Hi all. When i started making knives, i figured i need to make sheaths but I didn't want to spend a lot of time learning. I knew i could handle making basic kydex sheaths so i spent a few buck on the materials and tools i needed. However, I have to say, i always did and still do prefer leather sheaths. They just look classier and I'm a big fan of more natural materials. I use real wood in my handles and figure i should be using leather for my sheaths. So, my question is, can anybody recommend a basic leather tool kit? I've seen several on amazon. I've watched dozens of sheath making videos and read lots of articles and how to's. I know all the basic or essential tools required but I'm afraid I may be missing some of the other tools used. (i know that not every little step is shown in videos). Should i just invest in one of those 20 or so piece kits? Like this one : https://www.amazon.ca/Leather-Stitc...d=1488811101&sr=8-2&keywords=leather+tool+kit Let me know what you guys think. If i'm not going to ever use half the tools, I won't waste my money. On the other hand, if purchasing them one at a time will cost more than just buying a set, i'll get the set. Thanks guys.
That pretty much covers everything I can think of and has a few not really needed like the spoke wheel for laying out sewing holes when it has the multi prong hole spacer.
Wow, I don't think I have ever used half of those tools. Maybe I am doing it all wrong? This is what I mainly use: Pencil Sharp utility knife to cut leather A fork (yes kitchen kind of fork) with sharpened tines for hole spacing (tried some wheels but the fork was just easy to use.) A groover to make grooves for the stitching to lay in. A Dollarama squirt bottle for wetting the leather prior to stamping. Bordering stamps I made myself http://dcknives.blogspot.ca/p/diy-leather-stamps.html Camouflage stamp like this http://proleathercarvers.com/early-craftool-company-leather-stamp-429-camouflage-tool.html A small slab of marble that I got from Value Village in the housewares dept. A sharp awl for poking holes Pack of hefty darning needles An alpha-numeric stamp set for putting dates and names on. A 1/2 rod for a slicker Belt sander Drill press and 1/16" bit Fire of some sort for de-fuzzing For chemicals I use good contact cement, gum tragacanth, dyes (Tandy or Fiebings), neetsfoot oil or I something use Dubbin and apply generously and let it sit. Everything is MacGuyver apart from the groover and the camo stamp. But then again, my way is not necessarily the right way. I was inspired by this fellow Canadian: http://www.beebeknives.com/html/make_a_sheath_tutorial.html Dan
I use some tools just because I have them, mind you just today found out what one tool was for and I was using it wrong all year
