Making Leather Knife Sheaths by Joe Keeslar

The numerous skills and techniques that a bladesmith/knifemaker must possess in the making of a knife are very exciting: one must be blacksmith, metallurgist, architect / designer, sculptor, engraver, machinist. Now you add the skills needed to craft a functional, well-designed, well-made leather sheath and you have a well-rounded artisan. I personally find the making of a leather sheath an exciting and climactic completion to the making of a fine knife.

The purpose of this instructional manual is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to make your own knife sheaths. It is the third in a series of instructional manuals (the others are : Handles and Guards and Forging and Finishing The Brut de Forge Knife) to help the bladesmith/knifemaker improve his or her technique in the "art of the forged blade" and sheath making. Hopefully this manual will help you become more self-reliant and knowledgeable of the procedures, tools and "tricks of the trade" in the production of high quality and well designed knife sheaths.

This 124 page book includes:

Making and Cutting a Sheath Pattern
Locating the Pattern on the Side of Leather
Cutting the Leather
Beveling, Burnishing and Creasing Raw Edges
Pouch Style Sheath
Templates
Swinger Style Sheath
Sheath for a Single Cross Guard
Sheath with Handle Retaining Strap
Sheath for a Cross Guard Knife: Bowie or Fighter
Mexican Single Loop/Buscadero (Westyern Style) Sheath
Embelllishment Part I; Basket Weave and Stamping
Embellishment Part II: Leather Carving and Tooling
Machine Stitching with Leather Sewing Machine
Frontier or Buckskinner’s Style Sheath
Shoulder Sheath and Harness
Molding Leather Pouches
Kinds oand Uses of Metal Fastners
Conchos, Spots and Spikes
Dyes, Stains and Finishes
Final Finish on the Leather
Conclusion