MDC

Knife Sheath

Materials

• About 1 square foot (30 cm x 30 cm) of heavy leather (7-9 oz.). It may be desirable to make the pattern before selecting the leather.

Review general instructions on leatherworking and gather the items listed under basic instructions.

Procedure

1. Make a pattern by laying the knife on a folded sheet of heavy paper as shown. Remove the knife and cut out the pattern. The pattern, when opened, should appear as illustrated.
2. Attach the pattern and cut leather as explained in leatherworking instructions. Dye if desired.
3. Moisten leather where it will be folded. Fold tightly, right side out. It may be desirable to tack leather in place with rubber cement.
4. Draw seam lines as illustrated.
5. Punch with awl or drive punch, then saddle stitch.
6. Moisten upper inside area of sheath and insert knife to the desired depth. (Handle should go only part way into the sheath.) Keep knife in the sheath until leather dries.
7. Oil liberally.
8. Sheath is worn by passing a large belt over the knife and through the belt loop. To protect the seam near the knife edge, a welt may be added. This is simply a narrow piece of leather between the two halves of the sheath where the seams meet.
9. As an alternative to stitching, two rows of rivets may be used. This would simulate the brass tacks used on Plains sheaths of the 1830s and 1840s.