How I lace some sheathes

[DCKNIVES]

Our Lovely Johanna thought some of you might like to see this technique that I use for some of my sheaths.I learned how to do this from an old pamphlet that Tandy has called "How To Lace".I typically use 3/32" lace, Superior Cow or Kangaroo will work.Round holes work best with this also.I use a 3/32" drill for the first 3 holes from the top, then switch to an 1/8" drill for the remainder.I use the flat needles and a small pair of needlenose pliers help with pulling through.The amount of lacing I use depends on the thickness of the sheaths but runs from 8-12 times the distance being laced, but go long if in doubt.

1. Start from the back side first hole and pull all but about an 1 1/2" thru.

2.Cross over the edge and come thru from the back on the fourth hole, then tuck the 1 1/2" tail down under the lace you just pulled thru.

3.Bring the lace from the fourth hole back up and over and come thru the second hole to the front side.You should now see your first "X".

4.From the second over and back thru the fifth hole.

5.Then out the fifth over one lace,then under the other and thru the third hole

6.Thru the third hole under one lace, over the next and thru the sixth hole

7.Out the sixth and over one,under the next and out the fourth,and so on and so on

8. When you get to the end,pull the lace thru and slide the neddle up thru the lacing and come out about an inch up and cut off lace with an Xacto.

A warning is this is very time consuming but I like the look of it, and more importantly so do my customers. That said, I do charge extra for this.Dave

Here's some examples, have some fun

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1193803605

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1193803635

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1193805961

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1193806078

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/DCK...pg?t=1193806137

[sheathmaker]

Thanks, Dave. Those are the most clear instructions I've read on the subject. I printed them out and they have become part of my personal "how do you do that?".

Paul

[Mike Phelps]

Thanks Dave,

Much more clear, in my mind anyway, than in the "encyclopedia of leather and rawhide braiding".

Encompassed a guitar strap and pad a while back with a "Round Mexican Braid" and it took 12 hours and more than 50 yards just to lace. Used the el-cheapo bonded lace so didn't have much of a problem with string stretch and breakage but thought it would look so much better with a better quality lace. The cost of undertaking a project like that put it on the backburner. But now---- well things have changed, at least my perception has changed.

Thanks for posting Dave.

Mike

[Rawhide]

Dave,

That's very nice. Could you post a picture of that book? I really like the look of that lace.

[DCKNIVES]

Let's see if this works.Dave

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/PRODIMAGE/6004-00-M.JPG

[Rawhide]

Thanks for the picture Dave.

Marlon

[Grunt]

Nice sheaths! I really like that lace work! That's a nice design for one of Spencer's knives.

I may try lacing like that on one of my sheaths.

Regards,

Nick

[wolvenstien]

DC this is just what I needed for the project I am working on, however you left out an important factor..... how far apart do you drill the holes?

Thanks

[DCKNIVES]

For 3/32" lace, I use 3/16" center to center.Hope this helped. Dave

[wolvenstien]

thank you Dave.

[St8LineGunsmith]

hey guys

here is another old post that is worthy of resurrecting for its useful content and to honor the author who apparently has since passed away

i cant think of any better way to honor their memory than to bump the thread back up so some of the newer members may be able to benefit

which I think was the authors intent from its beginning.

[benlilly1]

Thanks St8LineGunsmith for reposting this. I had not come across this one before. Beautiful work!

[St8LineGunsmith]

ya it is very good work indeed.

[barbiesdude]

Is this the same pattern used on the backs of saddles joining the rear skirts? Which pattern is it in Grant's book?

[retiredff]

Tandy still has that book.

 

[LatigoAmigo]

So does Amazon...