Need help for sheath making

[Raghvendrasingh]

Hello IFGians
I am really interested in making my own sheaths for blades. I want to ask to everyone that which type of leather i can use? Where can I get leather? Which tools are used? Also provide information about types of leather, quality etc. How can I identify the best quality leather?

[essdee1972]

Hi Raghavendra.... to answer your queries....

For bigger sheaths, you need thicker leather. If you have a 3"+ knife, or a machete, then the thicker leather will work.

Search for a cobbler in your city who makes shoes. The normal repair guy won't have leather, in the amounts you need. You might need to persuade the guy to sell you some square feet, and he might earn a neat profit from the sales, but what the heck!

Use the leather the cobblers use for soles for the bigger stuff. This will be typically 5+ mm thick and really really hard. Get some of the softer stuff (used for the shoe uppers) as well as medium if he has it. You'll soon be getting into wallets and stuff, once you enjoy the leather work! Plus the softer leather is useful in making the carry loops and other attachments to the sheath.

While you are about it, also get an awl. Please do not try to cut leather with scissors - you'll never get a straight cut! You can also make an awl yourself with a blade meant for carpenter's planes (randa in Hindi), and a handle. You'll find videos on YouTube on using awls. Basically, you have to use a rocking motion.

Wet the thick leather thoroughly in hot water until it is soft. Now you can cut it to shape as required. Cut two mirror images for both sides. While it is still wet (if it dries, wet it again) you will need to shape it. To prep the knife, please cover it with cling film (what caterers and restaurants use to wrap around takeaway meals). Use 2-3 layers of cling film. The knife will have wet leather wrapped around it for a few days, maybe, and this is a very good opportunity for rust to attack. Ensure that the cling film, esp on the edge, is not going to be cut.

Now wrap the wet leather around the knife. Being wet, the leather can be shaped around the knife. Use paper clamps or clothes clips to hold the leather in place. The clips have to have very strong springs. Leave to dry.

Once the leather is dry, separate the two halves of the sheath and dry further in the sun. Leather is very susceptible to fungus. Once thoroughly dry, you will need to make the holes for stitching. Use a ruler and permanent marker to mark the spots for the holes. The heavy leather will need 2-5 mm drill (depending upon the thread you are planning to use). Use a hammer and nail to make a tiny pre-hole and then use the drill.

For stitching, you can obtain thread from the cobbler. I use crochet thread from a shop selling sewing supplies. The thread can be waxed by either rubbing it on a candle, or (my preferred method) taking a dab of neutral shoe polish between your forefinger and thumb and working it into the thread. I personally use the two needle method, in which you use two needles, each at one end of a length of thread. (google for videos of two needle method for stitching leather). The cobblers use a saddle stitch, for which you would need to buy a sewing awl also.

For finishing, you can use a hot soldering iron to burn a design into the leather, or any other thing which occurs to you. Please ensure to use sandpaper on the edges of the sheath to smooth the same. You can also paint the sides using oil or fabric paint. There are leather stamping and working tools available on eBay and Amazon, but when you convert USD to INR, they are very expensive. Would suggest you wait until you develop a leather working itch!

As for leather quality, you need to develop smell, touch, etc. You might be conned a few times. But normally, these small time cobblers sitting on roadsides are pretty honest folk. Don't walk into an "export-oriented leather goods emporium". Since you are in UP, you can try Kanpur or Agra (dunno how far these places are from your place - UP is a pretty big state!). The smaller cobbler, the better, in my opinion.

If you can get it, get a hole maker (you'll see the guys in the belt department of big stores holding these tools to create holes in belts), and a bunch of leather rivets.

*********Above respectfully submitted by MOCHI part of CMG!!!************

[brihacharan]

As for leather quality, you need to develop smell, touch, etc. You might be conned a few times. But normally, these small time cobblers sitting on roadsides are pretty honest folk. Don't walk into an "export-oriented leather goods emporium". Since you are in UP, you can try Kanpur or Agra (dunno how far these places are from your place - UP is a pretty big state!). The smaller cobbler, the better, in my opinion.

If you can get it, get a hole maker (you'll see the guys in the belt department of big stores holding these tools to create holes in belts), and a bunch of leather rivets.

*********Above respectfully submitted by MOCHI part of CMG!!!************

> I can vouch for this "Humble Statement"
Briha

[Raghvendrasingh]

Thanks essdee sir....... for providing a lot of information. Agra is 100 kms away and kanpur is 150 kms away from my house. But I usually goes to agra. I will try there.

[Raghvendrasingh]

Hey essdee sir
What else can be used in place of leather to make knife sheath.

[essdee1972]

Raghavendra, you can try your home town also. BTW, I was born in Kanpur, so if you go there I can give you some tips.

Other than leather, you can use kydex (not available freely in India), any plastic (if you have moulding facilities), flattened PVC pipe (for machete types), duct tape, canvas, denim, etc. etc. Basically any flexible material sturdy enough to take what you put in there. I made one out of an old yoga mat also. But the knife cut through it!

Go to the site www.instructables.com, search for knife sheaths. You'll find a few hundred posts. If you have an Android phone, you can also get their app. Very inspiring site for DIYers!