View Full Version : Leather sheaths: wet form or not & opinion on design
I have made a couple of new sheaths for one of my bushie style knife. One is wet formed, the other one is not.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/mollygypsy/DSCN0690.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/mollygypsy/DSCN0691.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/mollygypsy/DSCN0692.jpg
I'd be interested to know what people think of the two techniques. Are there any real benefits/disadvantages for either, apart from personal preferences?
Also what do you think of the design of the "non" wet formed one? the idea is that it can be carried horizontally, vertically on the belt, as a neck sheath and, with the addition of a removable loop as a dangler! I am also thinking of making a small removable stone pouch that attaches on the two straps. This is the first one I have made to this design.
rancid badger
04-03-2009, 13:48
Well both of those are very nice;)
I use both techniques and have had little trouble with either. I think it boils down to personal choice really, I like the solid feel of the wet formed sheath, the knife usually goes in with a "clunk", once it's home,( A feature that some people seem to regard as a sign of high quality ) and there is no real chance of the sheath bending much; leading to the blade coming through the side.
At the same time; I also like a sheath which is not wet formed, I'm convinced they are "warmer" and actually feel softer, to the touch. A straight forward "wrap around" sheath hugs the knife, regardless of whether it has had a good soaking, while a wet formed one; can lose it's shape and form. For that reason, I personally wouldn't go with wet forming for an inverted carry unless I fitted a security strap/flap.
As I say; both very nice sheaths;)
Cheers
Steve
Personally I prefer the non-wetformed ones, they just looks nicer :)
I have no opinion on the advantages or disadvantages to be honest.
Looks wise I definitely prefer the non-wetformed one.
What does it say on that strap?
I've got a non-wetformed sheath for my Davy Moore Bushcrafter (came with the knife) - made from two pieces with an all-round welt and a safety strap which tightens into a cutout and holds the knife solidly in place. It's got a very good hold on the blade even without the strap though.
Not got a wetformed sheath for the same knife so can'tsay I know how the things are in use.
Thinking about it, the sheath might have had some wetforming, but it's not like the wetformed one in your pics with a really clear outline.
Chainsaw
04-03-2009, 14:53
I very much like them both, I prefer the non wetformed one for the colour, position of the steel holder and the straps. If it was wet formed I'd still like it better :rolleyes: Spookily enough my 3rd sheath is a horizontal left hip/vertical right hip/necker carry sheath and is similar to your non wetformed one but not as nice :(
Cheers,
Alan
Hi Jojo, That is a nice bit of work there mate.
Topknot.
John Fenna
04-03-2009, 15:44
I realy like the design of the non-wetformed one - for its versitility and the position of the firesteel tube - but generally I prefer the wetform type of sheath....
mick spain
04-03-2009, 16:07
Really nice work on both the sheaths :) can't say either way which method I like, some say a wet formed sheath loosens up quicker, but I haven't found any difference if the sheath is getting a lot of use
Tye Possum
04-03-2009, 16:37
I like the look of that non-wetformed one. Maybe the wetformed one holds the knife better (does it? I don't know) but when the knife is in the sheath that deep, there's not much chance of it falling out, unless maybe you turned it upside down.
penvisser
04-03-2009, 16:40
I like the non-wet method better, the sheaths holds the knife better then when wet formed, imo.
And, as always, very nice work mate!
Best regards,
Jan
I prefer wetformed for half tanned leather and dry for full tanned.
If i had the choice of one over the other it would be dry formed, just feels more natural for some reason.
Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated.
I used the same piece of veg tan leather for both sheath but they feel quite different now.The wet moulded one is really stiff, the surface of the leather has become grainy, whilst the non moulded is still quite soft and pliable.
I am not sure I like the wet moulded one that much, because of its stiffness and granulated surface. I made them deep for a friend who lost his knife when it fell out of the sheath in the wood :eek: Both hold the knife very tightly even upside down, I have read of the wet moulded leather loosing its stiffness and wondered if it was people's experience.
Big shot, It's my name on the strap, stamped with a stamp made for me by Kerne. I am very pleased with it, it makes a very clear impression in the leather. I certainly recommend them!
Both straps are sewn separately from the main part of the sheath sewing. So they can be removed and altered without taking the rest of the sheath apart.
Native Justice
04-03-2009, 19:38
Very much like them both but especially like the versatility of the non-wetformed sheath. Well done!
Well I have to say, you've done a great job.
I've heard of wet formed sheaths losing their grip on the knife, but I gather it's just a case of re-forming it once in a while to keep things snug.
So do the straps on the dry formed one go all the way over? It looks like an ambidextrous cross-draw setup to me.
I'm thinking about either making a crossdraw for my own knife or taking it back to the maker to have one made... and like the idea of it being ambidextrous. I've seen a couple of styles of strap, but the simplicity along with the neatness and clean lines on yours looks just the job.
