Very nice! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

If I could make one that nice I'd be proud of it. That's a lot of work. I think it will look fine with a little leather finishing. Jeff could tell you what to use. I tried to make a DF into a DFLE. It was ok, but then when the real one came out, I sold my "homemade" one. Now I don't mind paying for LEs because I appreciate the work that goes into them.

Great job Polar! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

You made a fine sheath to be proud of! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

If I did that good I'd dip it in a mahogany stain as well! What do you have to lose? The dark stain should cover up the swab mishap and if not it will be lighter or darker there only adding character to the sheath!

Dip it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

What a fine job you did! Carry it out and color it Polar! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wonderful work. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />


Peace.

Good job there-I'm liking it for sure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Great job on the sheath, polarbare!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Funny how easy it is to stain or discolor a small part of the leather with a slight mishap... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" /> You may be able to subdue the stain a little with a light rubbing of alcohol, however once an area of discoloration dries it does tend to be hard to make it match evenly. As a general rule I dye all the parts of leather prior to assembly, but it's not a must. There is one pretty absolute solution, get some black leather dye and dye it black. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Black will cover up just about anything. If you want to get creative at home, Coffee and Tea can be used. For darker colors just repeat the process. Or you could just order some dark brown dye from Tandy.

On the stitching I usually space the holes 5 millimeters apart (or 5 holes per inch) this is a fairly standard spacing that has always worked out real well for me. If the needles are breaking just make the holes slightly bigger although I suspect that with practice you'll get used to the process and break less needles. It dose happen though, I break and bend needles all the time... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> They just don't make them like they used to... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Boy I'd give a months wages for a good set of INFI or maybe SR77 needles! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Hole alignment comes with practice, but your right a slight misalignment shows character and gives the sheath a one of a kind custom look! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Overall though that sheath looks excellent!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be more than happy to help. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Your first sheath, nice job <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />.

Now, THAT is a first sheath. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
I wish I had the skill to do that.
Stains? What stains? I'd make mine to look like that ol' steer had a rough life and a hide to match - scratches, etc. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Looking good, real good!

Great job Polarbare. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Rainwalker would have to backchannel his opinion of my first sheath if I attempted it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

That is really nice, I have one almost finished. I can't decide on a retention method yet. Friction alone doesn't make me feel comfortable.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement - now I'm just wondering how to finish it off. I know I can't do any real tooling (that takes an artist), but the large plain face just begs for something to be on it. I think I'm going to work on some designs on some spare leather and see if I can come up with something simple, yet attractive. Then again, I may just leave well enough alone except for the dyeing "The enemy of good is better..."

P.S. So what do people use to "seal" their sheaths with?

Nice! That looks pretty good.

I tried making a sheath once. It looked like crack-addicted chimpanzees assembled it using a hammer.

One of these days, when I feel like destroying some perfectly good leather and cursing all weekend, I might try again. My new BATAC can use a leather IWB sheath of some sort. Of course, after I waste a bunch of time and mangle some leather, I'll probably end up ordering one.

Just a suggestion, I usually do any tooling before assembly, it's easier to work with and allows you to deal with any errors before hand, and then any painting last, right before I give it a sealing coat.

As for sealing it, there's a few options. I usually use a water based sealant called Block-Out from Tandy. There's also Sno-Seal, Atom Wax or Mink Oil.