MAKING A SHEATH - EVERY STEP! (2019)

My name is Brad Richardson, I am a blacksmith and knife maker from northern Michigan. I share high quality videos showing off the work I complete in my shop. Follow my journey as I improve my skills as a craftsman and content creator!
MAKING THE BOWIE KNIFE:
• THE BOWIE KNIFE! - Part 1
MAKING THE FILLET KNIFE:
• THE SALMON SLICER!
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MY COMPANY: timberleeusa.com/
^ hand forged knives & useful goods ^
PERSONAL INSTAGRAM: / bradleygunnar
COMPANY INSTAGRAM: / timberleeusa
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Stay tuned for custom knives, weapons, tools and Damascus!
Thanks for watching!
-Brad

[@sloth_e]

I know this is 4 years old now but i thought id point out that the last stitch made on the belt loop where the threads went back in through the loops is a saddle stitch. Everything else is a double running stitch. Most youtube video's call the wrong stitching style a saddle stitch. A saddle stitch has that kind of knot made in the middle by feeding each thread though a loop on the opposing side before tightening the thread. Doing it that way also gives the slight angle to the stitch. Now ive got that off my chest lol. This is an outstanding instructional video. Its a real shame you didnt continue to make videos. Youre a natural born teacher. 10/10.

[@Javaman92]

I watched at least 4 videos before yours, or rather I started that many. None of them shared the level of detail that you did. If I knew about leatherworking, I wouldn't be here. So thank you for how well you taught this! I'm retired and looking for my next adventure and I think knife making will be it. A knife needs a sheath, so here I am.

[@rsev2548]

Excellent video! I sampled quite a few sheath/leather working videos but none were as succinct and thorough as this one. Your explanations are very easy to understand and you didn’t skip ANY bit of information in the assumption the viewer would have enough experience to understand. Camera angles were perfect. Great job, and thank you- I feel like could make a sheath too now LOL.

[@viktorgeorge9144]

Just wanted to compliment you on this video I’m a leatherworker/sheath maker and very rarely do I see a tutorial with such easy to follow steps. I can only imagine what your work looks like today 4 years later. Very impressed Sincerely ViktorGeorge Leather Goods Arizona

[@MonikaJordan411]

I came across your video while searching (unsuccessfully) for how to make a leather sheath for my garden shears/scissors. Found my husband’s stash of scrap leather and tools laying around his shop and thanks to your detailed video, I thought I’d give it a try! Though not a knife sheath, your steps have taught me how to make a decent (1st time) piece that looks good and will last! You’re tutorial is FANTASTIC!! Thank you so much for sharing your talents!

[@johansmith1011]

Brad what a video the best I have seen and your instructions with the different tools makes this very informative for beginners. Video angles are so clear and precise to see what you are doing. Very good thanks. Have to be off to buy tools and get a few sheaths made for my knives.

[@jameskleist4019]

You did a great job. 👍 I personally use a sowing machine or a sowing awl, but I would like to tell you what I have seen other guys do for saddle stitching is they would start at the point and stich to one end then come back 2 or 3 stitches then start again in the same place and go to the other side and do the same thing. This way you have shorter third to put through and it is double stitched at both ends.

[@jessejohns4783]

Awesome video. I watched this one back when you posted it. But I just went back and watched when I needed to make a sheath for a knife that I made for a friend of mine. This video was a huge help. I'm no where near the professional that you are, but it turned out much better because of the instruction you gave in this video. Thank you! Hope to see some more videos in the future.

[@bobgore1962]

Awesome job on the sheath, Brad!!! This is probably the best, and most informative, sheath video that I have seen to date! Thank you so much for sharing! 😎👍🏻🔨🔥🔪☯️

[@Seanoakwolf]

Excellent video, Great easy to follow information. I'm just starting on my sheath this video will help.

[@anhb4203]

Very clear instructions and nice footage. You earned another subscriber. Thanks from the Philippines.

[@glenpaul3606]

Great work and well narrated and video taped. Sheath looks terrific.

[@DennisChristiana-k3t]

1st off.. The Bowie is an Amazing work of Craftsmanship.. and the Sheath is like the Icing on the Cake!! 10+ I really think you knocked it outta the park.. would love to see that Blade in the field.. Looks like it would handle all jobs Big & Small!

[@thomaschetney990]

Excellent Job Thank You for teaching a simpler way to make and show your craftsmanship 😊

[@cristobalcarmona9856]

informative, precise, no fancy schmancy editing and clowning around, straight to the point. good very good, Thank you my boi Brad for this pure gold tutorial, Keep it up.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thanks a lot!

[@brianc8921]

Excellent detail, thanks for putting this together!

[@chaarabahmataza144K]

Thanx for this video Brad , I already busy with my own sheet for my Tom Brown Tracker and I’m using your video as a guideline to accomplish my goals with my sheet. Greetings from The Netherlands

[@manny.u1958]

Excellent video; I was making the gard of my knife, and listening all your conversations and explanation, I'm not a pro making things. "Shets"But like you I try to make them look good cheers from Tijuana/ San Diego 🙂🙂

[@courtneesdad]

Great job Brad. I love your attention to detail and the way you explain everything in your videos very informative. I have no clue how or why anyone would give you three thumbs down. Some people have no lives.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the kind words.

