Working on a project for a custom knife maker for a "bear jaw" handled Damascus forged knife. He wants a really distressed, unrefined look sheath to compliment the look of the knife. Decided to make a test sheath first using my Triple X Sable neck knife. Using a piece of veg tan leather for the scrap bin, a bucket of warm water, 3/4" gravel pile, 3 lb paver stone, medium brown gel antique and artificial sinew I got this. Small loop can be used for a neck cord or carabiner. For scale OAL of the knife is 6". On to the real thing now...
Love the stitching on that. And, i have to say, i've never heard of a tool list include "3/4" gravel pile" before : )
Don't forget the 3 lb paver stone too Loving the stitching too. Takes 24" on artificial sinew for every 1" of stitching.
Good job...i love distressing leather...beat it with a chain...or a framing hammer and some rocks..the end result is always satisfying
Did my first distressed look after dropping a wet sheath on the shop floor. It was that or start over again, turned out petty nice in the end. Lots of people like the look which has more character than a production type with an almost artificial look
^^^^ Exactly....i hate the perfect flat dye and texture of production leather...when i dye i alway just blotch it on there real fast to give it more "visual" texture...
I like a sheath, and come to think of it - my knives too, to look well used. It's why i still only use wood for handles and "imperfect" wood at that. I don't know how exactly, but i "antique" them somewhat (i think it's just lack of skill in the finishing dept really) but they turn out like they've been sitting in somebody's tackle box or tool box for decades. I dig that. Gives it that "I trust this tool" look - does anybody else get that feeling? Can't be just me. The feeling when you look at a new tool in the store and say - you know, i don't know if this plastic handle is gonna break on me the first time i use it. Vs. the old chisel or whatever you find in a yard sale that makes you think "how many projects has this thing done and it's held up great for all these years". If only people were like that (some are, i think)
