So what do we think of this sheath

[Rossr]

I made this knife and sheath combo for a friends son who earned his Eagle scout rank in boy scouts.   I carved the eagle head and then tried to blend it so as it went down the sheath it seemed like the body.  Kinda abstract maybe but with the Initials thought it flowed better.   I feel like my carving skills are rusty at best but can't decide how to improve on this one.   The eagle head is from a craft aid.  The eye was tough imo and around the beak seemed off to me...among.other things

Open to thoughts 

 

Ross

[fredk]

I think you are being too critical on yourself

Leave it as it is . . . . . . . or rub some dark shoe polish into the low parts, and rub off from the high spots, buff up and the design will really stand out

Edited May 9, 2022 by fredk

[Bert03241]

Nice work great job

[chuck123wapati]

i like the sheath and the knife!! Great job I'm sure it will be cherished for a lifetime.

[Rossr]

20 hours ago, fredk said:

I think you are being too critical on yourself

Leave it as it is . . . . . . . or rub some dark shoe polish into the low parts, and rub off from the high spots, buff up and the design will really stand out

Appreciate that thought Fred.  Im always hyper critical of what I do.....I suspect I'd stop making stuff if I ever made something I was 100% happy with....I think I'm trying to figure out how to progress more.  I see amazing work and while I'm not unhappy with mine I'm hoping I can Still improve.

 

Bert and chuck thanks for the kind words

[battlemunky]

I dunno man, I think you are being a bit critical as well because that looks quite good. I totally see the vibe you were going for with the head and body of the eagle. Great looking knife too. Good job!

[Leescustomleather]

I totally get being self-critical it is how my work improves, so many people give praise which feels good, but it doesn't offer any real help which is what you asked for. I see you doing one thing that is something I still struggle with, that is trying to put too fine detail into my work with a swivel knife and beveling tools. For myself it always seems to lose resolution, all kind of blend together, kind of like the difference between throwing one pebble into a pond and the ripples that result or throwing a handful of pebbles into a pond, where the ripples just turn into chaos and lose definition. Sorry for the long-winded explanation I guess that is the best I could come up with. The only way I have found to add fine detail to leather is with stamps with the detail cut into the stamp.

[Rossr]

8 hours ago, Leescustomleather said:

I totally get being self-critical it is how my work improves, so many people give praise which feels good, but it doesn't offer any real help which is what you asked for. I see you doing one thing that is something I still struggle with, that is trying to put too fine detail into my work with a swivel knife and beveling tools. For myself it always seems to lose resolution, all kind of blend together, kind of like the difference between throwing one pebble into a pond and the ripples that result or throwing a handful of pebbles into a pond, where the ripples just turn into chaos and lose definition. Sorry for the long-winded explanation I guess that is the best I could come up with. The only way I have found to add fine detail to leather is with stamps with the detail cut into the stamp.

I appreciate those thoughts.    Less is more many times and I sure do add too much at times.  Good thoughts on the stamps with detail too.

 

 

[tsunkasapa]

Looks great. I wouldn't change a thing.

[Samalan]

Beautiful  gift that will last a lifetime .