Members savage_here Posted October 6, 2010 Author Members Report Posted October 6, 2010 Yeah, I end up using a pair of pliers stitching together two layers of 8/9 oz and one layer 4/5 oz. I'm figuring I need to use a smaller needle. . . Thanks for the comments, Savage. I just see work like yours, Rocky's, Handwerker's, and others' and end up wondering how you get such beautifully clean and straight stitch lines. . . I don't have a stitch groover, but I usually try to put a crease along the edge for the thread to ride in. Does the use of a groover make it easier to keep the holes so straight and parallel to the edge? Again, thank you for posting. I appreciate the sharing of such fine craftsmanship. Micah I should have commented on grooving. I grooved the back side, but didn't groove the front. I ordered this leather for other purposes and, while it's veg tan, it's been staked and softened up quite a bit. Therefore, the grain side is much softer than tooling leather or other leathers that might be used for holsters, sheaths, etc. So, I find that when I tighten my stitches, the thread sinks down into the grain side far enough for my taste. If I groove the grain side, it sinks too far for my liking. I did the back because it will get the most wear/friction. I wanted to make especially sure that the thread was down below the top level of the leather. It should be noted that grooving will tend to keep those slightly "off" stitches in line. It's not magic, but it does help a little. One point. My stitch holes are never parallel to the edge. Per THE BOOK, they are always angled at about a 45 degree angle away from/toward the edge (depending on your perspective and whether we're talking about the top or bottom of the hole). Hope this helps. Savage Quote
Members mattsh Posted October 6, 2010 Members Report Posted October 6, 2010 Suuuuuuuwwwweeeeettt looking sheath! Very well done. Quote "Courage brother, do not stumble, though thy path be dark as night: There is a star to guide the humble, trust in God, and do the right. Let the road be dark and dreary and its end far out of sight. Face it bravely, strong or weary. Trust God, and do the right." - General Norman Schwarzkopf
Leather Bum Posted October 7, 2010 Report Posted October 7, 2010 One point. My stitch holes are never parallel to the edge. Per THE BOOK, they are always angled at about a 45 degree angle away from/toward the edge (depending on your perspective and whether we're talking about the top or bottom of the hole). Exactly. . . what I was referring to was the fact that your stitch line itself parallels the edge very nicely, especially on the front. Thank you for the advice. Micah Quote
Members savage_here Posted October 7, 2010 Author Members Report Posted October 7, 2010 Exactly. . . what I was referring to was the fact that your stitch line itself parallels the edge very nicely, especially on the front. Thank you for the advice. Micah Ah, sorry, missed that distinction. I make a faint mark on the perimeter of the leather so that I have something to run the overstitch wheel down when marking for the holes. Over the years I've gotten pretty good at making sure the overstitch marks are exactly on that line (if not, you can always adjust of course). Then it's just a matter of actually getting the awl on that mark and exactly straight going through all the layers to the back. This was the hardest part for me. It's pretty easy with two thicknesses, but when you get to four, your awl better be pretty damned sharp and your hand better be pretty damned steady and true. Savage Quote
Members Rickey Posted January 16, 2011 Members Report Posted January 16, 2011 Awesome job. I am currently working my first Knife sheath. I hope that I can make it close to half as good as yours. I know it will be good if I can. Rickey Quote
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