How I Made this Sheath (and Almost Ruined It) with Will Stelter

‪@WillStelterbladesmith‬ made a trip north to my shop, armed with knives and dad jokes, to build the perfect leather sheath for his personal "truck knife". I can't think of a more perfect project to try out the Damascus round knife he made for me. There were some bumps along the way as we made the sheath, but I hope he'll enjoy the finished product as he straps it to his hip and scampers about it in the rattlesnake-infested mountains of Montana.
You'll see me using an UNBELIEVABLE 100-layer Damascus round knife that Will made for me, and I think you'll love his video where he shows the process of making this very knife! • Making the Worlds Nice... I think you'll like his other videos as well-- he's a talented guy and a downright good man. Huge thanks to Will for being too nice to say no when I asked him to film some footage of the process! He did a beautiful job.
Will's KZbin channel: / @willstelterbladesmith
Will on Instagram: / will_stelter
Some tools and supplies I used in this video (affiliate links):
Sinabroks pricking irons: bit.ly/3swAqF4
Wool daubers: bit.ly/3g6aEmF
Fiebings pro dye: bit.ly/3iNwugB
Acrylic resolene (sealant): bit.ly/2Uh3IeK
Line 20 snap: bit.ly/3sg3XTY
Setter for these snaps: bit.ly/3ANMgyh
Thanks for watching-- hope you enjoy this one as much as we enjoyed making it!
Tanner

[@dougjack5775]

Nice work guys! Will, that knife fit my right hand perfectly! Amazing!

[@dsleathercraft]

Love the sheath. looks fantastic. Thanks for all our videos. so so helpful

[@cap2c484]

Wow, what a beautiful finished product. I love that there are still people out there that care enough about quality and attention to detail to devote themselves to creating works of art like this.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

The knife make might be interested in looking at an example of a bowie made by one of the great craftsmen. It is a R.H. Ruana bowie model 36C. Very rare. Incredible skills in making it.

[@leonardolares9314]

great job but you didn't show,,,, how did you do the hand sewing in details, and the product to refinish the leather, but I tell you your job was perfect

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I do have a very detailed stitching video, which is shown as a link at the very end of this video! Hope you can watch that if you haven’t already! The finish is called Fiebings Acrylic Resolene. Thanks for watching!

[@TobiasJStrand]

Will looks way too young to be such a skilled "dad-joker"! He's gonna be a real pain in the a... for his future teenage kids. Trust me I know!😀 Beautiful work as always!

[@nateand3]

I've watched just about every sheath making video i can find. A lot of really good ones and just as many pitiful ones. This one is really really good man. That's beautiful. Hopefully someday my sheath making attempts will turn out good. And hopefully someday my knives will be as beautiful as Will's.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you again so much, my friend. That means a ton. We had a blast on this one- wish I could have a buddy in the shop for every project!

[@olafdelke-lejeune6093]

Congrats to a beautiful piece of artisan leatherwork for another beautiful piece of American heritage. First I was shocked when you've been talking about machine stitching. Even your machine knew when to quit. 🤣 seriously, the hand stitching was the peak of craftsmanship to this sheath. Perfectly accomplished. Thanks for sharing. Appreciated the leather soap water tip. Didn't know before. Perfect edges. Cheers from old Germany.

[@bumstudios8817]

I like how you “pretended” the sewing machine wouldn’t work so you could keep the knife... well played sir.

[@josiahrobinson52]

That sheath turned out beautiful, Tanner! So cool to see both this video as well as Will’s. What I love most about this video was how you showed your problem solving skills and the process of fixing any mishaps. To me, that feels more valuable to learn from than most typical tutorials!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Josiah! I think that’s the thing (the mishaps) that I enjoy about other people’s videos too! I appreciate you watching and thank you for the kind words!

[@flatlandwelder]

From an old man that's dabbled in leather for over 40 years, it was good to learn a bit of you skills and methods. Most of my work was holsters for cops that couldn't pay new price. At the start of my carrier, the cops had to supply their own pistols, holsters and bullets. You do superb work. Best to you and yours.

