How to make knife sheath

[Noah]

I had made them a couple of times but always had the person's knife here to use as a model. How do you do it without a knife to go by? Thanks.

[John D Dennehy]

I had made them a couple of times but always had the person's knife here to use as a model. How do you do it without a knife to go by? Thanks.

First off, what type sheath are you wanting to make? Straight blade or folder? For whatever type you are doing, I would demand exact tracings of the knife from the side and along the spine. Maybe even have them put the knife in a copy machine and photo copy it for reference.

Just a little input from experiance.

Edited August 5, 2008 by thewildirishrose

[Sharpshooter]

We build sheaths for a living and occasionally need to design a sheath from the CAD Drawings of the knife as the first one hasn't been built.

If the sheath is a Stack type I can get pretty darn close but need the actual knife to make final placements like snaps and straps.

If it's a pouch style and the desired result is a fit that's better than a paper sack, then I need the knife to make it fit correctly.

Sometimes we need to have the moral courage to tell a customer that he's not going to have it his way. If I can't have the knife to fit the sheath, I'm not making the sheath.

What happens when the sheath doesn't fit?

I'll tell you.... YOU are at fault. The customer won't remember that he didn't want to supply the knife and he certainly not going to accept the blame.

The unfortunate fact is that he's somewhat right... you are at fault, because you shouldn't have taken the job under those conditions.

I may sound harsh, but the bottom line is, you are setting yourself up for problems.

[DCKNIVES]

I have done this a few times but always warn against a poor fit.It helps if you can get accurate measurements and some pics, but the best is having the knife in your hands.Dave

[Noah]

Thankyou all for your imput.

Sharpshooter I am not making any for someone, I want to make them to sell. I see sheaths without the knives for sale on ebay, etc. all the time and was wondering how to do it. I have a few knives of my own, maybe start there.

[TexasJack]

You can make a sheath without the knife as a model, but it will never fit like a custom sheath. Gun holsters are commonly made using model guns. Most knifemaker's supply shops sell cheapo sheaths that can be wet and molded to a knife. They're not worth much, and no individual hand sewing can complete with an overseas shop using machines. Your time is much better spent making quality sheaths for the knives you have on hand.

[Sharpshooter]

I see sheaths without the knives for sale on ebay, etc. all the time and was wondering how to do it. I have a few knives of my own, maybe start there.

I have been approached a few times about making "Generic" sheaths for knife distributors to sell to dealers for sales at knife shows.

Here's what I have discovered...

Obviously, "One Size Fits All" really means "doesn't fit anything".

Since the sheath doesn't fit the knife properly it needs to be a bunch cheaper than a correctly fitted sheath or it won't sell.

Leather isn't cheaper just because you're making a cheap sheath, nor is the hardware or the thread or glue. That leaves only the labor or to be really accurate PROFIT to cut to lower the price.

Since you aren't selling quality with the discounted sheaths, the competition is now about having the lowest price. Oklahoma leather can make a sheath to sell for about $2. I can assure you that they're making money on the $2 sheath as well.

I'm not interested in that part of the business, I'll make my money building quality and charging for it.

If you're looking to E-bay as a way to generate sales, you may want to attack from a different direction. Perhaps you can sell a sheath for a specific size knife for a set price, a basic custom sheath that will be fitted to the knife the buyer sends to you.

It's not as simple but you would be building a reputation with each sheath you ship.

Good luck in the venture, however you choose to pursue it.