[Texian Pistolero]

In the weird world of machetes,

a good sheath often cost more than the blade.

I've got an old Ontario 18 inch machete,

and a newer Ontario 12 1/4 inch machete with (cutlass style) handle.

I'm shopping for a decent sheath for both.

Where do I buy?

Or should I have custom made leather down in Mexico?

Come back.

Ir ? (Piratical gibberish intended.)

[MrMurphy]

Custom leather in Texas.......

www.armoralleather.com

You'll pay, but he's worth it. He made my leather armor and modified a sword sheath for me. He does large contracts for knifemakers, and does custom jobs around the world. :)

[Skofnung]

If you are handy, you could make your own. Leather sheaths for machetes just does not seem "right" to me. $10 saddle on a $5 horse kinda thing...

I'm working on one now that will go like this:

Thin wood slats (something light but strong... I'm using poplar) cut to fit outline of blade + 1/4" all the way around.

Inlet half the blade thickness into each of the slats, mirror image like...

Finish the inside, then put on good water seal to keep moisture from warping the sheath.

Glue the slats together (epoxy of Gorilla Glue) after trying for fit, then shape the outside, finish and seal.

I plan to wrap mine tightly in cotton twine, then smear epoxy onto the twine. This will strengthen the whole thing... Oh yhea, I'll add a belt loop to the top too.

Another cheap alternative would be to make a fiberglass sheath...

Or a PVC sheath...

[carpettbaggerr]

Leave off all the glue, just wrap it with string. That way you can hack through without drawing it if you have to -- just like the Moros. :)

[Texian Pistolero]

Thanks for all suggestions!

I think there used to a a very good G.I. sheath, made of rubber or plastic.

Anyway, I've learned to be extremely safe with big blades. (Got the scar diploma.)

[MrMurphy]

I've got a spare GI canvas sheath...... want it? PM me.

[Soap]

Try http://www.survivalsheath.com

[Al Thompson]

Apparently building one out of Kydex isn't that hard. Couple of guys here are getting into it.