How do I go about making a knife sheathe pattern for a knife I don't have?

[mrCung]

Hello, I am figuring out some if the logistics of starting a small business.  My plan as of now is to sell discounted leather sheathes because I am a novice. My only concern is making a sheath pattern without having the actual knife on hand. What would you do then? Would I have to have the customer ship out their knife to get a proper sheath made? 

Thanks a lot for all of your input!

[DieselTech]

It is best to have the knife. Or a well replicated model of the knife to make a well fitted sheath. 

[Dwight]

With a small stack of southern yellow pine (preferably 2 x 8's) . . .  a band saw . . .  or good table saw . . .  and a good bench sander . . . you can make a wooden copy of darn near any knife produced.

You then make the sheath for the knife.

Some good lessons at a local trade school or hobby shop on model making should be enough to get you started right well.

I do it both for knives and guns . . . never had a problem

May God bless,

Dwight