[@stoneblue1795]

Thank you for your service, friend. I bet your work was dearly appreciated.

[@virtusleather]

I think its time you went and hammered some hot steel at Will's place Tanner. Awesome video boys!

[@susantipsyhealy7655]

I made a sheath that ended up really thick and I pre punched the holes in the areas the thickest. Assembly was fun, lining up those holes. You do beautiful work. And the young knife maker , Will, does the same. Gorgeous.

[@billwoehl3051]

Sewing through the thick layers:🤔💡 Why not have Will forge a set of comb style punches for pilot holes making it easier for the sewing machine?🤔

[@grahamjamieson7752]

Great to see you guys working together, hopefully you can collaborate on some more projects.

[@grazianoangei1731]

Ottimo, gran bel lavoro! Ancora complimenti e che bel laboratorio! Un saluto dall'Italia 👍👍👌👌✋✋

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

This video truly shows the amount of detail and craftsmanship that goes into making a custom sheath. Beautiful work!

[@charlesbolin7249]

Wow that turned out nice. I really like how you showed how things can change over the course of a project, and how to adapt to unexpected obstacles to get the desired outcome. Good lessons to be learned. Nice sense of humor and involving the children in the activities is nice too.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Charles! We had a ton of fun! Thank you for watching!

[@jessesaltarelli8652]

Your videos just keep getting better my friend! If I had it my way I would love to see more content like this! You are in your element Tanner.

[@ReadyUpGo]

Nice work. Until people try to work leather they don’t know how much skill and care it takes, partly because you make it look so easy! Great vid and thank you for including your young apprentice. Makes my morning.

[@Cetrifuga1945]

Complimenti molto bello bravi artigiani👍👍

[@GregWoods-j3k]

The life for sure. I appreciate how authentic thus video is, the struggle, errors, and frustration from creating something nice and stopping before its ruined. I like the "unraveling " comment, at least he did not whip it against the wall!

[@Name-ps9fx]

A suggestion, re: safety.... Eye protection when using any mechanical device, with or without power. Needles and suchlike can shatter in the blink of an eye (no pun intended), and you do NOT want to risk your eyesight. (I had cataracts at a youngish age, and although the docs could fix them, it was terrifying to watch my vision steadily deteriorate...sight is a very precious thing).

[@TheLivingBlobfish]

Such Beautiful craftsmanship! It's truly inspiring!

[@slesarka_art]

Хорошая работа !!!Посмотрел с удовольствием и с детьми - правильное воспитание . Подписался .

[@joekeffer3520]

Wow! Beautiful craftsmanship! Great video. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@angusleahy9624]

That stamp you used on the front, ive seen someone use one like it in a holster making video, is it a Barry king stamp?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Yes, it sure is! It’s one of my favorites!

[@SmashTactics]

why make it that thick in the first place? I realize a welt is needed, but why does it *necessarily* need to be that thick? Thanks

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Good question! The reason for that big wedge is because the guard of the knife protrudes to the sides so far. The wedge spaces the knife away from the belt loop so the wide guard doesn’t scrape along the belt loop. Perhaps one of the shots at the very end on the video shows it most clearly. I blame the knife maker… 😅

[@SamS-j3j]

I like how you listed the tools you used in the video, it's very helpful especially for beginners. Thanks for the video!

[@redstone71]

2 needle saddle stich . . . that is never getting old.

[@IaragisGanxilva]

მაგარი დანაა

[@forjanatalense]

Damn that sheath turned out absolutely BEAUTIFULL! You sir, are a real craftsman!

[@juanluisgarciafernandez2613]

Gracias por esta aportación sobre guarnicionería, saludos desde Madrid, España Thanks for this contribution on saddlery, greetings from Madrid, Spain

[@tylervanorman492]

Subscription added, another great channel to show my kids to work with their hands. Thx guys!!

