leather thickness

[sunnybob]

Looking for thick leather to make a basket weave sheath, trying to find 8 mm and not having any luck. Anybody got a supplier?

 

[Horsewright]

Since you are measuring leather in mm kinda assuming you're east of the pond? Or perhaps north? Where ya at can help.

 

[Old Biker]

looks like he is in Cyprus. 8 mm is 5/16 of an inch. If my math is wright, that is 20 oz. leather. Seem awful thick to me.

O.B.

 

[sunnybob]

Both correct. I'm asking for my brother who is in England but is not on the internet. He makes sheaths for larger knives (Rambo sized) so needs thicker leather to both hold the knife and take the basket weave stamping. His latest project is a sheath for a Gil Hibben "expendables" knife.
Shipping costs would be a factor from the USA, but not exactly a deal breaker for the right item.

 

[Horsewright]

12-14 oz is usually the thickest saddle leather (veg tan for tooling) available in Wickett and Craig. Herman Oaks heaviest saddle leather is 14-16oz. I've seen a lot of leather, I've seen a lot of cattle and I've even seen quite a few from the inside out. Not sure I've ever seen one with a 20 0z hide.

As far as needing that heavy a leather for a sheath. I don't make sheaths for that type of knives so can't talk to the need of that heavy of leather. I can gurantee you that lighter leather will take great basket stamping. I've made numerous sash style sheaths for large bowies and 8-10 oz Wicket and Craig saddle skirting that I use is plenty heavy enough there. Heck I even use it on horse related items like rifle scabbards and martingale/breast collars. Here the holster and the scabbard are from that leather:

Here in this pic the leather strapping across the horse's chests are the martingale/breastcollar:

Sash style sheaths:

I would sure think that a side of the heavier saddle leathers would certainly work for your brother.

 

[sunnybob]

Thanks very much for that, I have passed your comments and picture on to him.

 

[LunaticK3nnels]

I think one of my biggest regrets in life is going to be not buying one of those rifle scabbards in time

 

[Horsewright]

I think one of my biggest regrets in life is going to be not buying one of those rifle scabbards in time

Not to worry there is still time! Making three today. Christmas presents.

 

[Horsewright]

I think one of my biggest regrets in life is going to be not buying one of those rifle scabbards in time

You bet!

 

[Night Rider]

Been a while since I've seen your work and I must say it is glorious. You sir are an American Treasure, I just hope you can pass your craft down to the next generation.

 

[Way-Barney]

Looking for thick leather to make a basket weave sheath, trying to find 8 mm and not having any luck. Anybody got a supplier?

Sole Bend gets pretty thick, AbbeyEngland based in UK is last place I bought thick stuff.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Here's a chart that might help with size comparison

leather_thickness by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[Horsewright]

Been a while since I've seen your work and I must say it is glorious. You sir are an American Treasure, I just hope you can pass your craft down to the next generation.

Thank you. I'll help anyone thats interested. No secrets as far as I'm concerned.