAK sheath. Goddamn thing is so tight, I have to sand down the scales a little to release tension on it. Had to add a lanyard to pull the damn thing out of the sheath. I guess if I hadn't put such deep ridges in the scales, it would be easier to pull out.
Post by itshardtoknow on Feb 16, 2015 18:43:29 GMT -8
where do you get your leather at? And what about thread? I am wanting to make a sheath for my Chinese Mil shovel, thought I'd try some small projects and then work up to it (like a small holder for my new metal comb)