Knife Sheaths - Protecting The Stitching From The Blade

[Highlands858]

I know you all have methods of protecting your stitching from the knife when it's in the sheath. What works best for you?

Thanks for any and all replies.

[randypants]

I know you all have methods of protecting your stitching from the knife when it's in the sheath. What works best for you?

Thanks for any and all replies.

running a welt(leather spacer), in the middle of the front and the back. i learned that on this site!!

best way to do it is to cut a piece the same size as your front and back, mark and punch your holes for stitching, then place your knife, centered, on the piece to be used as the welt and trace the outline of the blade, maybe 1/8" wider all the way around. then cut out the tracing. you should be left with the outside, where the stitching is done, and the inside, to be used as scrap, or tossed if it's a really small blade.

hope that helps.

Randy

[UKRay]

I tend to agree with Randy that a welt makes a fine protector for vulnerable stitching but don't forget the humble rivet! Two or three strategically placed rivets are a sensible 'time-saving' alternative if you are on a tight budget for the job.

Hope this helps,

Ray

[NoahL]

I always use a welt, although I sometimes also use rivets or eyelets for either decorative purposes or for particularly sharp/pointy blades.

[mlapaglia]

There are many ways to do things. I have to say that in my opinion a rivet has no place on a knife sheath. THey can dull the blade and just seem cheap. Yes they are fast but some times fast seems cheap. When you hand sew a sheath, or even machine sew it looks better and has that hand crafted look that a rivet will never have.

Below is the second sheath I did. I am proud because it was good for where I was in my skill level. The only rivet is the one that holds the strap to the sheath. its 8oz with an 8oz welt. It's not a purchased kit although it looks similar to the Tandy kit. I noticed that after it was finished. If you look at the pattern you will see part C&D is the top piece and also the welt. The welt is only 3/8th of an inch. you just need enough to be wider than your stitch line.

If you use rivets its your decision. I just feel it will look better without them and look more professional. This was not meant to put down anyone that does use rivets. It is just my personal opinion.

Edited October 15, 2011 by mlapaglia

[BillB]

I would like to add my opinion. Having spent time in the northwoods of Minnesota and Canada I have found that the methods described in previous replies are all acceptable but are for the wrong answer. The reason for protecting the stitching from cut through is to protect the person carrying the knife or axe. If one falls while fully loading on the trail, and the knife or belt axe hits the wrong way, there is the potential for the blade to cut the threads on the sheath and then the person carrying the knife or belt axe. When I have carried a backwoods knife or axe, the sheath has two rows of stitching and at least one grommet. The grommet is on the outside of the stitching away from the blade so there is no problem with it dulling the blade. It is also at the tip of the knife sheath and the lower point of the belt axe sheath. This allows for a rawhide tie to be added to tie to the thigh of the person carrying the knife. This also reduces the chance of the blade being pointed out and at an angle that would promote cut through. I have always seen a welt used whether it is sewn in or riveted in and it is the welt that the blade touches, not the stitching or the rivet.

Just my opinion from the Northwoods.