How to Make a Leather Canteen / Costrel

Learn how to make a leather canteen / costrel using some fairly basic leatherworking tools, and pick the pattern up on my website. Using Bees Wax to waterproof and harden your canteen is a pretty easy option and a great project to take your skills to the next level.
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[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

On an unrelated note, what's everyone being for Halloween?

[@SteveN-ws4vu]

Just finish my sleeveless linen shirt yesterday. Putting together some leather armor for my garb.

[@cmdraftbrn]

dust off the decor. i should paint an old spider rider.

[@Sheepdog1314]

Plaque Doctor

[@MrEvolution47]

Either a Ghostbuster or a masked mexican wrestler in a suit. (Google some pics, looks epic)

[@Coastal_Ace]

I'm dressing my black and white dog up as an orca, the scariest creature on earth. I was thinking of dressing myself up and as salmon or something.. Are you dressing up? Side note, will the costrel hold my hand sanitizer??? lol

[@SteveN-ws4vu]

I started leather craft a little over a month ago. I a 31 year old disabled vet. So I got some time on my hands at the moment. Your videos are amazing. I love how personable you are. Feels like we are just chilling in the shop together. Keep up the great content!

[@amandajakle8202]

Thank you for your sacrifice ❤

[@disbjon]

Same boat here brother. I was med discharged and needed something to fill my time and leather craft was just the ticket. I startet with knife sheaths some years ago and slowly starting branching out into armor and other goods. I wish you the best of luck. Keep your mind busy brother. From one vet to another, thank you for your service!

[@angelalamey8742]

Thank you for serving our country!

[@Roosters-rants1977]

I bet it's been good for your mental health too. Even simple things like sharpening your blades are therapeutic

[@jaek4489]

God Bless you

[@mrdabeetle1]

If you are allergic to bees wax or are worried about an aftertaste (it's slight, but there), there are food safe products out there that will not crack or degrade into the vessel. Make sure that you check the safety documentation for the product before purchasing it for this use. It needs to be food safe for vessels, not just eating surfaces. The ones safe for eating surfaces are great for bowls or plates, but are not approved for vessels like this costrel. Please note that many of these products require a full 30 days to cure before they are deemed food safe. Great video. When I make leather vessels, I prefer to have a double row of stitches along the bottom and sides but this one is pretty small, so it isn't necessary. I also leave some leather extending beyond the edge to trim after stitching. I use airsoft bb's to stretch mine. They are super smooth and don't get stuck in the seam.

[@moisesmera7913]

U think food safe silicone is okay?

[@corbeaudejugement]

@@moisesmera7913 it is! it bonds nicely to the leather and is, as one would imagine, food-safe. there is a caveat: i would heartily recommend wet-forming the canteen around a bottle in two pieces, lining it with silicone, and then stitching it together BEFORE the silicone has cured. this way, it produces a nice seal on its own. the actual seal on the leather wouldn't matter in this case. just be sure that it's sealed everywhere so there's no damp, dark leather for mold to grow in.

[@mcewenhandcraft]

Magnus has you covered on both of these important post apocalyptic needs. A costrel for water AND a T shirt! Way to look out for us all there Mags! 😀 😍 🤩 ☺

[@mcewenhandcraft]

@@grarglejobber7941 good thing I never grew up then! Have a great day!

[@fredrossman1189]

I did some leather work back in the mid 70's. I didn't achieve the level you have. I was doing jewelry at the same time and the jewelry work won out. I admire your work and technics. I greatly enjoy your vids. Thanks for posting.

[@jennym.9099]

Beautiful! Love your tutorials

[@filipemalk2]

I've made some of costrels since 2017 and there's one step I do that you probably don't use to do. After fill the costrel with corn to expand the leather, I use to drown it a few seconds in a big pan with boiling water, just to expand the bevels and tight the sewing.It's not a necessary step because we always seal it all with bee's wax, but helps a little

[@mrMercurio1963]

Amazing project! I loved It.

[@michaelmayfield6968]

That is really cool. Great video also. Thanks for your time.

[@kathysanchez5945]

Cool design...enjoyed your teaching!!!

[@serraphazel]

I loved it! I've been wanting to make one of these forever. Now... if only you did a turn shoe video, I could die happy. Thanks for all you do!

[@kwaichang368]

Nice and looked like a easy project, something I might be able to even do! Thanks, Clinton

[@wonkydogleathercraft6698]

Love It!

[@shadowheartart3898]

Ooh, this looks interesting. And beautiful work!

[@EM-cg4iy]

That was really cool, thank you!

