Fixed blades need leather..............

[gmusic]

Hey guys, I've been making Kydex sheaths primarily for my knives, but I've recently been making some leather ones as well. I know this is the fixed blade forum, but it was either post here or in the general forum.

What do ya think? Rivets, no rivets. Tooling or none, white thread, brown thread?

[Another Knife Collector]

Nice looking sheaths you've got there, just keep doing what you like! Personally, I like rivets, they look nice and increase durability. Tooling depends on the look of the knife, it should match. I usually like white/tan thread, but brown thread certainly has its place for certain styles.

[knife7knut]

Very nice sheaths! I like the rivets myself and prefer the oxblood leather with contrasting threads.Black sheaths really don't do anything for me and tooling is a toss-up. I just came across a set of leather decorating tools that belonged to my wife's cousin who died many years ago. We got them after we cleaned out her aunt's house about 25 years ago.

[SteelMyHeart85420]

The tooling, colors and rivets are strictly personal choices, for knife securities sake, I'd wet form the leather (at least partially) up the handle of the knife, similar to what you're doing with the Kydex. Nice work, though.

[terryl308]

from one knife maker to another, I don't use rivets myself and use man made sinew for thread. I hand stitch all my sheaths and only do what the customer wants as far as stamping. I pretty much always put a border stamp around the stitching. I have done a few sheaths with a darker dye border to set off the whole deal. I also use a pretty heavy (8-9oz.) leather. Don't think there are any "rules" do what you and your customer like or want. Nice job on the sheaths you've shown! I'll show you one with a border stamp. Terry

[djknife13]

Some knife blades, because of their shape almost demand a rivet at the throat to keep people from cutting through the lacing, and some need a rivet about 2/3rds of the way down to intercept the blade if it isn't following the sheath and might pock it's ugly sharp edge out in a brand new spot. I've seen a number of factory sheaths with holes in the wrong place and try to prevent that from ever happening to any of my sheaths. I never use rivets if they aren't needed. Skinning blades almost always need a couple. I try to match colors, rivets, leather dye and lacing, with what looks good with the knife. ___Dave

[gmusic]

Thanks guys for the ideas, the comments and the feedback. I do appreciate it! I like the rivets myself they add a little pzazz to the sheath. One guy on another forum suggested lining the leather sheath with Kydex...........cool. I've run a blade right out the side of a leather pocket sheath before!

[Old Hunter]

G-man, I like your sheaths - they have the vintage look of an old Western or Marbles sheath - the rivets may not be the current way but they evoke an appealing, nostalgic feel. Of course I like the holster style that Terry makes as well - good looking leather surely compliments a fine knife. OH

[gmusic]

Thanks Old Hunter, I agree. While Kydex is nearly bullet proof, cheap and easy to mold, a good looking leather sheath is a great compliment to any knife.

Terry does have some fine stuff, thanks for posting the pictures Terry.