Rivets or stitch?

[JimG]

I bought a nice little trade knife that I'm going to use as a patch or maybe a neck knife. I need to make a sheath for it. I've noticed both riveted and stitched sheaths. What is the history on both? I would think that rivets on sheaths are a somewhat modern way to do things but I may be completely wrong. What would of been used from say the late 1700's to the mid 1800's?

 

either one -
1) iron, copper, and brass harness type rivets (the ones with the washer that slips down over the post and then the post is peened over the washer) have been around since at least the early middle ages.
2) Sewing has been around since the earliest of times...

If you're concerned about PC/HC- sewing is gnerally less of a hassle as it very well historically documented (HD)and will be accepted at any venue without written documentation......

 

[JimG]

Thank you!

 

[2172]

I stitch, but I try and get a couple of rivets in place on the side where the cutting edge will be, to prevent the stitching being cut, and an accident...Hank

 

[Okwaho]

I fold over my sheaths and saddle stitch them. Since I don't use a welt {just plain lazy} I punch a few holes just inside the sew line and insert a very smll lead pin made from a small caliber round ball,gently tap and I have protected the stitches. There are example known where this technique has been used in lieu of stitching.See Madison Grant and Gordon Minnis on primitive knives
Tom Patton

 

[crockett]

It sounds like you want a neck sheath. I have only seen them with stitching. IMHO if you use real sinew the stitching ought to be quite strong in and of itself.

 

[Norskie]

For a sheath I'd vote for waxed linen stitching with a good welt. I've seen a lot of old sheaths where the leather has torn out around the rivets. Plus an iron rivet could dull your edge.
For pc considerations, Celtic leather work had rivets as far back as 600 AD.