How to make a leather sheath on a budget

[@averagejoe8213]

This is the video I was after. Thanks man. I bought a knife for $40, cuz I'm on a budget! I found a hunk of leather for $5 at the Ren Fair, you know, cuz I'm on a budget! I watched a bunch of videos of some people making some REALLY nice knife sheaths and got discouraged, thinking I'd bitten off more than I can chew. Then this video came up. I'm back on track and I have high hopes of doing a good job and making a nice (budget) sheath for a really nice (budget) knife! Something I think I can be proud of. Thanks again. Thumbs up for bringing it back to earth for us mortals!

[@pmcmva]

Exactly how I made my first sheath years ago. I knew I'd mess the holes, and I did. But I used a light colored waxed twine to stitch, and you could hardly tell. Best advice was included in the video: "It's not hard. Just DO it!" What's the worst that can happen? Yup, you'll learn something. Good vid.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks

[@countrysportstv5995]

thank you for the video, I've been making knives for 20 years and always had a local saddler make the sheaths for me. He has now retired. So now I'm making my own sheaths. your videos have been a great help.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Glad to help!

[@gearandoutdoorger.3935]

That's exactly my level at the moment. Except for the high quality leather and stitching. I usually use old beat up leather jackets and boots 😅

[@sopatisserie1282]

Wow, thanks so much for your time and generosity for sharing this for some beginner like me! I plan to make some sheaths for my Japanese kitchen knives. Thanks again!

[@archaeologicalrecoveryteam3160]

My wife got me some leather and a small leather tool kit last Christmas, I've putting it off. This video gave me the kick in the butt I needed. I just finished my 1st project, a holster for my 1858 Remington .44.It turned out great. Thanks for the video

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Awesome!

[@msmavris1]

Well explained and simple in construction this knife sheath looks like it can handle hard work for a long time! This, is exactly what I needed to know! I had found this 1940's boy scout knife in very good condition, with no sheath, during a house renovation, that was my trade back then. Anyway, had no time to do anything with it then... you know raising kids, paying bills and all that life stuff so it's been laying all oiled and covered up in a drawers for a good 30 years.. Looks like the time has come to make a sheath and hand it over to my son to enjoy. I'm not a leather man so thanks for the lesson! I wish you luck, health and happiness!

[@CeltWulfe]

Very well done tutorial showing what can be done with minimal tools. Our forefathers would love to have had access to some of the tools we have today. Keep up the great work!

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks

[@scotthill6807]

Thank you for this video. I need to make a sheath and it's not as complex as I thought. I just need a simple function sheath and this will get the job done. I'll check out your other videos for stitching and and other tips. Thanks again!

[@JDOCustomLeather]

No problem

[@robadams234]

That's awesome! I'm getting a new bushcraft knife and I'm "on a budget" so this is exactly how I will be making a nice sheath for my knife. Thank you for putting this and your other videos together for us that know nothing about leather work.

[@nm2795]

So I’m a single momma of 2 sons. We all collect knives, which I’m still learning how to sharpen so I can teach them. But would love to make us a sheath for our favorite knives. Then maybe be able to teach them as well. So thank u again so much sharing this. I grabbbed supplies I thought I would need, which was no where close to what I need. Haha… only reason I know what a bevel is bc of trying to learn how to sharpen our pocket knives. I got the idea a couple days ago then after watching many videos figured I had bitten off more then I could chew. But now I have hope again. Thanks again so much. We will see how this goes. And by the way. LOVE the background music.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

No problem thanks for watching

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Thank u! Its about time some1 did a video without all the leather tools

[@dpokladek]

Good advice: Take a fork for marking the stitching holes..

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Good tip

[@snoopu2601]

Make the tips sharp with a file I have used a fork you just have to bend the handle of the fork so you can hit it with a hammer or mallet.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Brilliant.

[@LordFrito]

I actually took a fork and straightened it, used a hand saw to cut the tines in half and then I filed the tips to a point on all four sides to make a chisel

[@subdawg1331]

One other comment is that the more times you try , the better you get... thank you so much for sharing this

[@silverwiskers7371]

I agree, for a budget or even for a trial and error for a beginner it's great, what this video can prove is a good gateway for a newbie to see if one will want to take it to the next level and tool out like i did, I'll give it a giant thumbs up and say WELL DONE

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks

[@happymonk4206]

I like the way you think. When I got a good look at you, I thought I was looking in a mirror. I have a buzz hair cut, I wear glasses, Im married, I prefer to do my crafting "On A Budget". I prefer to wear a comfortable pair of work boots. I say " it doesn't have to be pretty, just practical".👍

[@micahfrye8885]

You can use a lot of things for thread. Something a lot of soldiers used in the past for repairs is fishing line and toothfloss both are meant to have pressure on them and will hold strong id recomend toothfloss because its larger and wont cut into the leather as much. You can also use a fork to put holes in the leather though a drill probably will work better.