Yes they do, BigShot. Here are a couple of (blurred, can't get the autofocus to focus:( ) pics of the back of the sheath:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/mollygypsy/DSCN0696.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/mollygypsy/DSCN0696.jpg
It's not quite right yet, the straps are a bit tight, they are 2" apart, a bit tight for a 2" belt and a bit too close to the top, as I want to make a sharpening stone pouch that fits on the straps and is removable, and I have made the firesteel loop a bit too loose! But these are minor tweakings and I am quite pleased with the design.
So the belt loop for vertical carry is attached to the 2 straps?
Is the loose firesteel loop really an issue? I mean, they get thinner after a few uses anyway so I expect it wouldn't make that much difference anyway. I've not got a firesteel loop on my sheath and for that reason don't really intend to include one in future sheaths - I always get the impression it'll just end up loose and fall out at some point. Maybe I'm missing something though.
Yes, it is. Feels plenty strong enough . You're right about the loop, the steel does indeed shrink with use! Needs some other way to hold the steel there, or perhaps best kept elsewhere rather than on the sheath! Easier to make the sheath anyway that way!
Hope it's ok to ask here, but how much would you charge for a similar sheath (to the one with the straps) if I sent you a knife to fit it to? :) In case you can't tell, I think it looks awesome :D And I definitely prefer no wet forming!
Pete
PS: It'd be sans firesteel loop and with leather lacing round the edge if I did commision such an item ;)
... Needs some other way to hold the steel there, or perhaps best kept elsewhere rather than on the sheath! ...
Use the thong on the steel. If you make it just long enough to push over the steel it'll keep itself in place.
Both very nice Joel
I prefer a snug wet formed shape myself just because I like the clunk and the fit.
Both crackers though and I like the versatility of the other one.
Say Jojo.... Why not turn it into a poll to say: Look at what I can make....
Then get folk to score out of 10?
Both very nice sheaths. The non-wet formed one looks the better of the two imo, but i think that could be down to the design which i like. I use both types and like others the clunk of a wet-formed sheath sounds secure.
However, the non wet-formed one looks the dogs.
Say Jojo.... Why not turn it into a poll to say: Look at what I can make....
Then get folk to score out of 10?
And what do you mean to say with this comment, Mad Rat?
Two great looking sheaths.
I really like the look of the non-wet formed sheath :cool:
I want to make a sharpening stone pouch that fits on the straps and is removable.
What kind of stone you got in mind ?
Because I find the DC3 size of stone OK to use on folders but a bit awkward on fixed blades, a four inch stone would be better IMHO.
Pete.
Two great looking sheaths.
I really like the look of the non-wet formed sheath :cool:
What kind of stone you got in mind ?
Because I find the DC3 size of stone OK to use on folders but a bit awkward on fixed blades, a four inch stone would be better IMHO.
Pete.
I have a small 2 3/4" x 1"x 4mm thick DMT diamond plate I use to touch up the blade. Not sure how big the DC3 is as I haven't got one. I just measured the space between the top of the top strap and the bottom of the bottom strap, and its just 3 3/4", so with a bit of tweaking of the sheath it might be possible to accommodate the 4" stone. How big are the dc3 and the 4" stone? The other possibility is to put a pocket on the bottom part at the rear of the sheath, there could be enough space there to put a 4" stone, I think, depending on how wide and thick it is.
How big are the dc3 and the 4" stone? The other possibility is to put a pocket on the bottom part at the rear of the sheath, there could be enough space there to put a 4" stone, I think, depending on how wide and thick it is.
The DC3 is 3" x 1" x 1/4" and the DC4 is 4" x 1 1/4" x 1/4".
I only relatively recently bought both and find them pretty handy.
Pete.
And what do you mean to say with this comment, Mad Rat?
Oh come on Jojo... Why not be honest.....
They look really neat........
Why disguise that in an attempt to get opinion on a topic?
Oh come on Jojo... Why not be honest.....
They look really neat........
Why disguise that in an attempt to get opinion on a topic?
Actually, you're wrong. I was not fishing for compliments. I am too bl**dy old n ugly to bother with that too much anymore. I was looking for opinions. I am working on trying to make a good sheath for the bushcraft knives I make, and what better way is there than to ask people who have the same interest as I have for their opinions? When you work on your own, yes, of course its nice to get good feedback from people with the same interest, but it also helps to get people's opinions on what they like, what they feel works, and what features they would like to see. I am an amateur knife maker, and yes, I do sell some of my stuff and if I can come up with something people might like to buy, well, I don't see anything wrong in that. I can't justify spending much money on my hobby, and that means the hobby has to pay for itself.
demographic
05-03-2009, 19:24
For my tastes I prefer the wet formed one, looks far more well... fitted.
The other looks a bit more one size fits all.
