The knife sheath for the Gunbelt

[Brokenolmarine]

First step on laying out the pattern is to draw the knife itself on the material used for the pattern. In this case, an old file folder. Then you play with the layout and design. I went with a two piece rather than a rolled over, so I could insure I'd have room for the concho, the tying piece for each aspect of the Gunbelt. As you can see, I added each component to stabilize the knife when sheathed.

Once the layout was done, I cut out the main pattern, and redrew that on the folder. Then cut out the front section, redrew it. Cut out the welt, from the front piece, and redrew it on the file folder. Lastly I used that center I had cut out to make the welt as the pattern for the wedge. Then, using each pattern piece, I prepped the leather for cutting by transferring the pattern to the leather.  I added the wedge to my pattern as I had seen it used on a post HERE on the forum.  (A post regarding the Randall Knife Sheath.)   Thank you Sir.

[Brokenolmarine]

Next I went to work. I cut out each piece, then cut out two pieces of the wedge shape when test fitting showed I'd need extra. Test fitting let me mark where adjustments would be needed to the parts I had cut out. I marked and then tooled the front and back panels, while they dried, I skived the wedges so they would work. Got a lot done, but still plenty to go.

Tomorrow I will recheck my work, and I'll also cut out the belt loop for the back of the back panel, as well as the front strap that will secure the knife to the sheath, and tool that. I am in no rush as I can't glue up the project until AFTER the concho is installed and I am waiting for those to arrive from Tandy, they should be finished with end of the year inventory and beginning to ship soon. NO rush...

I can dye the pieces once they are done, taking care NOT to dye the areas that will be taking glue.  I can install the various hardware that needs to be in place before the assembly and sew the belt loop on the back of the back panel.

[Brokenolmarine]

Several sessions.  Got a good bit done.  I have gotten some of the assembly done, and gotten two coats of dye on and a coat of neatsfoot oil on to restore the flexibility.  I burnished the edges of the loop and upper portion of the sheath body, and the retention strap.  The sheath body will be burnished after assembly.

 

 

This portion was not without a stutter here and there, but I used the part I messed up.  Take a look at the far right.  The tooled piece was the sheath body, but ... oops.    Cut off the top portion and will use that for the belt loop. LOL.

Getting close to having this done... will antique the tooling on the sheath body and upper sheath, as well as the retention strap, then apply a finish and the snaps for the strap.  Glue up, then sew the belt loop and the sheath body.  Boom.  Sew around the edge of the sheath body...   Couple coats of wax... 

[Brokenolmarine]

Got a lot done in the afternoon. Got the snaps done, the retention strap sewn in place and the front glued on. Just need to trim and burnish the edges and sew down the front panel and the belt loop panel on the back.

I got the burnishing done, and sewed down the front this evening, then started on the belt loop, then the boss called and told me dinner was ready.  Shut it down and headed in.  It was COLD out, in the mid 20s, wind blowing and DARK out already.  I will not be heading back out.  I'll finish up in the morning, or even after lunch.  NO rush.  Looking good so far.... Not perfect by a long shot, but not bad for a first attempt at the western rig.

 

 

[Brokenolmarine]

Back out this morning after breakfast and knocked out the sewing duties.  Then stained the areas that showed raw leather from the holes.  Added the decorative loop at the bottom of the sheath, and burnished the edges.  Fitted the sheath to the gunbelt, then the holster.  We are basically done until the edge dressing I ordered comes in.  A long view of the completed project:

Here is a close up view of the Sheath End:

[Brokenolmarine]

A look at the middle of the gunbelt where the cartridge loops ride:

and of course the holster end.

Once the edge dressing hits the mailbox, I'll post a final set of pics, but it's basically finished.  It's been a great learning experience and I learned a lot from all the YouTube Vids and the practical application of the skills shared there.  Next build I'll do some tooling and perhaps some inlays, something a bit more fancy.  Surprised to discover the holster shrunk dramatically when it fully dried.  It was a chore to get the Uberti to seat fully AND to draw from the rig.  I'll soak the holster a bit then bag the gun and fit it back in the holster to stretch it back out and let it dry with the gun in place to form fit the pair.  Hopefully this will cure that issue.

Watch the space for a later update.

[DieselTech]

Nice work it looks great. Nice rig!

[dikman]

You must be pleased with that.  Gunbelts  and holsters are always a big undertaking. Wrap the gun in plastic (I use a few layers of kitchen cling film) wrap a layer or two of cloth around it to bulk it out then more cling film. Run some water down the inside of the holster then force the padded gun in. Wiggle it around from time to time as it dries and that should fix it. Some people also mold the top outside edge of the holster away from the gun a little, this can help prevent the cylinder from catching when re-holstering.

[Brokenolmarine]

Thanks, I was going to use a couple walmart bags.  I had seen the trick of tipping the top edge out a bit to keep it from getting eaten up from the cylinder edge.  I've also seen them use a hammer or mallet handle to open the barrel channel up a bit first, so you aren't fighting it so much when you first insert the firearm.  I may use a piece of dowel the right size so I don't tear the bag/plastic wrap.  I don't care if I scuff the internal leather.

 

[dikman]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I tape a piece of dowel along the barrel from the front sight back to stop the sight from snagging.

[Brokenolmarine]

As I said, I'm waiting for the edge coat, it was supposed to arrive Thursday, started snowing and UPS didn't run.  Kept snowing all thru the night and into the afternoon on Friday.  UPS didn't run.  Our tertiary rural Oklahoma roads don't get treated or plowed.  The company that takes care of them is called "Mr. Sun."  Supposed to hit the Mid 40s for the next four or five days, before dropping back in the low 30s or so.  Mr. Sun should do his job...   The UPS updates on tracking say, "Sorry for the delay, should see your stuff by Tuesday ..." 

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

Now I'm itching to make another gun fighter rig. I'll have to find a knife to compliment the setup. Thanks, you got me spending money now haha

 

Looks good. Enjoyed watching the process through your posts. Thanks

[Brokenolmarine]

Thanks, choosing a knife was an issue for me as well.  Choosing...

My wife told me to slow down on the knife making... She was kidding.  SHE is knee deep in Quilts.

Hopefully all the orders will arrive today, the snow has melted away.

[BlackDragon]

Looks great!

[Brokenolmarine]

The Sun did it's job and the melt off finally occurred.  UPS arrived today and Edge Kote in hand I headed to the shop and worked the edge kote around all the edges.  Holster, sheath, and of course the gun belt itself.  Once that dried, I re-burnished all the edges to a high sheen.  I am pleased with the black accent.  I call this one done!

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

The edge kote made the project pop a bit more. That really finished the project off nicely. I'm sure you'll get years of enjoyment from this