Trad Gang

Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: RGK on January 11, 2008, 09:02:00 AM

Title: Would like to post a build along
Post by: RGK on January 11, 2008, 09:02:00 AM

I am not a sponsor nor do I have knives for sale. Is a build along aloud?

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: tippit on January 11, 2008, 09:16:00 AM

As long as your not selling it on the classifieds and it relates to a hunting knife...OK

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: varmint on January 11, 2008, 09:17:00 AM

Looking forward to it!

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: RGK on January 11, 2008, 09:45:00 AM

A wetted leather build along. (at least my method)

I started with 6 Oz. leather for the face.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9995.jpg)

in order not to trap the finger guard (and the knife) in the sheath. I had to build up the area behind the guard. I used foam and tape.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9996.jpg)

I soaked the leather front and back.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9998.jpg)

then started massaging the leather over the knife.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999.jpg)

It's kind of like working with a piece of balogna. The white thing a bone folder/creaser

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99991.jpg)

When finished. I set it in the sun to dry.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99992.jpg)

When it dried and while I still had it on the form. I punched the lacing holes.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99993.jpg)

Then I cut it out and used it as a template to make the back of the sheath. For this I used 8 Oz. leather

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99994.jpg)

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: RGK on January 11, 2008, 09:45:00 AM

To keep the leather from cracking during the bend, I got it wet.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99995.jpg)

Then I glued and sewed the belt loop in place.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99997.jpg)

I then added a deer head stamp to the face.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99996.jpg)

Next, I cut the pieces for the welt out of the scrap from the face and glued them in place.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99998.jpg)

Then I changed my mind and added a 2nd row of lacing holes To give it more strength.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw99999.jpg)

After stitching, I trimmed all around for an even margin.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999991.jpg)

next, I wetted the edge and used the slicker to round it off.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999992.jpg)

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999993.jpg)

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: RGK on January 11, 2008, 09:46:00 AM

I want this sheath to have a deep rich color but also wanted to see some of the tan through the die so I diluted the stain with alcohol.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999995.jpg)

Once thoroughly saturated, I let it sit for a few hours to dry.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999996.jpg)

To waterproof the leather and give it a nice sheen, I used mink oil and then warmed the sheath of the burner of the stove to make it soak in.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999997.jpg)

The knife and sheath are done.

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999998.jpg)

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw999999.jpg)

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999991.jpg)

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/knives/slaw9999992.jpg)

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: JEFF B on January 11, 2008, 02:51:00 PM

well now that is realy nice work. better than i can do thats for sure.  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: varmint on January 11, 2008, 03:15:00 PM

I have a couple of knives that could use a sheath.Never thought I could do it myself,thanks for the build along,doesn't look so above me now.

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: OzarkRamblr on January 12, 2008, 01:28:00 AM

Great build-a-long Ron.  Nice looking sheath!

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: Aram on January 12, 2008, 12:22:00 PM

:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:  
Way too cool! Clear, concise, beautiful results!
This tutorial brought me that much closer to giving it a try someday.
(... soon!)
Thanx,
Aram

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on January 13, 2008, 10:52:00 AM

Cool build a long Ron. Thanks. I think I have all the ingredients to make one of those laying around here somewhere. Gonna have ta give that a try.

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: RGK on January 13, 2008, 09:48:00 PM

Never be afraid to try. It's only leather.

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: slayer1 on January 14, 2008, 04:05:00 PM

You did a nice job. Thanks for sharing!

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: Butts2 on January 14, 2008, 11:29:00 PM

Do you smack the heck out of it or get it hot to burnish the deer in it? Really talented there rgk

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: RGK on January 15, 2008, 10:25:00 PM

I whack the hell out of it with a hammer.

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: varmint on January 26, 2008, 10:30:00 PM

This will come in very handy for me for the knife swap now...

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: ber643 on January 27, 2008, 12:54:00 AM

I really like both the sheath and the teut and will definitely print it off for handy reference. I have one question though. At the beginning you said something about in order not to trap the knife you used foam (or something like that), and it went over my head for some reason. Would you reiterate on that a tad for me.

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: skullworks on January 28, 2008, 09:02:00 AM

I think he is talking about filling the area between the bottom of the guard and the stag handle to keep the leather from forming so tight around the guard.

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: ber643 on January 28, 2008, 09:31:00 AM

That seems to make sense, sw, but then, looking back at the pic, it looks like the foam may be between the gaurd and the blade    :confused:   I'll look some more and check a couple I have - LOL

Ah - now I see! What I was looking at is a highlight or reflection, not foam, and the foam piece he is talking about is laying beside the handle (after he shaped it). Duh! Thanks for nudging me in the right direction.

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: OconeeDan on January 28, 2008, 11:17:00 PM

Very nice, I appreciate your time!
Dan

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: Leftieshot on February 03, 2008, 09:01:00 PM

I'm just gonna send you my blades for you to make the sheaths!

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: Leftieshot on February 03, 2008, 09:06:00 PM

VERY NICE!

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: brettlandon on February 04, 2008, 02:31:00 AM

Ok, now I can make a sheath to go along with my tradgang trader!   :goldtooth:  
Thanks so much for the build-along, it was clear, concise and thorough.  I may even make mine right the first time, well it could happen you know.   :biglaugh:

-Brett

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: Leftieshot on February 04, 2008, 11:31:00 AM

RGK, what do you use for stitching material?  What do you other guys use?

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: skullworks on February 04, 2008, 11:53:00 AM

I use waxed thread from Tandy.

Title: Re: Would like to post a build along
Post by: RGK on February 04, 2008, 01:04:00 PM

What skullworks said.