Where do I go from here?

[Rossr]

So I've been making sheaths for a while.  Most of what  I make can be attributable to Paul Longs video series and many Thanks. @sheathmaker I'm pleased with the function and look of my sheath work.  But what next.  I've done carving work, I've done inlays too and overlays at times.  But I've been trying to think what else can I do to stand out and improve from here?

 

Looking for constructive criticism 

 

Thanks

 

Ross

[chuck123wapati]

23 hours ago, Rossr said:

So I've been making sheaths for a while.  Most of what  I make can be attributable to Paul Longs video series and many Thanks. @sheathmaker I'm pleased with the function and look of my sheath work.  But what next.  I've done carving work, I've done inlays too and overlays at times.  But I've been trying to think what else can I do to stand out and improve from here?

 

Looking for constructive criticism 

 

Thanks

 

Ross

those are awesome no criticism here . My suggestion is to make some different styles knives and sheathes or possibly just some other leather goods. How about trying an embossed leather sheath lol. 

[JWheeler331]

Good looking sheaths. I say make some different styles. Try looking at some older patterns and maybe do some period style sheaths from whatever period you choose. Plenty to change up while still keeping with the roots of what you are doing. 

[Rossr]

45 minutes ago, chuck123wapati said:

those are awesome no criticism here . My suggestion is to make some different styles knives and sheathes or possibly just some other leather goods. How about trying an embossed leather sheath lol. 

Thanks Chuck. 

 

38 minutes ago, JWheeler331 said:

Good looking sheaths. I say make some different styles. Try looking at some older patterns and maybe do some period style sheaths from whatever period you choose. Plenty to change up while still keeping with the roots of what you are doing. 

Thank you sir.  Kinda like the period sheath idea.   

[sheathmaker]

Rossr, you have a good start.  From this point you need to make some different styles like the drop loop style for bowie style knives with a single or double guard.

You apparently have the "Basic Pouch Sheath" DVD and as such the sheaths you show all look pretty much the same and that is because the knives you

have covered are all pretty much the same.  Design your sheaths with the blade shape in mind and do some more with inlays or overlays in mind.

I don't keep or sell the DVDs you mentioned, but there are three more other than the Basic Pouch DVD and they will guide you to make nearly

any style sheath you need.  They are available from Chris Crawford Knives.  I am also available to help you via phone any time 830 367 5536)

or email pfl@cebridge.net free of charge.

The work you have shown is good and will only get better and better with continued practice.

Edited September 9, 2022 by sheathmaker

[Rossr]

36 minutes ago, sheathmaker said:

Rossr, you have a good start.  From this point you need to make some different styles like the drop loop style for bowie style knives with a single or double guard.

You apparently have the "Basic Pouch Sheath" DVD and as such the sheaths you show all look pretty much the same and that is because the knives you

have covered are all pretty much the same.  Design your sheaths with the blade shape in mind and do some more with inlays or overlays in mind.

I don't keep or sell the DVDs you mentioned, but there are three more other than the Basic Pouch DVD and they will guide you to make nearly

any style sheath you need.  They are available from Chris Crawford Knives.  I am also available to help you via phone any time 830 367 5536)

or email pfl@cebridge.net free of charge.

The work you have shown is good and will only get better and better with continued practice.

Thanks for the thoughts and the response.   As always your sheaths are beautiful.  

I actually.have all 4 of the videos.  I'd recomend them to anyone.  Without question they helped me improve.  

I have done more Pouch sheaths than anything.  But have also  done some other styles.  

I enjoy making them and am always looking to improve.  Hence the question!  Most of the sheaths I make are for knives I have made and many are drop points hence the Pouch styles.   I have done some inlay work and overlay too.  I occasionally get hired to make sheaths for knives too which is nice.  

 

Thank you for offering to share your knowledge. Very kind !

 

Below is some other sheaths I have done

 

Ross

Edited September 9, 2022 by Rossr

[Tugadude]

The work is nice and clean, but you might want to try adding some color to make them pop a bit.  Maybe using an antique finish on the detail work, or better yet, how about using an inlay of differently-colored leather, or exotic, etc..  Create some contrast maybe.  

The sheath that has the diagonal bit with what looks like hoof prints could have been created with an overlay, making it look like a reinforcing strap or something.  Adding depth is another way to create a unique look.

Here's a unique look.  Got this off of Nigel Armitage's website.  It is work done by one of his students.

I think the ones below are some of Nigel's work.  

 

I hope this gives you some inspiration.  And that's the idea, not to copy, but to let the work of others help you develop your own look.  Creating your own "signature" is a lofty goal, but it can be done.  I've seen some very unique leatherwork here on the forum.  Sometimes it is based upon color, sometimes the choice of leather, sometimes just different techniques combined in interesting ways.  

Find your look!  

[Rossr]

7 hours ago, Tugadude said:

The work is nice and clean, but you might want to try adding some color to make them pop a bit.  Maybe using an antique finish on the detail work, or better yet, how about using an inlay of differently-colored leather, or exotic, etc..  Create some contrast maybe.  

The sheath that has the diagonal bit with what looks like hoof prints could have been created with an overlay, making it look like a reinforcing strap or something.  Adding depth is another way to create a unique look.

Here's a unique look.  Got this off of Nigel Armitage's website.  It is work done by one of his students.

I think the ones below are some of Nigel's work.  

 

I hope this gives you some inspiration.  And that's the idea, not to copy, but to let the work of others help you develop your own look.  Creating your own "signature" is a lofty goal, but it can be done.  I've seen some very unique leatherwork here on the forum.  Sometimes it is based upon color, sometimes the choice of leather, sometimes just different techniques combined in interesting ways.  

Find your look!  

Appreciate the thoughts.  I believe that's where I am at,  how do I find my look.  

Paul's sheaths above has that.  You can pick his sheaths out easily.  

I do agree it takes time .  It is hard and we are all building on what others have done.  

 

Ross

[Tugadude]

So true about building on what others have done.  There are myriad examples out there to learn from, to study and to honor by taking bits and pieces and incorporating them into your work.  There is truly nothing new under the sun, yet every now and then I see something that makes me pause and go "wow", that's cool.  Probably because I've never seen it before is all.

When I seek inspiration I will often just google something and then click on the "images" tab on the browser.  I get overwhelmed by dozens and often hundreds of photos of what I'm interested in.  If you haven't, try it.  Just put what you are looking for in the search bar and take a chance.

Do you have a favorite color?  Most people do.  Maybe you find a way to incorporate that color into all of your work?  When you encounter a product that has someone's "signature", take note of it and remember it, how they created it.

I just did a quick search for 'exotic leather knife sheaths'  This is the result...there's tons more when you scroll down.

[Tugadude]

After thinking on this awhile I came up with literally dozens of examples of companies whose products feature a "signature" element in them.

Of course there are iconic logos such as Polo, Gucci, Rolex, etc., but there are other, less obvious ones too.  The little triangular-shaped accent on the bottom of the Untuckit shirts for example.  

 

Knowledgeable folks see that and know it is Untuckit brand and not a pretender.  

I've seen designers that incorporate a specific color into their line of products.  One that comes to mind is Rachel Ray cookware, with bright orange, red and teal blue colors all around.

Maybe you figure a way to introduce a signature color into your work.  Or maybe a signature animal.  Bellroy uses an owl on their products, for example.  

These sorts of "little things" seem to add up to way more in terms of making a product desireable.  Every year some new designer drops a unique look and suddenly "everyone" has to have one.  

Just some more thoughts to consider.

By the way, I didn't mention the knife.  Your work is excellent and your knives are always interesting and attractive.