[@muhammadaneesurrehman3037]

do you know Taliban whats happening with you in Afghanistan

[@indigoglass6638]

Super interesting video. Love it when all the learning moments (some call those mistakes) are included. Your technique for removing a snap was intriguing. Thank you for sharing so much in each video.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You are so welcome, and thank YOU so much for all your awesome support and encouragement. I appreciate you! Thank you for watching!

[@raymondmaclean8486]

@@ClaridgeLeather Wow, that is a very interesting snap removal technique, looks like it beats trying to drill it out. Did you just use a standard stone wheel on the rotary tool?

[@nickfranklin1867]

that is an amazing piece of leather work!

[@estebanchiadote.9174]

Will the knife sheath you made is work of art!!..it is pure perfection and beauty!!!👏👏👏👏👍

[@MorgwarnLeatherworks]

Excellent video. I already used saddle soap for my burnishing, but I have been using the glycerin bar and water. I may try the can variety as that will be less messy. I also like the dilution of the resolene as that seems to soak into the leather better and not sit on the top so much. Thanks for the video! Loved watching Will and Alec, now I have a new channel to watch!

[@406Montana]

Thanks for the video. I always enjoy your content. I use my Dremel with an inexpensive mini drill press and it punches pretty good holes. Be sure to wear a mask as the dust will choke you after awhile.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I’ve heard of people doing that- I still haven’t tried it! Looks like it works well! This one had a funny taper to it, so I would have had to think of a clever way to drill straight holes through that! Going to have to try it though! Thanks!

[@gall_blader_works]

Amazing work and fantastic save! Will definitely subscribe to Will's channel. God bless both your gifted hands.

[@NOHCHEYCHO-BORZ]

5:13))))...Huge greetings from the Argentine pilots...God bless your children...

[@flashpointbravo]

I sew 7/8” of hermann oak with my class 4 all the time. You just have to use a new needle, go slow and lengthen your stitch length adjustment a bit.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That’s thick! I did sew a test-run flat stack of leather at 7/8”, and it seemed to go okay. I think the issue with this sheath is that it has that tapered thickness in the welt, so the needle was wondering which way to go as I tried to sew from thick to thin. Maybe could’ve made it work, but probably would have messed it up! What are you sewing that is 7/8”?!

[@flashpointbravo]

@@ClaridgeLeather I’ve noticed the needle wants to wander if it doesn’t go straight in at the beginning of its stroke. I have a terrible habit of making holsters “just a little too small.” So I end up stacking up welt layers at the seam in order to open them up a little. The latest one I made was made of 12-15oz saddle skirting leather folded over, with two 8-9oz hermann oak tooling leather as welts. It came out right at 7/8 inch, but the class 4 did it. Before the machine I used a drill press and a tiny needle to make holes then I’d hand sew.

[@thomasbeckett1245]

I didn’t just slice the strap on a new knife, I guided the knife in with my finger, and being very sharp, it went into my finger. Being extremely careful is so important! I love leather crafts, but have huge respect for sharp.

[@kevlarsteiner8978]

Nunca había visto unos artesanos tan primorosos como vosotros. Una obra de arte. Gracias por compartir.

[@jeffbuller6708]

Followed Will over here. Subbed for the awesome leather working!

[@ShelleyRaskin]

Awesome leather work and tools, nice to see mistakes and the fixing. To fix a mistake is real, perfect is not.

[@LKS-1976]

Absolutely stunning sheath. The knife, especially that round knife are beautiful. Love desert iron wood.

[@NMiller_]

How does the blacksmith know all the leather jokes?

[@shadowx8405]

"What's that?" "Wadda ya' mean, 'What's that?' It's a knife!' "Hehe. That's not a knife..... THIS, is a knife." 🏃‍♂️🏃🏃‍♂️

[@travispadilla3972]

Outstanding I love the sheath the color it's really shiny smooth and that Bowie knife gorgeous

[@chappedhideleather]

I just saw this, but SO COOL that you included your little guests. It's wholesome, and inclusive. Not in the over-the-top way, but in a family dynamic way.