[@vincentcooper2659]

Very nice. Now that I am retired I would like learn a little blacksmithing and leather work. Making a knife of my own and a sheath has been a long time dream. Iv'e been collecting tools all my life and now it is time to have some fun. Thanks, Vince Cooper.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thanks for watching Vince! Smithing and leather work is a fun practice, I'm happy to help with any questions you may have!

[@LGR_LGR_LGR]

Great work,thanks for showing the template.

[@QuantumMech_88]

I had to laugh at Myself . After 51 years of making knives , my leather working "skills" still suck and a young man who makes saddles , harnesses and other leather goods makes the sheaths . Some purchasers gripe about the cost of a custom made blade and the cost and time expenditure of a very well made sheath is part of the equation . You have real talent Mr. Richardson and thanks for the lesson .

[@fsa1946]

Outstanding video Brad. I watched a lot of videos and although most all have helped me , this one is straight forward, to the point and very helpful.

[@kenr1067]

Thanks so much for your time. I'm hoping to try sheath making myself

[@ernestdavis3387]

Excellent set of instructions. .

[@haroldcotten1840]

Very good video I've started making sheaths, and your video helped and learn some pointers. Thanks

[@charlesleaf8272]

Nicely done from start to finish. My personal go-to video. Thank you,

[@sethfullerton1]

Nice stitching sir! Thanks for the tutorial.

[@johnathangrey3463]

BRAVO!!!! BRAVO!!!!! BRAVO!!!!! 🇺🇸♥️🦅😎🗽👋 HELL YEAH MAN!!!! THANK YOU!! THIS IS TRULY WHAT I REALLY NEEDED TO WATCH. ITS NO LONGER THE UNKNOWN FOR ME. THANKS MAN.

[@johnathangrey3463]

I wasn't mocking you.

[@hewlejr]

Fantastic tutorial! You are the man! That is one sick scabbard!

[@lorenray9479]

I just finished my first leather sheath. A buffalo hide fresh off the tanners rack. Long slim machete. That hide is so thick and hard!

[@greenchiliforge1059]

I'm with you Brad 10 percent on the sheath. You've helped me in the past looking forward to learning something new.

[@courtneesdad]

wayne mitchell only 10%? Lol

[@sudo_nym]

This turned out great! Top job, man 🇬🇧🤜🏻⚡️🤛🏻🇺🇸

[@jgdevoe]

Very, very nicely done. Would like to make one of these for my digger tool I use for metal detecting. I would like to bottom open a bit so the dirt off the tool will fall out the bottom, but the blade then might cut into sticking. That is where a couple of rivets might be best.

[@arcotameen3961]

Very nice, hard work pays.

[@bigchieftrucker9757]

Watched a few other videos ..they made it so complicated my head was spinning..yours was KISS Keep It Simple Stupid. Old dog taught a new trick by a very talented young dog. Thanks buddy! I will use your video to make my VERY first knife sheath. Tho I will tool a little more. I'm wonder if bees wax or saddle soap can be used to burnish the edges. lol

[@waynecurie71]

I just subbed brother and thanks for the tutorial on sheath making ill be making one for my farriers rasp bowie knife Blessings from the 🇬🇧

[@jackdawg4579]

Very nice work Brad. thanks for sharing in depth. I've just started making a couple of sheaths and videos like this are fantastic for me to pick up all the little things that make it all go smoother. (First sheath, I sowed the front before the belt loop - bit of an oops moment I wont do again!)

[@RichardsonForge]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad this video was helpful for you!

[@boriskrizan7447]

Thanks for showing a stiching in detail.

[@stuartmarkman769]

If I have any places where the belt loop may rub, I use kevlar thread that I tie flies with. It is tough and comes in many colors.

[@CandidZulu]

That tool you use to punch the holes with looks interesting. The ones I can find make elongated holes, but your look round. Are there different kinds for different jobs?

[@richardsharp6875]

Fantastic. Lots of really good information and instructions, Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@stokermeister3]

Great job with the sheath 👌😎

[@mattbarton2375]

Excellent step by step video...I'm just starting sheaths myself, and your video is a perfect tutorial. My only suggestion is to avoid the use of boiled linseed oil on your leather goods. BLO is a drying oil, along with the beeswax it's perfect for canvas...like filsons "tincloth". However, we want our leather to remain hydrated with natural oils if possible. Look into Obenauf's products, or make yourself a new wax/oil combo with an oil that will condition the leather. Still a great video and thanks!

[@lusthog1stfssg]

best sheath video ever

[@edonefleites9420]

Great instruction , great job !!!!!

[@hutttee]

Thanks for this video, perfect timing really. Just made a knife for my brother and as its pretty big, i didnt want to make a wrap around style and use such a large solid piece. i can utilize some of my scraps with this method. Will be my first sheath in this style.