[@redmk5]

That is THE BEST sheath on KZbin

[@johnsullivan6560]

As a suggestion, brown or black shoe polish will stain and waterproof your project cheaply.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

True

[@bwag4007]

On a budget, apply some used motor oil.

[@EdwinDueck]

That's a pretty good job. As a kid leather craft was a big deal with my cousin, because they had horses and things break. I remember their tac shop, it wasn't a high class leather shop. The only thing I remember that was one thing they used was the holding wise, the rest of the tools where VERY SHARP KNIVES awls and needles, but I was only 6 at the time. The knives they used where so sharp that you could shave hair ( which some times had to be done ) on the leather they worked with. Many years ago I had a leather craft kit, but I lost it in my travels. I hope to get one again soon, this is an AWSOME craft. Thanks for the video.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

+Edwin Dueck No problem

[@arthurc5092]

Made this today, used a few different videos but this one was by far the one that helped the most. Really useful video, thanks. I also used your video on making a template. on a budget and made in one day, cant say better than that!

[@lfhbrickman]

Im not on a budget but dont need a bunch of leather tools for a one time shot. Great video Thx. This will be perfect for my custom made bowie knife.

[@Retiredin]

Thanks this video is exactly what I was looking for to start making a sheath on my own.I might use a kitchen fork to space out the stitching but definitely the drill and needle and thread liked and subbed

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@MasterK9Trainer]

Fantastic project. I have seen another video (Artisan Tony) that made it look easy enough and possible to create a leather sheath. Of course with practice one can make a nice sheath and dye it or whatever, but your point is well made. I do have a few tools (back when Tandy Leather Craft sold kits, before going totally online), but I have seen some people reuse leather from a discarded couch of handbag, don't know if that is a good idea or not, but I will check out Hobby Lobby since they opened one here a few years ago, except that they're pricey compared to Michael's or Jo-Ann's.

[@annapeterson5897]

This was just what I was looking for. My husband and I have several Tramontina machetes we use on the property though he took one and made it his own. Set up the wood handle, dark walnut stain and really tune up the edge. We are ordering some pins from USA Knifemaker to replace the stock factory pins. It would be great to make a nice black leather sheath for it. It is my husband's favorite. We subbed and of course hit the 'like' button. Thanks for making this and we'll watch your other videos on saddle stitching and all else we can learn.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Awesome, glad to help!

[@howardchambers9679]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you! Now I know I can make a sheath without all the gubbins.

[@dustoff499]

After watching this I went back and deleted a shopping cart full of goodies. Very nice sheath and informative video - thanks for posting it.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

+dustoff499 No problem.

[@panos..1063]

my friend you have a nice seath without tools. very nice. I love your work . bravo....

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks

[@TNPnl]

Has a very nice look that will get better as it ages ....... well done .... a very nice video ...... Thank You ......

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks

[@indianajones7470]

Looks good and very functional - especially as you done it on a budget 👍

[@michaelhutchison9601]

I have made a dozen sheaths and holsters, by hand. I still use a scale to space the stitches. If you dampen the leather and pound the stitches they are flush. But you know that. Might help a newbie though. Good video.

[@snoopu2601]

Supper glue work's well with leather. A couple of drops in a few spots then stitching. I made a belt to glue the end to hold the buckle in place with a pop rivit it holds really good I was going to add stitching but it hasn't came apart yet seeing how long the supper glue holds its been months.

[@eliasailor7943]

this really helped i love videos like this

[@BLAKEG1026]

Something else that makes a good beveling tool is a ladies cuticle remover tool. you can find them at Walmart in the nail clipper section!

[@happymonk4206]

I made a heavy duty needle from a metal wire coat hanger. My thread is nylon string which I use a lighter to melt or weld the tail end of a knot so it doesn't unravel

[@andrewlayne1932]

Awesome "on a budget" sheath. Great ideas here!