Hey man
You dont have to justfy yerself to anyone.......
First class.......
I like the wetform-one as regards looks however the or-not may be more practical...
Why the sparker keeper rigt up the top of the wet'n?
Both very good pieces of work.
I like the look of the wetform one best.
What is meant by ''Banned'' in the title by MadRat's name?
Both very good pieces of work.
I like the look of the wetform one best.
What is meant by ''Banned'' in the title by MadRat's name?
If you didn't know when you posted, you should know by now. Too bad you two use the same computer.
I was wondering when someone would spot him Hoodoo :lmao:
Pete.
nige7whit
07-03-2009, 21:39
I used to do a lot of pistol shooting, when it was still legal, and most of the good quality leather holsters were so tightly wet moulded, you could almost read the serial number through the hide ! You could see every curve and bump.
There are all sorts of arguments for and against full moulding, but if the sheath does the job it was designed for, to the user's satisfaction, then it's a good sheath.
I'm waiting for a decent Kydex sheath t obecome available for the Mora Clipper knives, I think that material suits the knife well, very utilitarian.
I do like the Scandinavian knives and sheath combinations, where th knife has a round handle that fits deep into the sheath, it's a good looking combo, other knives suit different materials and methods better.
As a footnote, I've just remembered a thing from my pistol shooting days... Glock, the Austrian manufacturer of most of the police pistols in the free world today make a line of accessories that includes polymer holsters.
These holsters are moulded in a press, not around the gun, as a leather holster would be, and the retention is incredible ! Without any additional straps, the gun simply will not fall out of the holster. So secure is the fit, that you could end up with your waistband up round your ears, trying to draw your Glock.
I preferred leather, or some of the other composite holsters, never tried a Kydex pistol holster in my time, although over in USA, they are very popular now.
I'm waiting for a decent Kydex sheath t obecome available for the Mora Clipper knives, I think that material suits the knife well, very utilitarian.
Have you tried to make one with rawhide? It's easy to mould when wet and hard as hell when dry. I have made a few sheath for crooked knives with it. I think people worry about the thing softening in the rain, but it takes longer to soften than leather does and I waterproofed mine quite well.
OzaawaaMigiziNini
09-03-2009, 22:34
I can't choose which one I like more Jojo, they're both marvelous. By the way, nice knife you have there ;)
By the way, nice knife you have there Thanks Oz. It's one of a pair that's going to a good home soon. Just trying to work out a good sheath for them. :)
nige7whit
I used to do a lot of pistol shooting, when it was still legal, and most of the good quality leather holsters were so tightly wet moulded, you could almost read the serial number through the hide ! You could see every curve and bump.
Would you know how they were moulded? I was wondering if they would have used a vacuum pump to be able to mould so precisely?
You can reduce teh orange peel effect on the leather by soaking the leather for a couple of minutes then putting it in the fridge for half an hour (more if you want) and tooling it with a false bone or similiar tool to bring it up to a shine.
VirusKiller
13-03-2009, 06:52
I *really* like the wet formed one (9.5/10). Simplicity itself; form following function, even though I'm not a huge fan of firesteel loops. On the other hand, the non-wet formed one does nothing for me... Each to his own, I suppose.
Great work!
Joel (another one)
traderran
13-03-2009, 08:45
I like the top one my self. I is close to the sheath I am making for
a bushcraft I also will incorporate a stone pouch.
Ogri the trog
13-03-2009, 10:01
Both great looking sheaths Jojo,
But maybe there is a little of comparing apples with pears.....
The wet formed sheath, as others have said, is plain and simple - entirely what has become expected of a wet-formed sheath.
The dry formed one however, because of its adaptability is in a different league. I like the loops that allow a horizontal carry, but I also think that the neck carry/vertical carry, firesteel loop and sharpening stone options are a step too far. I've shied away from firesteel loops on sheaths primarily because of the risk of the leather getting damp and leading to corrosion of the ferrocium. I might well take the idea and rehash a few details - keep the horizontal carry loops and make a seperate belt carry loop that can attach to the uppermost one to become a belt loop / double dangler option.
That said, the surface finish and twin line stitching detail are a really nice feature IMHO.
ATB
Ogri the trog
Thanks for all the comments, gentlemen. Following this thread, I am making another, slightly modified, sheath with the loops, still with the firesteel loop, but a bit narrower because this one does not hold the knife as well as I wanted, and moving the loops down away from the top edge a little bit. I am not going to put a stone pouch on it. I agree with you, Ogri, things can get a bit overcooked sometimes! I am going to keep it simple.
HHazeldean
05-03-2011, 21:45
I really like both the sheaths, however, I much prefer the wet-formed one, looks nicer and in my opinion has a more snug fit.
I have just finished wet-forming a sheath that I am making for a knife that I made.
Cheers