Saddle stitching knife sheaths...

[CulturalWoodsman]

Hi all I am wondering if anyone here could tell me the proper weight thread for saddle stitching knife sheaths. I am using 7/8oz shoulder veg tan tooling leather, a groover, and a a #5 stich wheel.

After placing my welt in place Igroove and lay the stitch marks and use a 3/32 drill bit on a drill press to make my holes. (I know, I know....I should use an awl).

What is the proper weight and or type of thread for this application?

Many thanks in advance.

[Art]

207 or 277 would work well. Artificial Sinew from Tandy also works. With drilling, you shouldn't have to wax.

Art

Hi all I am wondering if anyone here could tell me the proper weight thread for saddle stitching knife sheaths. I am using 7/8oz shoulder veg tan tooling leather, a groover, and a a #5 stich wheel.

After placing my welt in place Igroove and lay the stitch marks and use a 3/32 drill bit on a drill press to make my holes. (I know, I know....I should use an awl).

What is the proper weight and or type of thread for this application?

Many thanks in advance.

[Billsotx]

I was taught to braid or twist linen thread together if I wanted heavier thread. Over the years I went to nylon because the linen abraided with use. With the nylon I get 4 oz. and I "unbraid" and then retwist if it's too heavy for what I'm building. On light projects like a little notobook one of the five threads may suffice. If you twist it tight and rewax it, it'll look nice. On a machine I use poly 207 a lot and that will work for hand stitching as well.

[joel_in_bhm]

Bill...

How long does the linen last? At least from what you have seen.....

I recieved advice on not using the linen before because of the wear issue. I still use it however, because I tried nylon and didnt like it. I didnt like poly either.

[abn]

I'd be interested in knowing this as well. I like nylon thread, but wasn't aware that some folks claim it's more durable than linen...

[Romey]

I use Barbour's Red Hand Unwaxed Linen 5 cord for most everything I do as for it lasting, i havent had a sheath come back and my stuff is hardused.

I think if hole, welt and bedding is all done properly, linen will last as long as needed, I have sheaths from 60`s that are linen and still together and tight where the leather around is is cracked and crumbly. I have a saddle made in 1911 that linen thread is still holding well after the leather rotted.

Oh BTW I use handstich so if it does come apart the welt and rest of the stitching wont allow for blade to cut through very easily