Working to improve my technique so occasionally make something for one of the staff at the large outdoor store I work at part time for basically the cost of material to get some practice. Only two rules: They take what they get and I get to it when I can. Harley needed to replace the nylon sheath for his drop point so I offered and made this hybrid pouch. Decided to try to thicken the welt in the handle area to reduce the width at the top and the stress on the stitching to see how that would go. It worked pretty good. Welt edge is finished with beeswax.
Dan, Thanks for the comment. I do continue to try to improve my technique. Since my knife building skills are nonexistent, and I have already made sheaths for all of my knives, I need to rely on someone wanting a new sheath for their knife. So if any you knife builders are in need of a custom sheath to compliment the look of a knife you have made, and think I might be able to do that for you, let me know. I am very keen on the barter system for such an opportunity.
It sure does make a difference. Something on am going to continue with when appropriate. I was a bit concerned about stitching (I don't drill my stitching holes) but my technique worked very well. The stitching on the back looks exactly like the front.
What I do for holes now is one of those fancy punches with the 2 to 4 holes on a angle. With the extra thick stuff i punch as far as I can then if that is not enough I use a 1/32" bit or smaller to make an impression on the back or flip over and punch from the back without drilling. it does take a bit of finesse to keep everything lined up.