No Sheath Tutorial?

[IngleGunLeather]

So I'm about 95% complete with my first knife sheath. I learned quite a bit making this thing. I didn't think it'd give me so many growing pains though. I kinda winged it but I wish I would of had a tutorial to use. I made it very similar to a Ka-Bar style sheath (tore apart a gun show special) and just figured it out I guess. So, is there anyone that has any tutorials? I'd love to be able to do more than Ka-Bar style.

Additionally, for those that make sheaths for out of town customers, do you ask the customer to ship the knife to you? If you do, who covers shipping?

Edited May 22, 2013 by CountryTrash

[camano ridge]

There are a bunch of knife making tutorials out there just google, also go to knife forums such as knifedogs.com knifenetworks.com blade forums. North coast knives has tutorials on afew different types of sheaths. http://www.northcoas...atherSheath.htm Here are some more http://bensbackwoods.blogspot.com/2009/09/need-sheath-make-your-own-by-jim.html http://eastof29.tripod.com/daqotahforge2/id37.html

http://beebeknives.com/html/make_a_sheath_tutorial.html

Also do a search for how to make a sheath video i think there are several you tube tutorial videos. Hope this helps. I make quite a few sheaths so if you need help or have questions feel free to PM me.

[IngleGunLeather]

Thanks Camano. I found one or two with google that look promising.

When you draw your blade outline, how much wider do you make your welt? 1/4 inch?

[IngleGunLeather]

Thanks Camano. I found one or two with google that look promising.

When you draw your blade outline, how much wider do you make your welt? 1/4 inch?

[camano ridge]

I make mine at least 1/4" usualy 3/8" for small knives and the welt for medium to large knives is at least 1/2" you need to make sure you have plenty of room for your stitch line. Here are a couple more tutorials that may help if you have not already found them. This one is from Chuck burrows a mexican loop pattern and tutorial. http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/mexloop/_mexloop.html This tutorial is on how to make a Randal style sheath and is picture intensive and pretty detailed http://www.bladeforu...l(Pic-intensive).

Edited May 22, 2013 by camano ridge

[IngleGunLeather]

Much appreciated Camano!

[Rayban]

I believe that to make a sheath that properly fits the knife is an art form in itself with the knife...to not have the knife on hand, you may as well use a butter knife...and the customer has to appreciate this and pay for shipping both ways.

I've been through this several times and most times the customer will understand and agree....to the others I say "sorry, I can't help"

[IngleGunLeather]

I believe that to make a sheath that properly fits the knife is an art form in itself with the knife...to not have the knife on hand, you may as well use a butter knife...and the customer has to appreciate this and pay for shipping both ways.

I've been through this several times and most times the customer will understand and agree....to the others I say "sorry, I can't help"

Thanks Rayban. That's what I was hoping to hear. After all, they are the ones seeking out the service, they should pay for two way shipping. And after finishing my first, I agree 100%, it's almost impossible to make a sheath without the customers knife. Only ones I'll make without it will be a full size Ka-Bar and that's because I already have one of those.

[Rayban]

Only ones I'll make without it will be a full size Ka-Bar and that's because I already have one of those.

You can be pretty busy with those because the sheath that comes with them are pretty "economically made"

I just spent some time on your web site, you do mighty fine work.

[particle]

I don't know anything about sheaths, but this fellow has a lot of great YouTube videos showing how he makes various sheaths.

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLkCG-505-1t0rYlgBTSnpQ

[TexasJack]

Ask and ye shall receive!

There are great DVDs on sheath making produced by Paul Long and Chuck Burrows. Each of them are different, but they are well worth the price for all the great advice and technique contained in them.

[sheathmaker]

Ingle Gun Leather: At your experience level, you already know the value of a complete paper pattern for everything you make prior to cutting the leather. The DVDs Texas Jack mentioned above go into great detail on how to make a pattern for a given knife and have it fit properly the first time through, along with everything else involved from start to finish on a sheath.

My DVDs are geared more toward a maker who have sewing machine capability, While Chuck Burrows offering are more for the hand sewer. I have three DVDs out now. First is Basic Pouch Sheath, the second is Advanced Blade Sheaths, and the third is a compilation of time saving tips and techniques concerning sheath making in general.

Google is your friend. Try Paul Long Sheath Making DVDs and it should take you to Chris Crawford Knives. Chris is the producer and they can be obtained there.

Also in response to your inquiry above. Yes, it is ALWAYS best to have the customer's knife in hand when making a sheath. I insist upon it if I am to do the work. Yes, the customers pays the postage both ways. I have several thousand sheaths out there with out a hiccup yet.

Paul

Edited May 25, 2013 by sheathmaker

[The Grizzly]

I believe that to make a sheath that properly fits the knife is an art form in itself with the knife...to not have the knife on hand, you may as well use a butter knife...and the customer has to appreciate this and pay for shipping both ways.

I've been through this several times and most times the customer will understand and agree....to the others I say "sorry, I can't help"

This is what gets me about guys selling really nice, but generic, sheaths. I've seen some very good work being sold on eBay that just states what size knife it will accommodate. Makes no sense to me how you can get a good, TIGHT, fit with a universal sheath. A fold over flap pouch for a folder is one thing...as is a sheath for a blade with a guard where only the blade is sheathed. But a full pouch design really, really, really needs the knife on hand to get the best fitment.

If you take in knives to make sheaths for, the customer should pay shipping both ways.

[goldenstonebazaar]

Chuck Burrows and Paul Long tutorial posts are on the web, better than videos, more info. 3/8" for welt and customer pays the shipping and insurance.