Knife Sheath
Create a knife sheath similar to that used during the fur trade era in Missouri.
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:
- 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.
- Attach the pattern and cut leather as explained in leatherworking instructions. Dye if desired.
- Moisten leather where it will be folded. Fold tightly, right side out. It may be desirable to tack leather in place with rubber cement.
- Draw seam lines as illustrated.
- Punch with awl or drive punch, then saddle stitch.
- 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.
- Oil liberally.
- 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.
- 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.
