Leatherman Charge - Pouch

[mkleathers]

I'd like to share with you how I make pouches, in this case for Leatherman Charge.

I start with wet forming the top of the pouch. When it dries, I cut the surplus of the leather and round the egdes.

Then, it is time for the back and the flap - cut out from one piece. Before cutting the leather I like to try with paper template.

Then I cut the groove for the stitches

I make the hole for the snap.

Before glueing both parts, I cut the decorative grooves on the flap. Dye all elements...

..set one part of the snap...

..and glue the belt loop.

The pouch was supposed to be easily removable from a knife sheath. To allow that I decided to use snaps.

I secure the snaps inside the pouch with a piece of thin leather.

Then I sew the belt loop.

After glueing front and back together, I make holes for the stitches

Few runs on the sandpaper to even the edges...

..and it's time for waxing. I use pure, hot beewax. Remember not ot overheat the leather! the glued parts might not take it well. I believe that when it is too hot for my fingers its too hot for the leather as well.

After it cools down I sew both parts together.

Next, I polish the edges with wooden handle of one of my tools.

I set the second part of the snap.

And we are done.

Should you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Cheers

Mat

Edited April 27, 2011 by mkleathers

[LilRay]

Nice tutorial Mat!

Thanks for posting.

God Bless, Ray

[builderofstuff]

excellent tutorial

chris

[lazybum]

nice

Ive been wondering how to apply beeswax without getting my fingers all scalded. Looks like I need to convert one of my old toothbrushes...

[Bennie lovejoy]

great tutorial thanks for posting.

[JHoneycutt]

I'd like to share with you how I make pouches, in this case for Leatherman Charge.

I start with wet forming the top of the pouch.

Hi Matt,

Can you tell me how you "Wet Form" the leather to this shape? Looks really nice! Do you have a little plug made up in this shape? If so, how do you "Mold" the leather around it. By hand or a "press" of sorts. I have some kydex holstermaking experience but am a complete newb at leatherwork. I went to the local Tandy store and asked them to set me up with the "necessities" to start learning, laugh! $350.00 later I was out the door completely perplexed and in the "Learn and absorb" mode! Pratcicing my stitching and can do an OK job, trying for consistency, but haven't "Made" anything yet. Your tutorial was very very helpful! Please elaborate on your molding technique! Best regards,

Jerry

[TexasJack]

Great tutorial and great photos!

[mkleathers]

Hi Matt,

Can you tell me how you "Wet Form" the leather to this shape? Looks really nice! Do you have a little plug made up in this shape? If so, how do you "Mold" the leather around it. By hand or a "press" of sorts. I have some kydex holstermaking experience but am a complete newb at leatherwork. I went to the local Tandy store and asked them to set me up with the "necessities" to start learning, laugh! $350.00 later I was out the door completely perplexed and in the "Learn and absorb" mode! Pratcicing my stitching and can do an OK job, trying for consistency, but haven't "Made" anything yet. Your tutorial was very very helpful! Please elaborate on your molding technique! Best regards,

Jerry

Hi Jerry,

Have a look here in case you have not yet.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=31592&st=0&p=197156&hl=mkleathers&fromsearch=1entry197156.

I'll add few photos soon. But its really as described there and quite simple to be honest. Start with something simple and keep going. And do finnish your projects! If its done, even if not perfect it really feels great and gives power to continue. As for tools ..... Form leathercraft tools I use 2 groovers, 1 beveler a punch gun and awl and few needles So, provided you have the whole set I bet you wont lack any equipment.

Good luck and show us your work!

Matt.

[mkleathers]

Added photos in the thread on forming

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=31592&st=0&gopid=197895entry197895

[Crystal]

Very nice tutorial, Mat. Thanks for taking the time to do this for all of the LW members. I am going to pin it so folks can find it.

Thanks again!

Crystal