[@BlackBeastWorkshop]

I've been looking for a good video on how to make one of these, like you read my mind. Very nice

[@dreamwarriors979]

Dope piece THX

[@holamonica13]

Your shop is absolutely beautiful! In guys lingo = f awesome! I like the rustic, old world style. Have an amazing rest of your Friday

[@kevinkiem2959]

Great video wants to make one as I just ordered this pattern, as a wood worker will work with leather work great stuff

[@digitaIgorilla]

That wetforming technique! Adding it to the arsenal, thanks 😁 Pine pitch is a good alternative to wax for sealing waterproof seams.

[@richardbak7602]

Awesome and inspiring video! Thanks!

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Much appreciated

[@johnworlein8581]

Have made a couple of these & used brewer's pitch to line the flask & beeswax to impregnate to the exterior. This may not be period correct, also beeswax lining will probably not break when someone decides to squeeze it. In any case, nice job!

[@talexander7217]

Must be the season for making costrels. I just made 3 of them last month with my own pattern.

[@cyber_war_intel8399]

Finally someone who calls it what it realy is

[@salvadorceninza1271]

Excelente trabajo 👍

[@devriescustomleather1109]

For grreater penetration heat the bottle to 150-200 in the oven then apply wax.

[@TheLeathersmithShop]

I sell a pattern for these too! I've always loved leather costrels lol. Just something to add, for someone interested in making one: you can use brewer's pitch instead of, or along with, beeswax to waterproof the inside. Just make sure you don't squeeze it once it's dry because it'll crack the lining and you'll have to redo it.

[@AbaddonLXXI]

Cool 😀

[@oldgoals]

Super surprised to find out Lonsdale Leather is right in my home state. Taking a trip to check it out this weekend!

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Not sure about home state, the one I deal with is in British Columbia Canada.

[@oldgoals]

@@DarkHorseWorkshop I was mistaken, it's Tandy Leather. Still excited to get started and try something new.

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

I use to work for Tandyz they have good stuff.

[@Stjarna_Svinsdottir]

I've always used cheap airsoft BBs from Walmart to form these. Much easier than corn, beans, sand, etc.

[@ludwingcely1981]

Amigo excelente trabajo... Lo que utiliza en la olla es grasa para curar?

[@pacman10182]

looks like I've got the powder flask for my 58 in order

[@Leathurkatt]

I wonder if a tightly rolled, glued, and waxed leather "cork" would be stronger and less likely to leak or break? Roll a piece of leather, glue it, wrap it in thinner leather with a tab at the top for the lanyard, glue and whip stitch it, wax it... Just a thought.

[@ChrisKoehn]

What about a carved piece of wood?

[@Leathurkatt]

@@ChrisKoehn Still soak it in wax and rub it down (wood will soak up any liquid it comes in contact with, that's why oiled bamboo utensils are better than dry wood spoons for cooking), but that would work too.

[@ChrisKoehn]

@@Leathurkatt what about linseed oil? I was wondering if spirits would degrade the beeswax if one decided to use the flask for more potent liquids.

[@Leathurkatt]

@@ChrisKoehn You would have to do some research to find an oil or other natural sealant that is food safe and usable with such liquids. Not sure about linseed oil, though I have used it on my ceremonial staves and walking cane.

[@funkyspacecow]

@@ChrisKoehn I would avoid ordinary boiled linseed oil from hardware store for a project like this. It contains assorted metallic salts as drying agents that I wouldn't want to ingest. It's non-toxic when fully cured for handling and surface contacts with food but I wouldn't want to store liquids in a vessel treated with it. Also without the ability to off gas properly it would add a real funky smell to the inside of the costrel and anything stored in it. Beeswax is partially soluble in alcohol at room temp, I'd be concerned storing liquor in in a vessel treated with it, but lower concertation beverages like mead or wine should be fine. You could also use paraffin wax instead of beeswax if you're looking to store hard alcohol. Food grade paraffin is completely non-toxic and is even safe to eat.

[@user-wt7zy5sz1u]

Un abrazo desde Las islas Canarias.Spain.

[@javitooutdoors4097]

Grandioso ! Lo q derretiste para impermeabilizar es cera de abeja ?. Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@PatinaLeathercraft]

Great video! Btw! How is Levi? havent seen him for a while.

[@viorsa8200]

Excelente proyecto muy bien desarrollado y mejor ejecutado , una cantimplora magnífica , no hablo inglés , me quedo con lo que veo , por favor subtítulos en español , gracias por compartir tanta creatividad y conocimientos , un saludo cordial y por supuesto un gran like desde Narón , Galicia ( España) 🤓 😜

[@amandajakle8202]

¿Es bueno, no? Magnus hace buen trabajo todos los días. ¿Trabajas con cuero también? Y lo siento por mi español. Inglés es mi primera lengua y estoy oxidada jaja

[@viorsa8200]

