thin leather uses?

ryan9977 · Mar 31, 2009

hey everyone...this goes out to all the sheath makers out there....so from what i have read...i guess the standard leather for sheaths is like 8-9 oz leather....i got some leather that is really thin....very easy to bend....could i use it for anything except just lining a vice and stuff....can it be used in any aspect of sheath making?....is it not worth it?....any advice would be appreciated.....ryan

NStricker · Mar 31, 2009

You could use it to line a sheath, or possibly for an inlay of a contrasting color.

Byork · Mar 31, 2009

Maybe you could use it behind some relief cut-out work?

I used something similar on this sheath, dyed black and sandwiched in the layers.

Walter

SDS · Mar 31, 2009

Depends on how thin. I use some thinner pieces for firesteel loops. I suppose you could use it for a backing on other thin leather (like snake skin maybe?). I also use some thinner pieces for building up the welt near the guard on a knife if it needs to be wider there.

I'm by no means a leather expert but I hate throwing anything away. I try to use everything. You could also use your little scrap pieces of steel to make miniature knives and use the thin leather for mini-sheaths.

SDS

Byork · Mar 31, 2009

LOL,

SDS, I was thinking that as well. I try to not even waste my coping saw blades.

Walter

Jim Adams Customs · Mar 31, 2009

I use thin 4 oz for blacking of other thin materials like alligator skin leather, snake skin or ostrich leather. I also use to make trim on sheaths. I use it to make welts to make a tight fitting sheath. I always buy a 4 oz shoulder every time I buy a side of 8oz. :thumbup::thumbup:

sulsaMatt · Apr 1, 2009

FWIW... I use thin garment or thicker upholstry leather to cover rivets and clip hardware if it would come in contact w/ a finished blade on the inside of the sheath.

Mike Krall · Apr 1, 2009

ryan9977 said:
hey everyone...this goes out to all the sheath makers out there....so from what i have read...i guess the standard leather for sheaths is like 8-9 oz leather....i got some leather that is really thin....very easy to bend....could i use it for anything except just lining a vice and stuff....can it be used in any aspect of sheath making?....is it not worth it?....any advice would be appreciated.....ryan

How thick, Ryan? Rule of thumb is 1/64" per ounce. The way it's tanned and finished makes a difference in what it can be used for, too. Is it like chap leather... or?

Mike

ryan9977 · Apr 1, 2009

thanks for all the ideas guys....mike-it is leftover scraps .... i can get some pretty big scrap pieces....it's some of the nicest smoothest leather i have seen....hopefully i can put some of it to use....thanks guys...ryan:thumbup:

Mike Krall · Apr 1, 2009

Ryan,

It's kind of a pain but a person can layer two pieces back to back and make it thicker. If two layers ran 6/64's to 9/64's, it could be used for sheaths. Even at 6/64's opposing pieces with the flesh sides glued would be pretty stiff.

For a wrap around sheath, a person would be better off forming before gluing.

Mike

ryan9977 · Apr 1, 2009

thanks fo rthe info mike....the only reason i was trying to find some uses for it is it's all free

.....i'd much rather use free leather than pricey leather...especially since i have no idea what i'm doing.....thanks again/.....ryan

Mike Krall · Apr 2, 2009

ryan9977 said:
thanks fo rthe info mike....the only reason i was trying to find some uses for it is it's all free.....i'd much rather use free leather than pricey leather...especially since i have no idea what i'm doing.....thanks again/.....ryan

As you get down the road with the leather a bit, you might find discussion in the sheath forum here or at KN useful. Chuck Burrows "works" there and he has a world of experience.

Mike

Wild Rose · Apr 2, 2009

Ryan - if you stick a small piece in an envelope and mail it to me I'll be glad to tell you what you've got and best usage..........sight unseen it's hard to say or offer advice although it does sound like vegtan based on the source...

ryan9977 · Apr 2, 2009

thanks for the offer chuck.....i will definately take u up on that.....i'll get a sample off to you in the next week or two.....thanks alot....ryan:thumbup:

p.s.-i love this forum!

Mike Fennessy · Apr 2, 2009

I use leather from deer hide (deer hide leather? deer leather? deer hide?) to line any sheath that I put a boot clip on.

I'd grab some while you have the chance. I've been getting my deer hides tanned for years not knowing what they'll be used for and now, because of sheath making, I know how to work with leather and can use them for a bunch of stuff (upholstry, moccasains, tool holders, handle grips etc.). :thumbup: