ScottAR

Thanks for the replies. Is the purpose for replacing the rivets to make the stitching better or to improve the appearance of the rivets? The knife had been my father's; he passed away eleven years ago, so there's a sentimental reason to keep it as original as possible. I did just take my Dremel out and polished off most of the rust (see below). I'm looking into that Auto Awl, though likely with the Maine Thread Co (they did send me their free thread sample card so I feel an irrational bit of obligation).

Hello. I came across my father's long-lost Solingen "Sheriff" knife. I cleaned up the blade, and now I'd like to restore the sheath. The problem is the stitching, most of which has worn away. From the look of it (one color on top, another on the bottom) this was machine-stitched. I'd like to replicate this (by hand, since I don't have a machine) but I don't know if that's feasible. It's not a lot of stitching to I don't mind investing a bit of time, but I'm hardly expert so I guess I'll have to settle for a basic saddle stitch. Another issue is that for some reason the hole size top and bottom is different, so that the same size thread wouldn't look the same on both sides. I think erring to the larger size would be best, since the larger holes are on the outer face, but wasn't sure if that meant it would be difficult passing that through the back. Lastly, the sheath is riveted at multiple points, so I can't just continue the same stitch the whole way along. It was recommended to me to stitch up to the rivet, back stitch at least two stitches, to lock the stitch. I'm fairly sure I don't want to drill out and replace the rivets, as Murphy's law would kick in. Below are two pics: a top/bottom view of the sheath, and a closeup of the threads and holes; the blue and yellow threads are a sample card with waxed polyester from Maine Thread Co, the bottom blue being 0.2" and the yellow 0.3"; I was going to go for the 0.3" but in "scarlet," which is the closest match to the thread on the black side of the sheath. So some specific questions: -- is the one color/saddle stitch the best way to go? -- Is there a practical reason to go with the 0.02" thread instead, which is a closer size match to the existing red? I thought a thicker thread would be stronger but didn't know if there was a good reason the manufacturer had used the thinner, plus the holes on the back are much smaller. -- since I'll have to start/stop several times before and after the rivets, any tips on tying off? -- it was also recommended to me to use a contact cement to seal the two pieces of leather. Should I, and any product recommendations? -- fortunately, despite the age, the leather isn't brittle. Should I treat with a leather conditioner first to be sure? I have Otter Wax Leather Oil; is there anything different I should use on the back side, which I presume is the rough out (if that's the right term)? There are probably a few other things I've forgotten.