Brass Tacks

[oldwolf]

I bought some parts for a " Crow Sheath" Brass tacks and Leather with instructions as I'd never done one before. Big mistake I guess. THe tack stems were hard as a rock so trying to bend them over on the back of the sheath was impossible. I guess "way back then" the tacks were soft. Maybe a case of 21st century materials trying to duplicate an Old Process? Or maybe just a Newbie Mistake?

[Chuck Burrows]

Old Wolf - take a look at this link http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/sh...highlight=tack - go down to post #11 by me - I explain in detail how to set the steel shank tacks or the solid brass ones which are only available from one source at this time........
Once you read through that if you have any questions ask away.............

[oldwolf]

Thanks Chuck. The instructions I received with the "Kit" stated to just bend the tack shanks over. No way that would work with the tacks as is. If I do it again I shall use the real brass and do as you described. Great Info.

[RICK LOWE]

If you'll anneal the steel shaft as Chuck describes, I think you'll have better success with the tacks. It's a pretty tedious process, but well worth the time.
Rick

[Bearpaw]

[IMG][/IMG]

This sheath has a complete side of beaver tail with brass tacks.
To set the tacks I use a long sharp ice pick to punch the holes then insert the tack and use a fine point needle nose plier to roll the shank into a 'U' shape then use a long nose Vise Grip plier to push the shank into the back of the sheath. One plier jaw at the tip has a concave ground into it to seat the tack head while crimping.

[oldwolf]

Nice Sheath. Can I ask where you got those tacks? Mine were much bigger and very hard shanks. I couldn't have rolled them.

[MtMike]

Slicker than the mountain roads at my house tonight
Love it


Mike

[Bearpaw]

Try this web site: http://thetrunkshoppe.com/hardware.html

When I get a load of tacks, I heat to glowing the shanks and let them cool, then they are ready and fairly easy to roll over.

[oldwolf]

Thanks for the link. Do you use the steel or square brass ones?

[Bearpaw]

Steel. I also use copper head tacks with steel shanks.