[@JDOCustomLeather]

+Andrew Layne Thanks

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

Always wanted to get into leather making never had anyone teach me so I’m here

[@ronhardin6429]

I liked your video and I am going to do something similar. It would have been interesting to see the completed project with the knife being placed in it.

[@MsBogdan43]

Fine totorial! Sheets very simple and goog view.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

+Bogdan Thanks

[@MeticulousShopper]

Using a drill to get those holes is so smart!

[@redspoonredspoon1298]

For marking the holes: use a fork. For oiling: a good olive oil is an effective replacement for neatsfoot oil. for coloring: try woodstain, I am doing that for years. for breaking the edges: try sandpaper if not feeling safe with using a razor. for polishing the edges: "spit and polish", i.e.v: wet the edges, then go over with a piece of coarse linen (be careful with jeans-material, the blue color tends to rub of). Then go over it with beeswax and polish it again until it is smooth and no longer sticky. Use as a tool a wellrounded piece of wood (maybe some turned wood, maybe a part from an old piece of furniture). Or use the rounded wooden grip of a tool or a piece of stag horn. Or a folding tool (plastics or bone). Or the rounded grip of a knife ...

[@jumbo4billion]

Interesting tips there, thanks

[@Vincent60657]

Thanks for this tutorial. I'm surprised that you did not wet form the leather. Keep up the great work. We are on a budget!

[@astrangeone]

I just got a new knife (an essee izula). As much as I like the original sheath, I rather not carry it like that (because it looks totally like a neck knife). I just was thinking about making a leather sheath but saw the prices for the tools and almost died from the sticker shock. This is pretty perfect. I have almost everything I need (need to go source some veg tan leather, and artificial sinew) and it's simple enough to do!

[@squintygreeneyes]

i can't finish this video, my data is running out because I'M ON A BUDGET!!

[@rpman4787]

😆🤣😂

[@rmsg7504]

I wanted to see the knife actually fit the sheath :) Otherwise, awesome! I have wanted to do this since forever... now I feel like I should just give it a go! Thanks exactly what I needed. Cheers!

[@JDOCustomLeather]

RMSG no problem

[@quinink4511]

I love the sheath it's amazing. Thank you so much 😃

[@nikolajc7617]

I guess we are on a budget, i like it.👍

[@Sgreum]

TY for the sharing video, nice tutoriel !

[@45ACP_9mm]

Good video. Last week I bought the small knife sheath kit from Tandy Leather for two reasons. One I need a sheath for a knife I found and two I want to start making things using leather. I'm new to working with leather so I don't know any techniques or have any leather tools so after I make the sheath I'll more than likely pick up the camo belt from Tandy and order some leather tools from Amazon.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks

[@OpifexSingularity]

Pretty good stitching for just marking em out like that :D

[@justanotherrat9703]

On the cheap you could make your thread line with a cheap drafting compass and mark your holes with a fork.

[@notfeedynotlazy]

Small point of discrepancy for around 1:30. Some people (me included) find it easier using an awl than a drill. Bottom line being, "whatever works for you".

[@Eyesofthasouth]

Nice video, dude. Looks good. Thanks. Cool riffage too

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks

[@bowman321123]

Great tutorial, Thanks! The finished product may not have perfect edges and stitching, but if anyone notices or complains, they are probably standing too close....just get out there an do it.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Thanks

[@robbijohnson4614]

Thank you that knowledge is invaluable 🤘

[@NeoWolfsOutdoorAdventures]

That was a cool video! I am just starting out in leather and it is expensive!! I did discover you can use a tack puller from the craft dept at Walmart to bevel the edges!! Only a few bucks!! Thanks for sharing this!

[@JDOCustomLeather]

NeoWolf No problem!

[@edmartian]

Nice work man. I wish there more "on a budget" videos for other crafts. I have one knife which I forged and I want a sheath for it. It doesn't need to be perfect (the knife sure isn't) and I don't want to buy the tools to make one piece. But I want to do it myself.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

edmartian Thanks, good luck.

[@ITSALOULOU]

Two things use an old Fork for the holes. And use shoe polish any color you like just annual letter Plus protected.

[@Africanfrogs]

The template is the hardest part in my opinion, most people don't take the time to make a proper one and waste lots of leather, I only use rubber cement on veg Tan cause it comes apart much easier if need be.

[@Peteru69]

I've been extremely conservative with my first pieces of leather. Everything is usable and I make sure I have very little waste. Making my first template was fun, but some years down the line and I realize it wasn't the best. Still better than not making one.

