Pouch sheath tutorial

[rapidboy]

Someone asked about a sheath tutorial recently and i was making this sheath for a friend this evening so i thought I'd post a few pic's of how i do it.
I'm not saying this is the best way to go about it but it works for me. I know this process is very obvious to many on here but i hope those you haven't tried before can learn from it.

I start by cutting the leather from a paper template.
The template is the result of trial and error to get a good fit and a design that looks right.
It's worth spending a bit of time here to get everything right on paper before cutting leather
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2301_1.jpg

Then cut some grooves to help the fold along the spine
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2303_1.jpg

And some more to fold the belt loop
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2305_1.jpg

Then fold ,glue and stitch the loop in position
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2312_1.jpg

Next cut and glue the welt in position.
The welt is to protect the stitches from being cut by the blade
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2310_1.jpg

Then fold along the spine and glue the sheath
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2314_1.jpg

Next it's time to clean up the edge ,i use a sanding drum in a pillar drill for speed but you can do this by hand with some sandpaper and a block of wood
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2317_1.jpg

You should end up with a nice smooth clean edge
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2318_1.jpg

Next using an adjustable groover ,cut the stitch groove
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2322_1.jpg

And use an overstitch wheel to mark out the position of the holes
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2323_1.jpg

Then back to the pillar drill and a small drill bit.
Some people use a drill others use the traditional awl.
I use a drill because it's easier and i like to double stitch so this makes life easier.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2328_1.jpg

Finally stitch using a saddle stitch and some waxed thread then run an edge beveller around the edges to clean them up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2331_1.jpg

The final stage is to wet from and apply dye / finish to your preference.
I didn't do this one as my friend wanted to do that himself.
Sorry it's a bit of a rush job but feel feel to ask any questions or correct me or give advice as you see fit.

rb

[falcon]

That's really neat RB - cutting the grooves to help with folding the leather is a good idea and having a pillar drill also helps to keep the holes perpendicular. I don't have one and with my one and only sheath (so far) I found the drill strayed off vertical a bit through the latter part of each hole, although I was drilling through 5 layers as I used two additional tapered pieces in the handle area. I think I'll invest in one of the models Axminster have on offer in their sale before I do the sheath for my F1 .

As regards finish, after staining, do you use something like Mars oil to make the sheath soft and supple?

[rapidboy]

When i wet form i use Resolene which waterproofs the leather so i doesn't loose it's shap if and when it get soaked.
If i dont wet form i dye and use KIWI shoe polish "Outdoor - weatherproof -Neutral)

How's the F1 coming along ?

rb

[falcon]

Finished the handle on Saturday - it's receiving linseed oil now. I'm about to start the sheath. Thanks again for your help with the rivets.

[rapidboy]

No problem ,im looking forward to seeing the end result :)

[Buckshot]

RB, what thickness leather do you use?

Looks good btw

Cheers

mark

[TheViking]

That's fantastic RB! :D Thanks. I'm gonna bookmark this. ;)

[hootchi]

Thanks rb. That will come into use if ever I get around to making one.

Cheers.

[rapidboy]

RB, what thickness leather do you use?


3 - 3.5mm Shoulder

[leon-1]

Nice one RB, I have just used the same process on a sheath that I took to Namibia, looks good :)

[Stew]

RB,

How do you cut the folding grooves? Doesn't look that easy to do well.

[rapidboy]

Use a large groover like this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/423_2350_1.jpg

I use a steel rule as a guide.

rb

[Biddlesby]

Ah I have a question.

How would one go about adding a little pocket for a FireSteel?

[rapidboy]

Usually i make the firesteel holder as part of the sheath but often it's made as a seperate part.
It's harder to make it all from the same piece but it looks neater when finished.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/422_2230_1.jpg

Basically just shorten the welt ,make a loop ,glue and stitch it in place.

rb

[Dorian Gra]

just found this post, very good tips and well illustrated, think i'll give it a go. A nice homemade sheath to fit my homemade knife. :D

thanks m8

[VIRULENT SALAMANDER]

.... .. I found this when I was wandering about and think its very inspiring,thank's for posting it.
Only I now have a question which may seem a simple one but never the less,"where would someone buy leather of that grade(?) and how much would it cost?".

[leon-1]

There are a couple of places that you can get good leather, but the last lot I got (which is very good) is Le Prevo (http://www.leprevo.co.uk)

[leon-1]

I should also mention that the service is very good as well and they are very helpfull on the phone. :D

[rapidboy]

I also buy my supplies from LePrevo.
They are very helpfull as leon-1has already mentioned.

[VIRULENT SALAMANDER]

Thank's for the link Leon-1, it may come in useful.what kind and grade did you use
for your demo? Rapidboy.What every grade it was you did a good looking job.