@@amandajakle8202 Hola Amanda , es muy bueno y siempre aprendes algo , pero al no hablar inglés me pierdo sus consejos y comentarios , hice un curso durante dos años , todos los jueves de 20'00 a 22'00 , aprendí a : coser con hilo y con tiras de cuero , a repujar a mano , a trenzar cabos ,etc , pero lo que más ma gustaba , era hacer bolsos repujados con motivos celtas tipo trisqueles , los cosía con tira de cuero fina , cuando los terminaba se los regalaba a mis amigas , mi mujer aún tiene el que le regalé , después por cuestiones de trabajo deje de trabajar el cuero , tampoco me salía rentable , jajaja , gracias por comentar ,un saludo cordial desde Narón , Galicia (España)🤓😜

[@Bjornboarhunter]

Another fantastic project.....can you please give me the name of the rivets you use as I can only seem to find cheap ones

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

I use dome head brass peening rivets. Rivetsonline or jaycee fasteners I think it's called carries them.

[@AminaMae]

My husband have one of these, but the sad part is it's gone moldy, because we stored it in our basement. It's cool and sometimes slightly damp and apparently leather does not like that environment, so if you're making one of these, keep it where it's warm to prevent it from going bad. Any ideas on how to fix it maybe?

[@ewilano649]

Could one use something like hide glue or fish glue if there are concerns regarding the glue coming in contact with water? Or rosin (brewers pitch)?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

You could use no glue so that's fine sure.

[@ewilano649]

@@DarkHorseWorkshop thx

[@foopadr9076]

Why not cut of a little of the hide and make hide glue to seal the flask?

[@ronnewton606]

love your work, want to try some of your patterns... tried to order this pattern and subscribe to patron on your web site but it wouldn't let me ????

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Not sure why it wouldn't let you, first I've heard of that.

[@KiltedBlackDragon]

i soak the cork in wax so it doesn't absorb water and leak

[@Primitive_Peak]

Hi there, love the video. What square feet of leather did you use for this project?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

No idea... Not a lot though. A couple?

[@lesallison9047]

Very nice peace of work. What type of glue is safe, I am in England so no trade names please. Also Would rice be ok for forming be ok? Cool video, look forward for your next. 👌❤✌🇬🇧

[@egorvyshegor737]

PVA or wood glues like Titebond should be OK safety wise. The latter's lines 2 and 3 are food-safe approved iirc. Anything small and dry would work. Wheat, rice, beans (preferably smaller ones).

[@lesallison9047]

@@egorvyshegor737 OK, thank you Egor for your quick reply. I shall be having a go at this one soon. 👍

[@johncampbell2573]

Does it have to be bee's wax? would soy work?

[@Valleyreb]

What size punch do you use for the strap holes? Or better yet what lunch do you recommend?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

I use a bunch of different drive punches, or an expensive rotary punch. If I'm stitching I use the smallest punch I can find that works with my thread and needle. Nothing is set in stone.

[@kylerblanchard]

Hey if I get the full patern package on your website will new patterns be added to it as the come out, and can I access it more than once or do I just need to download them all at once?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

If it's updated you can get those updates.

[@albvscommesincastello6346]

idk about your homeland, but where i live, they are teaching us from young age to not waste materials. Seeing you cutting the stencil out from the middle of a leather piece, the rest being waste is breaking my heart considering the price and origin of the leather.

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

I cut the price out where it is the most even, you do whatever you want.

[@JustinNRyneEdwards]

Awesome video, as usual! Where do you get your mass amount of beeswax? Looking for a supplier in the US is harder than expected!

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Look for candle making shops.

[@stalrev]

What size thread was you using for those? thanks!!

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

It's been a while but I tend to find the chunkieat thread possible.

[@jacobconverset7180]

Would you say tooling a design on the main body effect its ability to hold water? I feel like it's a space begging for decoration but not if it hinders its function.

[@amandajakle8202]

I would think that as long as you maintain the integrity of the leather (i.e. there are no holes) you would probably be fine. That being said, it does stretch the leather when you do, so there may be some misalignment with the sewing holes. There's also the possibility that your tooling might get warped when you go to shape the canteen with the corn/beans/sand/etc. Wetting down the leather and pushing it out like that may ruin your tooling. Maybe around the upper edge holes? Or you could probably sew on a tooled patch. Just punch the holes ahead of time and make a pattern from them after the leather is stretched so your sewing lines up?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

I agree with Amanda here.

[@ashtyn626]

What do you think about dying the leather prior to applying the beeswax? I can't find much information on it, and theoretically if the whole thing is covered in the layer of wax, none of the toxins or the dye should be connecting at all? I can't find any information on this surprisingly.

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

No issues. The lining inside of wax if done right will just be wax

[@bayalumaya]

Hi, I just followed you lead and made one as a gift but it flattened out and is leaking. So after the waxing part I re filled it with corn to get the shape again. I will empty it again and try to re wax the inside. Any other suggestions?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Need to wax the whole thing thuroughly and not use too thin if leather. They can certainly be finicky. I lose track of comments a lot feel free to email me for any other questions. [e-mail] Cheera

[@ChrisKoehn]

This looks great! Can you use it for strong spirits or does that mess with the beeswax?

