Dominicff Report post Posted September 20, 2016 Hi, im new in the hobby and I bought leather on craigslist. Im trying to make a knife sheath but i cant dye it, only on flesh side. I posted a pic this is cowhide but i dont know what kind of leather. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dominicff Report post Posted September 20, 2016 (edited) Yes its already finished.... Any ways to changed it to a different color ? My other option it to dye it on the flesh side but its pretty rough i would need to smooth it. Edited September 20, 2016 by Dominicff Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted September 20, 2016 Or use different leather. Sometimes a type of leather is just not suited to the task. Dying aside, how stretchy is it? knife sheaths made out of stretchy leather get all floppy over time, and tend to get cut bu the knife if you make them tight enough to properly retain it. Likely that leather is suited to garments and furniture. If it won't dye it also means its resistant to wine and chocolate stains...... which is a desirable trait for clothing and furniture. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dominicff Report post Posted September 20, 2016 Its not really stretchy, its 2-2,5 mm. I bought this piece without knowing much about leather. Im pretty sure its not appropriate for what i entend to do but im practicing ! What i will do is use it on flesh side and try to burnish the entire piece to make it smooth. How about that? Thanks for the tips by the way greatly appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted September 21, 2016 What kind of knife are you making a sheath for? Need will dictate the leather. Just starting out is hard, because you buy things that you only later find out you didn't need. We have all done it. Don't be discouraged. Let us know what you are wanting to make the sheath for and we will point you in the right direction. You can always save this piece for something else later. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted September 21, 2016 10 hours ago, Dominicff said: Yes its already finished.... Any ways to changed it to a different color ? My other option it to dye it on the flesh side but its pretty rough i would need to smooth it. There are a few ways to colour it possibly. When you say you cant dye it what Happens?What dye are you trying to use? Will water soak in to the top grain side at all? Does it have a greasy or extra slippery feel? Will it take up black dye and is that an option?Make sure the wrinkles go in the same direction as the length of the knife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dominicff Report post Posted September 21, 2016 The knife is a 6inch Steel bush knife. I also wanna make a splitting axe sheath. About the leather : When I dye it it just stain a bit and the cloth wipes it out almost completely Im using fielbing leather dye dark Brown( water base) Water doesnt soak, the skin side is waterproof. It has a slippery and half glossy feel. About the wrinckle in the side of the knife thank you I didnt know that ! Actually I dont know much but love this new hobby a lot! Im reading the Tandy catalog and will order leathers appropriate to what im trying to do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted September 21, 2016 OK . Unless anyone has something better to offer up what I would suggest is get some either spirit dye or raven oil and try a small patch first. If not good take another sample and soak and wash in hot water with a little detergent. Let this go near to dry then soak in the dye if your happy for a full dye cover. Take out and let dry fully then wipe the face and most likely dye again. If this works for you make sure you cut out your working pieces oversize a bit. What country are you in? It may be possible to send me a little swatch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted September 22, 2016 His IP address puts him in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I don't understand why people don't list their location when using a worldwide forum! Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted September 22, 2016 Yes I agree Tom, often when you would like to help, knowing where a person is at, State or at least Country could make the advice a bit more relevant. I was discussing a splitter/skiver machine the other day and had a look online and there in Miami I see a Fortuna style skiver for $850. I thought that was worth mentioning but probably not if you live in Africa or Australia or............ Here for anyone anyway is the link http://www.miamisewing.com/specials/special machines.htm Regards Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dominicff Report post Posted September 22, 2016 13 hours ago, RockyAussie said: OK . Unless anyone has something better to offer up what I would suggest is get some either spirit dye or raven oil and try a small patch first. If not good take another sample and soak and wash in hot water with a little detergent. Let this go near to dry then soak in the dye if your happy for a full dye cover. Take out and let dry fully then wipe the face and most likely dye again. If this works for you make sure you cut out your working pieces oversize a bit. What country are you in? It may be possible to send me a little swatch. I'll try both. I can send you a sample if you give me your adress. It could help me figure out what this leather is best to use for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
