Here are four sheaths I have been working on. Any critique, comment, suggestion would be appreciated (including about how to take pictures)

Pouch sheath (http://www.blanetoons.com/sheath/pouch.gif)
Basic sheath (http://www.blanetoons.com/sheath/fold.gif)
Clip sheath (http://www.blanetoons.com/sheath/clip.gif)
Loop sheath (http://www.blanetoons.com/sheath/loop.gif)

I replaced the originals with a little better pictures :101

Hey Fishguy, look good to me...

Fishguy---as stated in the sheath making forum, this is a continuation of that posting. A couple of years ago when Dave Cole, Chuck Burrows and myself started the Sheath Gallery it was expressed that the forum would be used for all sheath makers utilizing leather, kydex, wood or steel to display their creations. This was for the amateur, the hobbyist and professional leather crafters to receive comment on their work and be critiqued by those that cared (or dared), preferably by those that were professionals as they had experienced the pit falls that all of us went through at one time. As a professional of many years standing, I feel qualified to critique leather work with an unbiased view. One must bear in mind, though, that any critique rendered is nothing more than an opinion no matter who renders it, pro or newbie! With that in mind, I will try to evaluate your sheaths---- All of the sheaths seem to be of sound construction. The tri-weave stamping on the pouch appears to be well aligned and of adequate depth to give the appearance of its being three dimensional. The handle swell seems to be deep enough to adequately retain the knife. I personally do not care for the stitched guard or bolster shelf, but that is me! I see that you have stitched horizontally across the belt loop which is a definite No-No as it considerably weakens the loop--the "tear on the dotted line" invitatiion to do just that! The "U" stitching is far superior! On your "standard sheath" I would bring the restrainer strap right down to the guard and prevent the knife from moving upward in the sheath. This would expose the blade to reaching fingers with the possibility of removing your fingerprints un-pleasantly! I have an aversion to the point end of a sheath being "pointy" rather then rounded. That pointed end can really hurt if you should have occasion to force it into your thigh or elsewhere. While it is best to have a sharp knife, that does not hold true for the sheath. It is fine for it to be dull. I try not to use random stamping of small designs. Border stamping is great but other stamping should contribute to the over all picture rather then concentrated in one area. Last, but not least--the loop sheath----I find the flesh side of leather to be very unattractive so I would have liked to have seen this drop loop lined or hide it behind a higher mounted sheath. Your loop is attractive but think the flower would look nicer if it were inside a border which would give it a smoother appearance. I do not believe that I would have carved the body of the sheath with acorns and oak leaves as it does not coordinate with the flower in the loop which is your focal point. To deviate from your focal point in a small area is not to your advantage. Your carving shows promise but does not yet have the smooth flow that you will acquire with practice. Practice cutting tapering "comma' cuts with your swivel knife as that is the key to acquiring the smooth "flow" necessary to merchandise your product. Over the years I find that real dark, black or brown, sheaths are not your best sellers other than to law enforcement personnel. I only make them on request. Well-----Now that you are ready to put out a contract on me I had better go hide! My friend, this was not intended to be malicious, I only hope it was what you were looking for and helpful in some small way----Sandy

Sandy,
Thank you for taking the time to do a detailed critique of the sheaths I posted. It is more than I could have hoped for. Having a master leathersmith such as yourself give me guidance allows me to learn things that I might bang about for years on my own before figuring out. Thanks to nifeman too for taking a look and putting in his two bits.

Sandy, I enjoyed that critique very much, and join fishguy in saying I learned a lot from it. It was done with as much class as anything I've ever read here. I would go so far as to say if this type of critique could become the expected fare around all of TKN there would be a lot more requests for it and we would all learn a lot more at the hands of the masters of these associated crafts. fishguy, I would daresay your next batch will show a quantum leap because of what Sandy has shared here today.

That's that "venerable" thang I was talking about surfacing in the way you teach, Sandy. :)

Thank you sir, you lend us grace.... :101