friction folder with rawhide sheath

[50cal.cliff]

First let me say a few thanks on this project. This knife and sheath has been inspired by two other knifemakers. Wick who I have sought advice on the knife a well as the sheath.
Also Knifeman (Bud) and to his wife Miss Tudy. Miss Tudy has been instrumental in her advice and information she shared with me on rawhide sheaths. Bud you got yourself quite a woman in Miss Tudy and she know her stuff on these rawhide sheaths.
Actually I have already posted pics of the knife shortly after finishing it but a knife is never complete without a sheath.

This sheathcis made to worn either as a kneck sheath or slung over the shoulder. The sheath itself is made of leather wrapped in rawhide, and sewn with sinew.

The leather strap and fringe were dyed with Tandy's antique leather stain thinned with alcohol.

The knife is cut from the blade of a two man saw as well as the washers that adorn the pivot point. The washers have been filed to achive the look that you see.

This has been my first rawhide sheath but I doubt it will be my last, as I really like the look of the rawhide sheath!
Once again to my friends I would like to extend a big thank you for all the times I have emailed you about some little detail that had escaped me in the construction of this knife and its sheath. It amazes me the level of talent and quality of work that folks on this form seem to exhibit and for the most part are willing to share with those still learning!
Each new knife and sheath is a learning experience for myself. Please feel free to leave comments as I would like to hear what everyone thinks of this knife and sheath.

 

[rabjr]

Yep, you made yourself a dandy sheath there Cliff. :thumbsup:

 

[LRB]

Very good Cliff. Nice work!

 

[Joe Yanta]

Nice job on both the knife and sheath Cliff. I like the coloring of the sheath, the darker edges. You did a great job stitching it all up too. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Joe

 

Beautiful workmanship. I have to ask a couple questions that I hope won't be taken in the wrong way, but I don't know where else or how else to ask.

I'm curious about some of the "paraphernalia" that people make. Some of these items look more like fantasy art than something with any practical historical significance.

For example; would someone really carry a knife with a sharp antler tine for a handle? Would they not round the handle to make it safer. After all, a knife has to be "practical" to be useful. Otherwise, it's just for show. Which brings up the sheath. Did people really carry "pocket knives" in sheaths, dangling on their person? Wouldn't a knife like this be carried in your possibles bag?

 

[LaBonte]

would someone really carry a knife with a sharp antler tine for a handle? Would they not round the handle to make it safer. After all, a knife has to be "practical" to be useful. Otherwise, it's just for show.

FWIW - here are some well used originals - including one with sharp tines (and that's just one of many - lot's of weirdly handled originals out there).....

personally I'd have stubbed the handle off abit but the workmanship on knife and sheath is top notch....

 

[50cal.cliff]

The neck knife is historically accurate. Personally I probably would not like the idea of one hanging off my neck but, it could also be slung over your shoulder like a hunting bag. Don't quote me as gospel on this one but it think the idea orgionates with the American Indian. He didn't exactly wear a belt and this was the next best place for him to carry his knife! The Moutain Man would have probably picked up this idea as often in the colder months of the winter he bundled in large coats or buffalo robes and this neck knife would have allowed him to carry a knife where it would been more accessable.
As for the antler being left to a point that was common too. You will see them in varying configurations on many knives of that time period. Afterall what you see as dangerous may have meant to the user he had another available point to use in selfdefense or to use in a manner that would dull a knife blade.
A knife to a man of this time was like a tool to us. The knife had a job but, it could also mean the difference between life and death!
When I make a knife for this time period I try to stay as close to historically accurate as possible however, as the maker of such items I do sometimes tend to take dramatic license, as there is not alot of orgionals to look at today.

 

[jethro224]

...would someone really carry a knife with a sharp antler tine for a handle? Would they not round the handle to make it safer.

With bears, snakes, Indians, horses, weather, and any number of other dangerous things around, I doubt they worried too awful much about a pointy antler tine.

Kids didn't used to wear helmets when they rode bicycles either. :haha: It wasn't all that long ago that people would just be careful and try not to hurt themselves. If they did get hurt, they learned not to do that again the same way. Nowdays they just blame it on someone else, or the object they hurt themselves with, and sue somebody. :shake:


Nice work Cliff. :thumbsup:

 

[50cal.cliff]

Thanks for all the encouraging words guys! :wink:

 

[Nifeman]

Well, well Cliff, ya done us proud :thumbsup: . That's a great sheath for a first timer and it goes well with your knife.
As far as the carrying of a neck knife, we've done a lot of research on them and it seems that the women of the various NA tribes used them as knives to gather herbs and medicinals, clean small game, etc.. They usally had baskets and such in their hands and it was convienent for them to carry in this manner.
I've heard that they were called "Squaw knives" and the whites gave them the more politically correct term Neck knife. Done right, they are very secure in the sheath in the event you would fall or tumble. Hope this helps...Bud & Tudy
Once again, well done Cliff...

 

[GreyWhiskers]

Knife and Sheath look great, Cliff. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: GW

 

[windwalker_au]

cliff that is awesome outfit outstanding.
bernie :bow:

 

[50cal.cliff]

Bud thanks for the insight on neck sheaths. I had ran across a pic made some time in this time period of an American Indian. He had on a loin cloth basisly and he was holding his bow and had over his shoulder a quiver and a neck knife.

The friction folder design was really dictated by the piece of steel as it was what was left over when I cut several blanks from the two man saw I have been using to make knives. Being the frugal (cheapskate) :shocked2: man that I am I figured there had to be a way to make use of it, so I did!
The next one I build I will probably change up a little for that reason.
A big thanks to all with the positive comments. I have discovered a rawhide sheath is alot more work than just a plain leather sheath but, I really like the looks of a rawhide sheath.

 

[PitchyPine]

Very nice indeed Cliff. :thumbsup:

 

[RickD]

I really like that sheath and knife also

 

[Prariedog Son]

I drop around here now and then,If you don't mind my asking what did you use to stain that color?I have a new knife and sheath comin and i would like to touch up the sheath.You guy are pretty danged amazing with the stuff you make.My problem is haveing the patience to do it :redface:


Oops just saw it,Tandy's,i will order some.

 

[50cal.cliff]

Thanks Rick!

Tandy's is what I used on the leather of the sheath but, when I did the fringe it also got on to the sheath.
I liked the results and used it to blend some color into the rawhide of the sheath.
Apply with a sponge and the alcohol is what makes for the different varations of colors. You do not have to fully blend it with the alcohol and you will get different shades of the color that way!