Hi Everybody... I need help!

My knife maker prefers soft leather sheaths.. mine are always hard almost to the point of feeling like plastic.. I use veg died leather and use water or acetone to form them. I don't over wet the leather so that can't be the reason for the leather to harden..I don't dip them cause he doesn't want that.. Just a nice soft finish is what we are going for. Is there something i should be treating it with first?? Any help you can provide will be appreciated..
Thanks from Ladybug

Hey Ladybug, welcome to CKD.

Maybe an apron leather is what you need. But whatever you use, vegie tanned is a must for wrapping around steel for protection of the knife.

I am unsure why your friend would not want a sheath protected as best as possible though?? Leather is organic and without a protector such as neetsfoot oil it will rot.


ghostdog

Hi, Ladybug---you have been a stranger lately in other forums! I am curious why the person you refer to as "my knifemaker" would want a soft sheath when you have mentioned that you mold and form the sheaths you make. This can not be done with leathers that are soft or drapey as they will not hold molding. Soft sheaths can be made of a variety of leathers but have never proven to be practical in the field. They are prone to have the blade puncture through the sheath which defeats the primary purpose of a sheath--to protect the user, not the knife. A knife that needs protection of that nature would never be considered as a "user" The use of various oils will soften vegetable tanned leathers to a degree but leathers used for making sheaths are usually in weights running from six to 10 ounces in thickness and will never be considered as "soft" If they are so saturated with oils in order to become "flexible" the sheath will leach the oils onto every thing they come in contact with, and I do mean EVERY THING! I, personally, do not care for an oil finish as it is from the past and present day preparations are superior and long lasting. These products were not available in the 1800's and we are not there in time, either. I see no reason to couple a modern work of art with outdated technology. It is a contradiction that does not make sense to me. I realize that you did not indicate whether the knives referred to were pocket or sheath knives. A pouch for a folder carried in the pocket would definitely use a soft slip pouch which could be made of a good suede type of leather with no finish. If you have questions, contact me by e-mail. Sandy

Hi Sandy
Thanks for your reply.. would have e-mailed you but don't have your addy.. mine is Ladybug@ticon.net
Guess i didn't clearify what i was looking for.. i want my sheaths to be plyable and have the feel of leather, not feel like plastic and become so stiff..hope that makes sence.. i use 8/9 oz veggie tanned leather only. I'm more or less self taught so man i need help. i'm currently working on a basketweave pancake style sheath for a dagger. when finished i'll see if my knifemaker friend will take a photo for me.
Thanks from Ladybug 1400

Ladybug----Some of your problem could be in the weight of the leather you are using. I find 8/9 ounce leather to be on the heavy side for sheath work and the heavier the leather, the stiffer or harder it becomes. Also do not dye the interior of the sheath as dyes will really harden the sheath. Use a wax coating instead and only use dye at the sheath opening where it can be seen. Do not apply too much dye on the exterior either as the leather does not have to be soaked in order to dye well. Try using 7/8 ounce leather on your next sheath. Bear in mind that the sheath you make is primarily to protect the user and make the knife accessible to the user. Only a minor protection to the knife is obtained from the best of sheaths. Sandy

I would recomend going with a light weight pig skin. Weaver Leather sells it in Ohio. They are super to work with but don't have their address but they are on the net. Pig is a little tougher to tool but will hold a basket weave ok. I finish all my leather no matter what it is, sheath, saddle, belt with a mix of 50% neetsfoot and 50% pure olive oil, about 4 coats. The color will be golden. Hope it helps