DCKNIVES

I have been using a drill press for years on my sheaths.I have a small Craftsman that is dedicated for leatherwork.I sharpen the shank side of various sizes of drill bits and mount them reversed in the chuck. Then while running I punch through, and nice clean holes.I also made up a table for my vise, that helps in moving the article being drilled around.It's made from aluminum plate and UHMW ( a slick plastic, similar to nylon). For doing my sheaths I use a piece of 1"x4" notched for the belt loop to keep the sheath flat for punching holes. Hope this helps.Dave Here's a pic http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1193801115

Luis, not uncommon where you and I live .Very high humidity and the leather holds moisture.First, I don't store my knives in the sheaths and I also usually rub down my blades with a good paste wax such as Birchwood/Casey Gunstock wax. As far the sheaths go I seal the inside with Fiebings Leather Sheen and that helps repel the moisture.Works for me. Dave

Thanks Jordan and Luis. Luis , the pattern was tooled with a stamp similar to the "mulefoot", but a "mulefoot" could be used.Sandy Morrissey taught me this and made me the stamp.The hardware used was "Chicago Screws".Have a go at it, its a fun pattern and I am always getting asked what kind of snake it is. Good Luck .Dave

I also have two Dremels, but they get little use on leather anymore.I built a small wheel belt sander for doing knifework and I use it for my leatherwork as well.I opted for a 1725 rpm motor and with a 2" drive wheel it runs slow enough not to burn the leather as bad. It has a 1"x42" belt, a 1" and a 1/2" contact wheels.Speeds up the process nicley. Dave http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1191625979

Lars, I have to agree with my buddy Paul. Very nice work.Dave

Luis,, I have done a few.Here is one done with a Faux snakeskin pattern with a stock cover.Dave http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1191624920 http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1191625225 http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1191625294

Thanks for the kind words Ken.I made the Kudo/Damascus dagger and the Friction folder.Dave

Since I am new here, I thought I should show you some of my work.I hope you like it.Dave This one features a Kudo/Stag/Damascus knife, the sheath is laced and has an Ostrich leg skin inlay. the concho is a piece of Kudo horn. http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1190257181 This one features a Crocodile inlay http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1190256953 This is a sheath I made for SAR Knives. It features a Cobra skin inlay and the belt loop is also inlayed. The lacing is done in a basketweave style. http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1190257453 side view of the lacing http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1190257633 this is one of my Friction folders. The sheath is laced with a Ostrich inlay. http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1190257978

I have to agree with my buddy Paul.Paul did an great thing taking on his student and it looks like it paid off. But it is hard when your stacked with orders.I have trained several in knifemaking but sadly only 1 has stuck it out.Dave

Thanks for the warm welcome and thanks to Alex for the praise.I would be glad to help where I can.Dave

The method I use came from a taxidermist my wife talked to.It is as follows, wash the skin in water and dishwashing liquid like Dawn, and hang to dry a bit. When thoroughly dry, stretch out and pin down on some cardboard. Apply the following mixture liberally, 1/3 Denatured Alcohol,1/3 Acetone, and 1/3 Glycerin. When dry repeat on the other side. Hang to dry , then apply baby powder and rollup and place in a ziplock bag for storage.So far this has worked for me, but I am open to better methods.Dave

Hello to my fellow leatherworkers. My name is Dave Cole and I am a Knifemaker and Sheathmaker and have been doing it for about 16 years. I look forward to meeting you all, learning and helping out if I can.Dave Here is some of my work http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1189958471 http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1189958724 http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1189958861