[@amandajakle8202]

Sounds like something to test out. Whiskey? 🍻

[@ChrisKoehn]

@@amandajakle8202 I can get behind this kind of science

[@amandajakle8202]

@@ChrisKoehn What's your spirit of choice?

[@ChrisKoehn]

@@amandajakle8202 Is brandy considered a spirit? It sure adds warmth to coffee. I have been wanting bourbon lately maybe because I'm seeing more people talk about it now. I reserve the harder alcohols for winter and seasonal times so maybe I don't have a favourite. You?

[@amandajakle8202]

@@ChrisKoehn I'm a fan of Scotch and Irish Whiskey, and Rye whiskey. Only thing I'd be concerned about for anything else would be acid content of whatever you're putting into the canteen, and whether or not it would degrade the beeswax/leather. Bourbon is okay, though definitely not my favorite. It's a little sweet for drinking straight up. When it comes to drinking alcohol straight, I'm a fan of the drier or peated spirits, though, so I may be biased. (Or it has to be super-sweet. Dry or dessert, there is no in-between, lol.) I love putting amaretto in coffee and hot chocolate, and other flavored liqueurs as well.

[@Struthio_Camelus]

This project looks outstanding. What's the capacity of your costrel?

[@jacob.rausch]

Water

[@Struthio_Camelus]

@@jacob.rausch Oh. How much water?

[@jacob.rausch]

@@Struthio_Camelus amount that fits

[@Struthio_Camelus]

@@jacob.rausch The amount that fits what?

[@jacob.rausch]

@@Struthio_Camelus however much water

[@Xeshema]

I think I'm 2 years late but i wanted to ask if wet molding an already dyed piece will make a difference? Or would the dye get in the way of the beeswax soaking in?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

It should be ok... I'd never do it in that order but it should be fine? Don't quote me. :)

[@pauln2661]

how hard would it be to modify this to three pieces? Two sides and a bottom so it will sit on a table as a leather bottle should?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Depends on the person I guess, would take some fiddling but not overly hard, just some time.

[@MicheleBrownMaryKay]

What if you want to dye the leather? Once sealed with the beeswax, would it still be food safe? At what stage would you dye the leather? TIA

[@warofwrath]

I would think you would just dye the outside so it should be fine...you can dye before wet forming or after either way.

[@quest4adventure495]

Wood stoppers stand the test of time better.

[@Lord_RavnFar_Tannerwise]

Can you do a video on a viking helm?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Out of leather? Sure... out of steel... unlikely. Haha.

[@frankheger5185]

🍺

[@camper6569]

You mention that you could destroy it if you wax it before it’s dry. I am currently making one and it keeps leaking. Should I be drying it out before rewaxing?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

I'd let it dry, ya

[@xenzomihamn4278]

At 1:29, why not putting the leather piece more to the left to minimize waste?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

A leather shortage I don't have. I'm picky with the surface of what I use.

[@xenzomihamn4278]

@@DarkHorseWorkshop oh I see. Thank you for your reply

[@vigbjornblaskeeg5813]

I'm worried about its durability. I definitely wouldn't try any hot beverages, but on some hot days even, couldn't the wax melt out of it?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

There's always a chance the wax could soften or melt in extreme heat. But I'd also never put anything hot in it, that makes very little sense for sure.

[@vigbjornblaskeeg5813]

@@DarkHorseWorkshop I think maybe I don't leave it in the car and keep it filled with cool water and it should be fine.

[@jenniferwhite6089]

laughing at the glue i am sure i ate a lot of glue as a child and bugs too

[@ryanmcewen415]

What a Corny way to make a Costrel! 😉 Lol. Good job!

[@WilliamWilson_org]

I swear I've seen this video before. Was this a reupload?

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Nopes, there's a few costrel videos out there though.

[@WilliamWilson_org]

@@DarkHorseWorkshop freaky. Deja vu. BTW. You're an incredible talent and inspiration. I just started Leathercrafting and have been watching your videos compulsively. Heh. Thanks for the reply!

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

Glad you're enjoying the channel. :)

[@josephnebeker7976]

Apocalypse?

[@pauln2661]

Rum. The answer was Rum the whole time!

[@rodneymiller5926]

Extremely nice, then ruined with those two dumb staples. lol

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

You're free to use whatever bon staples you want when you build one.

[@cmdraftbrn]

and here i thought it was a pouch for a canteen. silly me

[@bigjohn75]

I have to disagree 😁. Most important thing is bourbon!!!!! Lol jk

[@DarkHorseWorkshop]

I wasn't going to saaaay it...