Center-seam Sheath

[colmoultrie]

My little knife needed a sheath, so I got out the 4oz veg tan, applied some vinegaroon solution, sewed up a side-seam sheath, and twisted it into a center-seam.

 

[LRB]

Not bad, but you might want to re-wet the upper and insert the knife with a wedge spacer under the grip to allow clearance for the edge after it dries. If not you will be cutting the leather when removing, and inserting the blade. Something that will form the leather like this. I just use a wood triangular wedge. Here is an example of what I mean. This also is vinegaroon stained.

 

[Black Hand]

applied some vinegaroon solution...

Why is the leather not black? The times I've used vinegaroon on veg-tan, the results were a uniform dark blue-black color.

 

[LRB]

applied some vinegaroon solution...

Why is the leather not black? The times I've used vinegaroon on veg-tan, the results were a uniform dark blue-black color.

I wondered the same. Not enough iron, or not enough time for a good solution to form. My last batch only requires one heavy coat to be like the one in my pic.

 

[colmoultrie]

Thanks to you both. The color was due to a late-night brain malfunction. I didn't shake up my solution before applying.

I fixed that with a second coat. I have re-wetted the leather and am stretching it to give a bit more room. Thanks.

 

[Stophel]

I have NEVER had any luck with vinegaroon. Blue, gray, occasionally a tolerable blue-black, but it destroys the leather. I once thought I had it whupped, and I got it to work and not turn my leather into tissue paper. I made a knife sheath (which I can only hope is still together, I don't have it now) and a belt bag, and dyed them with vinegaroon. They didn't crack! Yay! Well, I didn't do anything with the belt bag, it just sat there for several months and I went back and picked it up, and sure enough, the leather was cracking :cursing: Now, the belt bag has a divider of a thin piece of leather from an entirely different, and much older hide, and to this day, that piece is still soft and supple, while the rest of the bag will rip like paper. As I understand it, the dye will only work safely on the very best, genuine oak tanned leather, and nothing else marketed as "vegetable tanned". I generally can't afford that stuff, and if I could I would definitely not risk it! Absolutely no more vinegaroon for me. :wink:

 

[Artificer]

Not bad, but you might want to re-wet the upper and insert the knife with a wedge spacer under the grip to allow clearance for the edge after it dries. If not you will be cutting the leather when removing, and inserting the blade.

That is an excellent tip!! :thumbsup:

I was thinking the same thing before I read your post, but you beat me to the punch. I only wrote this post because I wanted to further stress the importance of your fine suggestion to those who are new to making such sheaths.

Gus

 

[colmoultrie]

I have had your experience with color, but not with the cracking - so far, at least. I agree that the leather makes a difference. I rarely get the intense blue-black that Wick shows, although I have plenty of old, de-greased steel wool in the solution. Most of the time the color mellows to dark gray or brownish black, which is not too bad to my taste.

Most of the time I am using Tandy veg tan, bought at a good sale. That is probably a big factor.

 

[LRB]

I don't use steel wool. I have never had good luck with it. I think it is coated with a very difficult oil to completely remove. My best batches of vinegaroon were made with small pieces of scrap from my band-saw, and drilling chips. Old rusted small nails too. I let the vinegar work for a few weeks before using. Right or wrong, I don't strain it. I just dip a swab in it and apply. I get a little rust residue, but that wipes off easily once dry.

I have yet to experience any cracking or other signs of leather damage. My leather is Tandy utility grade carving leather. Usually shoulders that are on sale. I also wipe the leather well with acetone or alcohol and let dry before application. As I apply the vinegaroon, it blackens in minutes. I let it dry well then rub down with a rag which gives it a sheen.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Looks good!

 

[SpottedBull]

One possible reason for the leather deterioration that has been mentioned is that the vinegaroon stain is an acid. Once applied, the stain will lower the pH of the leather and begin to basically "eat" the leather. Whenever I use a vinegaroon, I will mix up a bucket of water and baking soda to rinse the bag off. This will not only lessen the smell of vinegar, it will also raise the pH back closer to the normal range. Also, adding a good leather treatment of your choosing help too.

 

[BillinOregon]

I like vinegaroon when I have a batch that works. It has been a while. I need to try again. That's good advice about washing in a baking soda solution to neutralize the acid.

 

[LRB]

It is probably good to wash in baking soda, but I do not think it's critical. I do not believe That is the reason for Stophel's leather failing.

 

[Black Hand]

It is probably good to wash in baking soda, but I do not think it's critical. I do not believe That is the reason for Stophel's leather failing.

I agree.

 

[tenngun]

Did you welt the seam? I often find with out a welt the edge cuts the sticthing.

 

[LRB]

I don't mean to be a smart a$$, but think about it a second Tenngun. "CENTER" seam. No sewn edges, the stitching is up the middle, and if the sheath is wet molded to fit the grip, the blade edge never touches the leather.

 

[Stophel]

Did that. Had no positive effect whatsoever. This is merely one of many things that others seem to be able to do with ease that have proven inexplicably impossible for me.