[@chappedhideleather]

I also have to ask... did you punch those holes, "Awl" the way through? Har Har.

[@robertmathurin739]

Next project, a Damascus Needle For Tanner's Sewing machine,,😁🇱🇨👊🏿👍🏿♥️

[@joshuatichota5046]

I've always done hand sewing on my leather projects, what sewing machine do you recommend for someone who has never used a sewing machine but is also on an extremely tight budget?

[@rafter3leatherworks210]

Hey Tanner, really cool that you teamed up with Will, I watch a lot of his and Alec's videos. I got a couple of questions. Have you ever Lined a tote bag similar to the one you have made on this channel? and I am thinking it is almost time for me to get a sewing machine. I have been hand stitching for a few years now. I am looking at the cobra class 26 or the cobra class 4. You have a class 4 right? is it capable of doing bifold wallets? I typically use a 3-4oz wicket and Craig English bridle shell, with the inside pockets being a 2-3oz Wicket and Craig Traditional harness. is this to thin for a class 4? the problem I have is I like to do totes, wallets, 7-8oz holsters, 7-8oz sheaths with a 12oz welt, and 8-9oz belts with a 3-4oz lining. I can only afford 1 machine at the moment trying to cover as many bases as I can with 1 machine.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Howdy! Yeah, it was really fun working with Will. We have become friends here in Montana and it’s always a treat to see him. I have not ever lined a bag, but it’s on my list of things to try soon! Regarding the machines, for what you are describing I do think the class 4 is probably more machine than you want. The 26 is a great machine and definitely does better with thinner material. I would probably go that route! The class 4 is awesome, but its limitation is in sewing thinner material.

[@ricardomalsenido8504]

Mis felicitaciones por mostrar la belleza de su trabajo al hacer esa vaina para tan hermoso cuchillo, soy de La República Argentina acá en mi país se usa para distintos trabajos en el campo, al gaucho Argentina jamás le falta el cuchillo en su cintura un gran abrazo desde mi Amado país

[@mgreene1409]

"Awl" spice...lol.

[@old_timey_prospector]

By now, I must have watched a hundred different leather workers punch thousands of holes with dozens of tools. Not one of them have I seen use a piece of vinyl as a punch platform. There's always a new thing to be learned, even on familiar ground.

[@JS_Precision]

Great work. A drill press works well also to drill small holes for the stitching. I find those stitching irons a bit difficult to work with.

[@bartolemus9998]

You guys need some CNC drilling on those thick layups.....

[@EdwinDekker71]

Great job. With a knife that size I'd prefer to cross draw, so being right handed, to have the sheeth on my left.

[@ricardomalsenido8504]

Yo soy ya Retirado del Ejército Argentino y mi arma principal era llevar en el chaleco de combate el cuchillo de combate

[@CrisGar76]

Good video, suscrito y saludos

[@silverbullet7434]

Great looking knives and sheath it turned out super.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

Thanks for a most interesting video. That time when a drill press is close to the sewing machine. ATB

[@robertmathurin739]

Ulu knife,,arctic People Knife,,😁👍🏿♥️

[@CaulderLeather]

I have got to have one of those Damascus head knives, where can I find this guy?!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Look for Will Stelter on KZbin, Instagram, etc. 👍 I don’t think he’s planning to make more, but I could be wrong!

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Whats the function of having a notch or cutout in the blade just before the fingerguard?

[@donaldblankenship8057]

I had almost given up on him. He really looked bad. Then he did it right in the last three minutes.

[@capoteandoeltemporalbrico]

Gran cuchillo y gran funda, una joya en conjunto !!👌😃👍

[@CurtisHaaland]

What size and type of thread did you end up using?

[@mikedegrazia]

Nice build next time use a drill press with a tiny bit, helps with the xtra beefy parts...

[@TheWalkWithAl]

Great looking leather work That’s gonna be awesome holster

[@leemichel8199]

Great build btw God bless you and your family.. Lee

[@Ps2352]

How about doing a tutorial on making an archery arrow quiver?