[@FF.-tv]

hehe:) we're on a budget!!! i love it:)

[@johnlongoria4136]

Great vid. Helped me alot getting started Thanks

[@JDOCustomLeather]

+john longoria No problem!

[@yubidubi]

Thanks for posting. Love the video.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

yubidubi Thanks!

[@hugbearsx4]

A much needed video. I'm convinced now it's not that hard to just get the function; craftsmanship brings beauty (... and also develops techniques to be employed by the beginner LOL). Would it be OK to bevel the edges by sanding?

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Yes

[@hugbearsx4]

Thanks, that's encouraging!

[@Stoney327]

Jason For others ON A BUDGET:~)))) You can buy a 3 foot length of 3/8" birch dowel rods at your local hardware store for around a buck? Any hardwood dowel will work.as an edge slicker. Cut the dowel into 3 or 4 inch lengths and slick away!! Also, wooden handles from any wooden handled tools, like screwdrivers, chisels, or files, will make a very serviceable slicker. If you get creative, you can easily file a few different sized grooves in the dowels with a rat tail or round file, just remember to smooth the grooves with some sand paper before you use it, to get a nicer burnish. The key to slicking/burnishing is heat ( friction ) and dampening the edge with water lightly before you burnish. GREAT videos, don't stop helping the newbies Jason. We all appreciate it. Dave Pappy Dave's Knives Pa. In business since 1966

[@JDOCustomLeather]

+Stoney327 Thanks

[@CeltWulfe]

Also, you can place a piece of canvas or denim around the dowel as well, it can help with burnishing.

[@michaelperkins9936]

looks good to me brother great job ! i would sport that on my old hickory!

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Michael Perkins Thanks, ya that would look good with a hickory.

[@rhino159]

Good job, enjoyed your video

[@bobbyhempel1513]

Go to a dollar store or better yet a Dollar tree and get shoe polish and leather conditioner or mink oil and a divider to use to mark your stitch line very cheap.

[@AllanO808]

You could use a piece of wood and a blunt tool to create the stitching groove.

[@1joshjosh1]

Not bad at all that's pretty good

[@JDOCustomLeather]

@@1joshjosh1 thanks!

[@ReddahMC]

Can you bevel the leather using a belt sander? I have quite a few tools for leather and such, which is great since I planned to get into knife making, and I was wondering if it would be easier to use a sander to bevel the edge of the leather

[@JDOCustomLeather]

+Reddah mc Not sure, haven't tried that, I tried sanding the edges by hand once and it didn't work very well.

[@brplatten1273]

You could also use a cuticle cutter just sharpened it just a little bit

[@pershaju]

Nice video. I've really learned a lot watching you make stuff, thank you! Why no edge slicking though? On a budget you can burnish pretty well with just water, or water + some hard hand soap, and like a pen or something for the rubbing bit. Just a thought.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

WArSonistGlad I could help, yes, you could still find another way to burnish edges but just in case someone has no way to do it's not always necessary.

[@christopherneelyakagoattmo6078]

I was thinking that you could use a vegetable peeler as an edge beveler. Mineral oil is an inexpensive leather treatment. A small 1-2oz stick of beeswax can be bought for $3-5. A hardwood dowel could burnish an edge...

[@ukonrautaironworks2541]

Do you have a video for someone who's on a budget? J/K good vid for the basics I'll have to get around to making sheathes for the blades I make.

[@paulcarr4005]

i use bees wax and soot mix gives a nice colour

[@harrybarry4158]

Shot every time he says we're on a budget

[@justinreynolds9755]

Alcohol poisoning every time you do this.

[@kurtissparling1728]

Hey I have been making a few sheaths this way now thanks for your help. For some of the sheaths when I fold it over to do the final glueing I get leather cracks on the outside of the fold at the very bottom. Any idea why and how this can be prevented in future? Thanks

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Ya that happened to me many times, it means the leather is too dry. What works the best is soaking the leather in water and and folding it over and pressing it down at the fold with your hands, do this BEFORE you add the welt. Make sure you let the leather completely dry before you add the welt.

[@jdegreef]

Let me ask : were you on a budget for this one ? :-))) Great vid and I learned a new english word : "welt" which in french is "trépointe" or "bordure" :)

[@knation92]

Thanks for the video I'll have to look at some of your other videos and see what I can do, I need to make a sheath for the knife I just made out of a brake rotor for my mom so this will help me out, if you want to see the knife I uploaded a video of it with an explanation of what I did and everything not as good of quality though

[@hernancoronel]

Thanks this was just what I was looking for! I would however be open to buy a tool or two if it makes it much better. What would you recommend to have the absolute minimal kit for making sheaths and similar things. Thanks!

