Leathersmith​/Archer

Making A Knife Sheath

Including Some Fancy Lacing

Step 1

 

Let's talk first about ways to make a scabard/sheath.  The first easiest way is to simply fold over a piece of leather, stitch/lace one side and you are done.  Very functional.  a second way is to cut two pieces of leather then stitch/lace them together forming an envelope the knife blade fits in.  Again very functional.

 

The image to the left shows the knife I will be making the sheath for.  First make a paper pattern of the blade leaving allowance for stitching or lacing around the edges.  In this project I'm choose to make a two part sheath because I want lacing all around the blade part.

 

After you get the pattern, cut two pieces out of leather.

 

Now let me address the filler and its purpose.  Whether you choose the fold over or the two piece sheath you will have a seam line.  The filler is an extra piece of leather that goes between the two layers forming the seam.  Without it there is a very good possibility that over time your knife blade will cut the lacing/stitching holding the sheath together.  I also see a lot of sheths with a metal rivet at the top, sometimes on both sides at the top.  I don't do this on my sheaths as there is also the chance that every time you put the knife in or pull it out of the sheath the edge will come in contact with the rivet thereby dulling the blade.