tdiller

I learned or forced myself to use either hand. At 14 I broke my right arm and had to learn to write (cursive) with my left hand. From that point on it became kind of a game between my brother and I to try to do everything opposite handed. Throwing, batting, writing, you name it we forced ourselves to become good at using either hand. I mess up people when I am writing especially in an conference room on a white board because I will switch hands without thinking about it. Those who catch it often ask me about it. I find that some things when working on leather are easier for my dominant (right) hand and others can be done with either. Stamping is either hand. Knife work because my fine motor skills are better with my right hand are easier that way. I have tried some knife work on scrap leather with my left hand and would need a lot more practice before I would do anything I intended to keep.

Depending on the maker of the knife (several different knife makers from Solingen) and it's value you might not want to try restoring the leather. If the sheath is not from the same maker as the knife, I'd say go for it. If it is and the knife is form a maker of some notoriety I would think twice before restoring it. Solingen was a knife making center in Germany for several years ( I have a knife from a solingen maker commemorating their 150th year) as well as several others from the area. Luckily these knives were never used even if I got them as an eight year ld kid from family in Germany so they are still in new condition. Including the sheath. I'd suggest making a replacement sheath and keep the original. If you can find out more about the knife and maker before trying to restore the sheath that would help you make a decision on it.