didn't like the sheath that my ka-bar came with (pics)

[mptrimshop]

So i got a new ka-bar yesterday and i didn't like the USMC sheath that came with it. I use it as a hunting knife and don't want to look all tactical in the duck blind. So i made my own sheath. I due car/boat interiors and have a industrial sewing machine but have never made ant thing like this before. It's made out of a leather hide that i had a piece from a desk top that i made for a guy, he claimed he bought the hide at the same place the NFL get there football leather from and red wing shoes buys from them too. so i tressed the knife cut the initial pattern..then stacked two strips of hide and sewed them to the backing piece. next yo took some .223,.38 and 20ga shells and heated spent casings and branded the outer piece of hide. I also ground down a 20ga shell and used a button backer to attached it to the cover piece( this is the first time i have attempted to brand anything). So what do you guys think ...not bad for a st attempt AYE?......it took about 1 1/2 to make...next one will be faster and nicer

 

[mptrimshop]

more pics

 

[hso]

Be careful with your choice of leather since the way the leather is treated can create acid when wet which in turn will promote corrosion. Not a big deal on seats, but a very important factor in knife sheaths and holsters.

 

[mptrimshop]

any idea of how i can tell?

 

[heron]

I think I'd have liked it better without the little circles burned in it -- other than that, though, not bad.

 

[hso]

Ask the source how it was tanned and dyed.

Wax the interior and keep an eye on the knife. If you detect any freckling just toss the sheath.

 

[mptrimshop]

HSO THX.....the branding got a little excessive....i might make a duck brand and do the shot gun casings on my next one

 

[JVoutilainen]

I think it is pretty good, actually. Especially considering it is your first.

One easy improvement you could make next time is stitching. Do it by hand with an awl, a thread with two needles and use a saddle stitch. Before you start it is good to make markings into the (slightly wet) leather for the stitching. And when you stitch do not change the order in which you push the needles through the leather, always start from the same side. This way you will end up with the thread over/under in the same order all the time = your stitching will have a uniform look.

Also. When you do patterns remember that even something seemingly random needs a hidden "rhythm" to work.

 

[mptrimshop]

thx for the tips.....got any pics of work anyone else has done....i'm guessing the stuff the leather is tanned with is ok....the knife looks as good as new still

 

[JVoutilainen]

Here is a short tutorial courtesy of britishblades forum

http://www.britishblades.com/forums...ddle-Stitch-Tutorial-stitching-with-2-needles

Another tip. When you make a sheath give the knife you are making the sheath for a protective coating of oil, wrap the whole thing tightly in two layers of food wrap and form your sheath around the knife. In order to do so you will have to soak the leather in water and start working when it is almost, but not completely, dry. After stitching you can use a rounded piece of metal, or bone to shape the leather to fit your knife exactly. Also, you will notice that rubbing the leather will make it shiny. When you are ready just leave the knife in the sheath and let it dry in a warm place.

 

[mptrimshop]

wow that opened up a whole new world to me.....i got alot of reading to do thx

 

[cleardiddion]

Nice bit of work there!

 

[Big Bill]

Great Work! Keep it up; you hace talent!!