Leather Work Questions

[N9BOW]

I have done some fairly rudimentary leather work on the thin stuff making cases for various sharp things in my camping gear so as to not puncture my backpack.

I have a Tops Knife I want to make a leather sheath for.
Anyone with experience doing leather work? I want to do a wet mold and replace the Kydex Sheath with a leather version.

Any suggestion on a starter leather tool kit or any tips would be appreciated.

[Gavin]

Used to be a place called Tandy Leather Craft...Not sure if still in business.

 

[ness]

22 minutes ago, Gavin said:

Used to be a place called Tandy Leather Craft...Not sure if still in business.

 

Boy -- that brings back memories. Used to do leathercraft back in the 70's and the store I used was Tandy in Independence. They're still there! 

Here's a store locator -- I see there's one in Springfield. Looks like you can order online too.

 

[Gavin]

Boy scout projects and such.

 

[tjm]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Arrow-Fastener-Revolving-Hole-Punch-GRHP/302859233

https://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Stitcher-SEW110-BRK-Sewing-Awl/dp/B0049W6XRE/ref=pd_sbs_200_t_0/133-8940655-5037201?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07X7J95JS&pd_rd_r=3d0861c3-16bd-4b82-a33b-13b453bdd204&pd_rd_w=vWJkj&pd_rd_wg=LOERf&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=VZ63J26QRSWTXHM03FBH&psc=1&refRID=VZ63J26QRSWTXHM03FBH

https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/30-1758/saddle-string-bundle-/pr_32343/cp_/shop-now/harness-saddlery/saddlery/saddle-strings-things

https://www.outfitterssupply.com/Leather-Saddle-Strings-6-72-minimum-length/productinfo/WSA152/

I'd use a liquid glycerin to soften the leather and  raw-linseed/flax-seed oil to stiffen it.

When making a knife sheath, I always like the sheath to enclose at least half of the handle, in the old style, it makes the knife harder to lose; and if the belt suspension is near or above the top end of the handle the sheath will hag better. I also like my sheath inside the belt. 

[N9BOW]

15 minutes ago, tjm said:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Arrow-Fastener-Revolving-Hole-Punch-GRHP/302859233

https://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Stitcher-SEW110-BRK-Sewing-Awl/dp/B0049W6XRE/ref=pd_sbs_200_t_0/133-8940655-5037201?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07X7J95JS&pd_rd_r=3d0861c3-16bd-4b82-a33b-13b453bdd204&pd_rd_w=vWJkj&pd_rd_wg=LOERf&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=VZ63J26QRSWTXHM03FBH&psc=1&refRID=VZ63J26QRSWTXHM03FBH

https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/30-1758/saddle-string-bundle-/pr_32343/cp_/shop-now/harness-saddlery/saddlery/saddle-strings-things

https://www.outfitterssupply.com/Leather-Saddle-Strings-6-72-minimum-length/productinfo/WSA152/

I'd use a liquid glycerin to soften the leather and  raw-linseed/flax-seed oil to stiffen it.

When making a knife sheath, I always like the sheath to enclose at least half of the handle, in the old style, it makes the knife harder to lose; and if the belt suspension is near or above the top end of the handle the sheath will hag better. I also like my sheath inside the belt. 

Appreciate the info..... I'll check those out!

[jdmidwest]

Kydex is the new leather.  Melt it in the oven and trim to fit.  Does not hold moisture and tougher too.

[Terrierman]

17 hours ago, jdmidwest said:

Kydex is the new leather.  Melt it in the oven and trim to fit.  Does not hold moisture and tougher too.

The thread is about replacing a kydex sheath with leather.