[@cavemanjoe7972]

hernanc Razor knife, adjustable stitching groover, [stitching wheel (size 5 or 6) OR 4-, 2-, and 1- prong 3mm spacing diamond stitching punches & a mallet], contact cement, edge beveler (size 3), stitching needles, fine waxed thread or 1mm Tiger thread, multi-sized wood burnisher, 220-grit sandpaper, wool daubers, leather dye, carnauba creme, resolene or super sheen finish, and edge-kote in black. I might've forgot something, but I think that looks good.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

CavemanJoe that's not a minimal kit

[@cavemanjoe7972]

Jesse Schmidt It is for knife sheaths, unless you want them looking like you chewed them into shape. 😁

[@MonkeyMikeOutdoors]

Should sell starter kits, ever thought of that? that would be cool, thanks for the vid. Mike.

[@kittykat999a]

MonkeyMike Outdoors Amazon has some leather craft kits, quite a good number of tools, price is good, very good.

[@TennesseeOutdoors]

Awesome job! This helped me a ton! Had a question that I'm sure you've probably answered a hundred times already but i was wondering what kind of leather you are using, looks like pretty dang good quality, I'm new to the leather working thing and all i got is a side of oak leaf from tandy, cant remember if its 8-9oz or 9-10oz, but it doesnt cut near that well especially when beveling, seems more "porous" i guess would be the word i would use fore it, not as dense kinda thing. Didn't know if there was something youd recommend. Thanks For the Help! -Nick

[@JDOCustomLeather]

It's Tandy's premium veg tan

[@j.r7872]

GOOD VID, BROTHER!!! !!!

[@michaelr425]

Instead of a dril, could you hammer a small nail through the leather to make holes?

[@insanodeathguy2160]

Would love to have one for my mora garberg

[@remwoodz]

very nice video...thanks

[@josiahmusser4549]

Is that small hole at the bottom of the sheath intentional? For water drainage? Or was did it just get cut a little short. great video!

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Both lol.

[@josiahmusser4549]

+JDOCustomLeather haha yea I've seen people do that on kydex but I wasn't sure if leather would hold water the same way or not

[@mattbrown1277]

Great video. Thank you.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

No problem

[@LordFrito]

I bought a veg tan belly from tandy for $20 it's enough to make some sheaths just for everyone that doesn't know where to get cheap leather. Belly is a decent amount for $20 and a good thickness

[@j.wyattpayne7791]

Do you make for any style knife and what's your fee

[@fadedfangs4694]

You can buy a small leather kit with most basic tools needles wax string and a edge beveler for $26 I got 2 kits for about that much 19 piece set for about as much as the drill would cost and btw if you don't have wood glue like in the vid you can buy gel super glue that'd work for a buck at the dollar tree 👍

[@stonedape3285]

A made a prety looking sheath using a knife, a normal needle and thread that i waxed by myself, a prety thin nail and a hammer..... It looks kinda rough but is practical and it does not look complitely shit

[@lanas2259]

two questions would animal skin work? and to bevil the edges, could I use a small grinder with a sandpaper attachment?

[@cavemanjoe7972]

Lana S A well-tanned, tough hide; maybe. Grinder? No.

[@buzzandselunsupervised649]

Going to try this. I'm on a budget👏👏👍😂

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Aren't we all

[@snarfblattscuttle]

Thank you for the video.

[@JDOCustomLeather]

No problem

[@Nanchi]

I have all the tools but I didn't blue the welt ruined my first ever sheath also could you use Lin seed oil

[@cavemanjoe7972]

Nanchi Knives No, linseed oil hardens. Neats-foot oil or mink oil is best.

[@crummeyyy1]

Great video.....Thanks

[@JDOCustomLeather]

No problem

[@garyloger9416]

Thanks man.

[@victoralderete292]

Will we're definitely on a budget😂

[@JDOCustomLeather]

Yep, budget

[@nznative6615]

We’re on a budget? ... while riding a horse ... Oh no it’s not a horse? It’s a Donkey we’re on a budget! Lol through till throw you a joke but dude that’s so good you make me wonder know? Maybe I could make this for my butcher knifes thanks for that 😎👍