12 December 2012, 11:39 AM
PeaseHardenened Sheath
Needed to make a sheath for this skinner... It has a unusual shape and the sheath needed to work with a sash. I have been learning different leather hardening techniques and wanted to give this a try. Made the sheath, stained it, and heated it up to 200 degrees and wax formed/hardened the leather. The sheath is rigid and retains the knife tightly...
12 December 2012, 01:41 PM
BCRNice work Pease. Looks it fits like a glove.
BC
12 December 2012, 02:01 PM
PeaseTough one..
I made a good paper pattern, but the secondary welt was not quite right when it went to leather. Had to redo the whole thing. Really like the end result, never having used wax to harden leather, before...in this manner.
Pease
12 December 2012, 04:39 PM
WBE200° is a tad too much heat for the good of the leather. Beeswax melts at around 170°, and even that is a little too hot. The leathers molecular structure begins to suffer if heated much beyond 150°. Especially if left at a higher heat very long. 130/140° is a much safer heat range, and will harden the leather very nicely if it is well dampened first. Not dripping wet, but damp. Simply bake it until dry, then let it cool and oil it. Mineral oil will do.
12 December 2012, 04:59 PM
PeaseWicke,
Does it matter about temperature, based upon which tanning process is used?
12 December 2012, 05:06 PM
LeeRoyPease, Nice knife and sheath. The blade reminds me of the Old Time Sharpfinger. They are a favorite of mine.
LeeRoy
13 December 2012, 05:26 AM
GreyWolfquote:
Originally posted by Pease:
Wicke,
Does it matter about temperature, based upon which tanning process is used?
Only veg/bark tanned leather will harden and wax is unnecessary - read here for an in depth discussion of hardened leather -
http://www.personal.utulsa.edu...lson/leather/hl.html13 December 2012, 07:06 AM
LeeRoyThanks for that info. Chuck. That link is very informitive.
LeeRoy
13 December 2012, 08:44 AM
Rifleman1776Very nice knife and sheath.
The hardening techniques are interesting and could prove useful.
13 December 2012, 04:57 PM
Josh CrainAnother approach to getting a "hard" sheath is to make one of metal!
'Course, that's a whole 'nother craft right there.
Good lookin' work Pease!
13 December 2012, 04:58 PM
Josh CrainP.S. Did you make the snow too?
13 December 2012, 05:35 PM
<mtnmike>Good job Pease
24 December 2012, 11:11 PM
JohnnyBI harden mine by putting them into the oven @ 150 and damp. Afterwards I dip them into a mixture of neats foot oil, beeswax and mink oil melted in a crock pot. That way the whole sheath is sealed.
Looking good there.