ThisIsMyFirstRodeo

Fred, thank you for that input. I do plan on using the same holes as they are still quite strong. At this point, I’m rethinking the stitches. I was using round lace and a unique stitch that just came natural (no clue what name it might have, perhaps a variation of a lock stitch). This time, I’m either going back to tiger thread/saddle stitch, but I also just had the wild hair of using wire instead, or possibly split rings intertwined through similar to chain mail. Prolly bad ideas… Diesel, I do wet form my sheaths. This particular blade is about 12” (I actually used it as one of my primary knives, back when I used to work the line), and the sheath itself about 15” long, which is why it’s floppy. The mouth of the sheath does have a tight form to the handle. Have to shake it fairly hard for it to fall out. Still learning how to harden leather. The integrity of smaller pieces and lighter weight leather is good, but I have only had mixed/mediocre results on larger pieces. Still have a lot of learning curve left. But thank you for your input. I plan to skive it down some and probably wet form and bake. 1st Rodeo

So I made a sheath with 10-12oz, and a welt the same. It all stitched together beautifully, and is one of my better pieces on the learning curve. But here’s the issue: The welt is thick enough that the blade can rattle freely inside, and there’s most likely enough capability of compression to compromise the stitching. Yes, I should have skived (1 v or 2?) to match the spine of the blade. So question: I just cut the stitching so I can address and redo, but should I skive the welt or the sheath? Or both? TIA, 1st Rodeo

Perhaps I’m wrong, but most hobbyists don’t seem to need to make more than a handful of sheaths. While I don’t by any means specialize in sheaths or scabbards, I tend to stick in that groove. But, my beginner’s luck has started petering out, and I find myself needing to up my game in design/construction (as opposed to patterning/decorating, but I need to up that as well…). So what titles are the gold standards of sheath making, and what are other unicorns that you’ve found? TIA

So now that we’ve covered the phx area, anyone in Tucson interested besides me?

Although it was an interview about music and production, I think it’s relevant in other art forms… (paraphrased) It’s easy to write complex music. It’s unique, different from everyone else. What’s difficult is to write simplistic music. Take rock, blues music. Some of the most iconic music is based off of basic 3-, 4-chord riffs, played with a skill to make them stand out from everyone else… Fantastic job

Thank you, this helps immensely!

MOD any chance we can make this a sticky? There seems to be some solid data and observations gathered through scientific method, both supporting and debunking various anecdotal hypotheses/practices, and I already see them being invaluable resources that I will continue to refer to. I know there were others contributing as well, but props to FredK. Have you by chance assembled a compendium of your research/experimentation? I also want to add in that the historical practices also have much to learn from. Again, I know others contributing to the conversation, but thank you Aventurine. Any particular go-to sources that you pull from? I love learning about the history and foundations of my various hobbies.

Thank you for your input! I have a 6oz and an 8oz belly strewn across my work room right now that’s been…inspiring my imagination? No that’s not quite right… I’ve been staring at them and they’re giving me the wild hair. The 8oz is just not quite enough to make a blacksmith’s apron, and the 6oz is too narrow for the job. Need to just break down and get myself a “real” side (Though I have been lucking out with the econo bellies, both of these were in the bin). But having now chased the squirrels off, a wrist brace would be the next most functional piece I can make myself. As far as plans/templates, (without having yet looked), I’m sure there are plenty out there, but what is your go-to source? Aaaaand the squirrels came back. With the disco ball. Does it seem odd that I have yet to see any <4oz pieces in the econo bin? Thank you again for constructive input. I don’t get much other than snide/back-handed responses from my other groups. This definitely seems to be a much more supportive community. Perhaps I’ll actually learn enough to sign up for my 2nd rodeo…

Ok not sure exactly where to post… My issue/question isn’t geared so much towards LARP as blacksmithing, but y’all might have a better answer: I’m thinking about a leather wrist brace that will help support my swing of the hammer. I know a lot of you have some really cool wrist pieces, but who has something that’s actually functional/supportive? And how should I go about fabricating it?

Beauty. Already in the mental Rolodex for inspiration!

I’m in very strong like!

Your stitches look smoother and straighter than my work…

So… fermented leather?

Gotta say, that wootz is beautiful, but your sheath is what catches my eye, and the knife just becomes an accessory. Awesome job!

If you really want me to critique it, the tooling isn’t up my alley, though I’m usually on the wrong side of the tracks… From a design/construction standpoint, it looks better than anything I’ve made myself thus far. And to be clear, I haven’t even attempted tooling. So keep it up! Show us more!