loosening Wave leather sheath?

J

James Y

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Feb 18, 1999
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I picked up a Leatherman Wave and like this new version of it...my original Wave had been stolen from my car glove box years ago.

This new one has the leather sheath, and it doesn't seem too bad, except I can barely get my belt through the loop for vertical carry, and it's so stiff it's almost impossible to insert the belt through for horizontal carry. Is there a way to safely loosen the belt loop on the sheath so the belt can slide through horizontally (lengthwise), without compromising the integrity of the sheath? Maybe it just needs wearing in? Otherwise, this sheath seems fairly rugged, though I liked the original version's leather sheath better.
Jim
 
Jim, I had the same problem with my LM sheath, and I agree about the older style being much better:)

What I did, and I have no idea if it really compromises the leather or not, is a trick that is used on khukuri scabbards that are too tight.

First i worked in a little mineral oil into the belt loop. This softened the leather up quite a bit to give it a little stretch. It wasn't enough for my fairly wide belt, so i took a wooden shim (dried out and untreated) that was just a little tighter fit but would still wedge into the belt loop and stretched on the sheath.

The only downside I can see to this is that the newer LM sheaths are pretty mediocre in construction. Too much stretching and prying might pop the stitching.

YMMV
 
The current leather Wave and Charge sheaths are a little tight. With use, they will loosen up and become a bit more flexible.

I am currently breaking in a new leather Charge sheath. With the tool and bit kit in the sheath, it was very tight to start with. Loosening up gradually.
 
Thanks, guys!
I think I might try the bit of mineral oil on the loop, and maybe even try inserting a narrow ruler or something through it and leave in there to loosen it up. But I do think the stitching on this one *looks* a bit lame compared to the original's leather sheath.

Meanwhile, I decided to use my Blast's nylon sheath, as except for being slightly heavier, the Wave and Blast otherwise appear the same length/width. The belt loops don't seem very sturdy, but I can wear it horizontally. I agree that these newer sheaths are not as good as the older ones. Which is too bad, really. It'd be nice if Leatherman would put as much thought and effort into their sheaths as they do their tools.
Jim
 
Yes, its a shame when you get a premium Leatherman, only to find the sheath is not as good as the tool. I actually like the design of the Wave/Charge sheaths, but better materials should be used.
 
Millhouse said:
Yes, its a shame when you get a premium Leatherman, only to find the sheath is not as good as the tool. I actually like the design of the Wave/Charge sheaths, but better materials should be used.
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I just placed an order for a kydex sheath for my Wave from Blade-Tech. I'll let ya know what I think of it in about 4 weeks. Sigh... 4 weeks...
 
Thanks. A Kydex sheath will be interesting. I'm currently predominantly using Leatherman nylon sheaths, but the velcro closure wears out quite quick.
 
Alcohol can be used to stretch leather. Rubbing alcohol, high proof vodka...saturate the leather where you want to stretch it, work a shim in or clamp to shape, and let it dry a bit. You can usually take the shim out before it's bone dry and it won't spring back. The advantage over oil is that the leather will harden up again when all the alcohol and water evaporate out. With oil the leather stays soft for quite while, sometimes forever. And some oils, like neat's foot oil, can encourage mold to grow on the leather, in my experience anyway. It just depends on whether you want hard or soft leather when you are done which method to use.
 
After reading this thread I had a hell of a time trying to horizontal carry my Core in a Surge sheath. The tool fits great, but that leather is tough. Will break it through in time. So before work tomorrow I have to take three minutes to horizontal my Core. I like the horizontal carry so far. I can get in my front pocket easier.
 
Yeah, I really prefer horizontal carry. I barely notice the Wave on my belt. As I mentioned, I've had it in the nylon sheath that came with my Blast, and other than wishing the sheath was a bit more sturdy and had a snap-button instead of Velcro closure, I like it. I never liked carrying any multi-tool vertically on my belt.
Jim
 
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