New Hobby

[Admin]

But the leather that you and your wife use might be a little different than what Brad is looking for....

Maybe not?

 

[BRad704]

Yeah, prally so...

I already have in my mind what I want this first sheath to look like, as far as shape, stitching, pattern, color, etc... I just need all the stuff to make it happen...

 

[Chris]

Just to let you know I own an industrial sewing machine that would be perfect for the leather and you can borrow it just stop on by anytime.

 

[BRad704]

Yeah, I see what you did there...

 

[Chris]

I know... I have been thinking of getting rid of it because I hardly use it but when I do it comes in real handy.

 

[BRad704]

I bet it does, but for this, I like the hand stitching idea. I know I will have to make pilot holes and all, but I think that is part of the appeal of making something by hand.

I got the OK from my financial manager to go buy some leather and stuff tomorrow at lunch. I will start simple and later get into designs and fancy schmancy stuff...

 

[Admin]

What did you end up getting?

 

[BRad704]

OH, I got stuff... actually, I already finished my first sheath, but have to upload my pics... maybe this would be a good time for that...

Here ya go... I think I'll give this to my son one day when he's older

 

[havasu]

Excellent work Brad!

 

[Chris]

I like it.

 

[phishfood]

What did you use to cut the rough blade out of the machete steel?

 

[BRad704]

Thanks guys... and I used a cutoff wheel at the shop to do the initial cutout.... then back at home, used a bench grinder and palm sander for shaping and finishing. I sat for hours in the floor of my garage with that palm sander between my feet working on polishing and smoothing...

 

[BRad704]

Ok... Here's my second attempt... I still have to put a finish on the scales, but haven't decided what yet... I do have some dark walnut I could rub into it...

 

[Chris]

Brad do you have a bench grinder? If so put on a polishing wheel and use some white rouge to make the blade have a mirror finish. Also what grit paper are you using? I assumes several but where do you start and what grit do you finish with? I really like the second one, thats the type of knife I use for general purpose stuff.

 

[BRad704]

I am gonna get a polishing wheel for my grinder soon, but I like the wavy-semi-damascus look on this one... I am using 60 grit for shaping the handles, and also smoothing out my file marks. Then 100 grit on the handles, but nothing else on the blade to get the waves.

Thanks, that is my intent also. It rides a little high, plus the loop at the end of the tang adds height, so its not something I would wear everyday unless I had 1 shirt tucked in and one out to cover it.

Live and Learn...

 

[havasu]

For your next knife sheath, could you try a black basketweave for me?

 

[BRad704]

Umm... Isnt that what I sorta just did? I do have plan for how to do the pattern on the next one. It is similar to this, but done a slightly different way...

 

[havasu]

I was referring to more of a police style, like the attached picture.

 

[Admin]

What did you make it out of this time?

 

[BRad704]

^^ Sure, I'll try it out sometime...

^ this one started out as a really thick BBQ fork...