[@hoold01]

I'm new here, really would like to see your needle & thread set up in detail.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Hi Gareth- I do have a really detailed video on this stitching method- I discuss the little things at greater length there. Here I’m using John James harness needles and 1mm Ritza braided polyester thread. Thanks for watching, and welcome!

[@tkdhammer]

Looks good, I thought he wanted the retainer strap to go around the hilt not over the hand guard?

[@Voyagersk9]

Such a cool video! Great job Tanner and Will!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Tim! I appreciate it, buddy!

[@ToY_SLD]

So so so... so beautiful 😍😍😍

[@JacobHamilton_22]

Is it safe to store a knife in a leather sheath? If it is kept clean? Or will it cause rust?

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Sheath turned out to be a great compliment to the beautiful knife. Well done to both of you.

[@yonuelleon743]

HERMOSO TRABAJO,EXCELENTE,TE SIGO

[@carlosmatias2458]

amazing realy amazing tanks ... is beatiful

[@hatusthonhon6839]

Does anyone here know what's the steel used to make the knife?

[@masonschultz315]

Amazing Collab, Good Job

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Mason! Such a fun project with Will!

[@theman4908]

KZbinr with cutting fingers 🤦

[@alfredoverno9674]

WOW!!! I just viewed this video, it was a complete pleasure to watch. great video work, a true craftsman. im watching from East Tennessee this afternoon. thank you for sharing and allowing us into your shop. look forward to many more video visits with ya'll. I will check out will's video also. your shop is so clean.

[@kawlni558]

Wow... Beautiful work👍👍

[@roninnovastar1321]

Very nice Video !!!

[@michaelheurkens4538]

Hi. Nice work on the sheath. Being from northern Canada, that half-round knife is called an "ulu". I'm pretty sure of the spelling, but it is pronounced "oo-loo. I learned this from a man of the Inuit people many years ago. According to him his people have been using this type of knife to process meat since the "stone age". That shape works pretty good made from bone too. Cheers from northern Alberta.

[@norbertzapf7546]

Hey i am a very small german Sheath Maker and i must say you ve done an outstanding Job by doing this Bowie Sheath. I love the way of sewing a sheath handstitched and i don not use Machines when building Sheath...all is Hande Made. Please can you tell me at what Shop is it possible to buy the snaps with this long tubes at the backside.... I can`t find it in Germany.... i can order only snaps for 3mm Leather but this is a shame..... Wish you a great weekend with your family Norbert PS: I love this Half Moon Knife for the Leather Tasks and as i can see...its so sharp ....Will does an excellent Job

[@buckethead151]

Because hand sewing is so hard ;)

[@Curtis86]

Nice! I'm not a fan of having the handle sticking up past my belt though. It's a rib scratcher when doing certain movements.👍🏻

[@johnearhart8811]

Excellent. Enjoyed the video.

[@mannsdan]

that looks amazing! awesome craftsmanship! how long would you estimate it took from beginning to end of the project?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Daniel! I’m not sure about the v time- maybe 6 or 8 hours total?

[@mannsdan]

@@ClaridgeLeather thanks for the info. I'm making knives now and starting to sell my work. Just wanted to get some ideas about how long it takes should i start getting into the leather working side of it. That sheath is a beautiful piece of work!

[@andrewhall495]

I was lucky enough to see both the knife and sheath in person last summer and both have held up really well! Excellent work by both makers!

[@TexHoss1]

With that angle you better stitch it by hand.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Yeah- that got a little squirrelly on the machine!! 😅

[@larrykoroush6995]

Very informative video. Beautiful sheath and knife. I learned some things. Thank you

[@lakritzpiranha]

THX. I´m about to make a similar sheath for an old Herbertz Ranger II Knife. Sure will use some of the things you showed in this nice video :-) Greetings from Germany (Saarland), rüben

[@sergeymendosa1967]

Молодцы американцы но у нас делают не хуже!