[@RichardsonForge]

Glad this video was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@l.wolfm.7006]

Really nice job on the sheath. Great that you're making your own wax finish but, I have a suggestion regarding your use of linseed oil. Linseed oil is a drying oil - it actually polermerizes in contact with oxygen and is typically not used on leather for that reason. You would be better off blending your wax with either neatsfoot oil or even olive oil works great. That way you'll not seal your top grain and subsequent later additions of any product to nourish the leather will have greater and easier penetration into the leather. Just a friendly suggestion. I've been doing leather work for 30 years.

[@sanjeevdadhe5185]

Great video. You have shown the work in detail. I will be making a leather sheath for my first Kukri knife. Will use the knowledge gained from your video. I have never worked with leather.

[@kenlautsch4410]

Your leather works utterly great thanks for sharing and the tips

[@dougstanley7662]

Man you make this look so easy , "It is not " I've done a few projects and they all look like a 1st grade art project .I guess my skills will improve with time but it gets expensive making stuff that can't be used for its intended purpose.

[@blakelange7296]

Your gifted! Keep up the good work, I have learned a lot.

[@TheEqualizer-jf9ok]

What is the thickness in "oz" is the leather you're using? 10oz or 12oz maybe? Knife is gorgeous and the sheath is very well made. I learned a new techniques from you so thank you!

[@76aussieguy]

the knife, sheath and video are all equally impressive. cheers for the inspiration mate

[@michaelpcooksey5096]

Have you ever added a simple wax leather conditioner to flesh side before sewing the pre-assembled finished pieces together? i.e. Not on the stitching areas but just in the blade area.

[@mikehutchison9589]

Outstanding video!

[@coreyhopkins8994]

Nice work. Need to make a couple for my projects

[@guia118]

Good work!!!

[@DM-xo6fd]

great video, i really enjoyed watching. Beautiful sheath and such a beautiful finish.

[@davidwright4361]

Great video! That sheath looks great!

[@WHEREVER-I-ROAM]

I FOLLOWED (every step) EXACTLY the way you said, AND MISSION ACCOMPLISHED I made a PIECE of ART 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@funnyfarmdad9997]

That’s some good work son!

[@skipwatson5258]

Very nice. You do a very good job instructing. Thank you!

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you for watching!

[@OutdoorOpsWales]

Hey dude love the video what thickness leather are you using please?

[@TheMightybasstone]

Thank you for this video its Awesome...Im going to try and make a sheath for a knife i just bought..

[@davidgangte9320]

Great work👍👍

[@tj.rodriguez1400]

HEY BRAD RICHARSON ! I MUST SAY, YOU SIS AN AMAZING JOB ! ON MAKING THAT SHEATH ! I LOVED THE WAY YOU EXPLAINED, EVERT STEP, FROM THE BIGING, TO THE END !!! I REALLY ENJOYED THE WHOLE VIDEO ! AND I WANT TO THANK YOU , FOR SHARING IT WITH ME !!! P.;S. WHAT KIND OF LEATHER ARE YOU USING, AND WHAT IS THE THICKNESS ON IT ? PLEASE ! I WOU;LD REALLY APPRICIAT IT !!! THANK YOU AGAING FOR THIS AWESOME VIDEO !!

[@andreasdaroglou4208]

Congratulations on a nice job I wanted to ask you, how many millimeters thick is the skin?

[@StuffUCanMake]

There is a ton of useful info in your video. After watching this, I know I will be a better maker and KZbinr. Thanks a million!!

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you found this video helpful!

[@coltwarren]

Very nice job and a very good instruction video

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you!

[@sparkis70]

very impressive job, makes me want to move away from kydex to get into leather for my next project. thanks a lot for the video!

[@rickdowe7865]

Nice sheath, some tooling would look really nice

[@scottcarney3332]

Hi Brad, an awesome informative vid, the #100 Bowie Knife and Sheath are exceptional!! Looking forward to receiving the knife my Wife ordered for me. This #100 would be a great addition to my collection?!...but chances are your keeping this one! Keep up the great work!

[@RichardsonForge]

Hey Scott thanks for watching! This blade was actually a custom order, maybe I'll keep #200! Excited to get your blade sent over! Thank you!

[@1234554321ep67890]

Really great video Brad ! Thank you!

[@cosmicdogs1850]

beautiful work broder !!!

[@charlestaylor2499]

You made a very nice knife and shealth for it. If I may give you some advice about knife sheaths. (10 years experience) when you make the belt loop, fold and sew it to the inside of the shealth so the tanned side is facing out. It comes out looking nicer.. I'm not talking bad about your work just passing on some helpful tips.

[@AdeToz]

This is good work

[@aidanharvey738]

Very well made video

[@gunnerk19]

I just picked up a Bowie knife but I'm less than impressed with the cheap nylon sheath it came with. I have some 6-7 oz. veg tanned leather on the way and I plan on making my own. Another reason is I'm left handed and the market for southpaw sheaths is sorely lacking. I plan on taking apart the nylon one and using it as a pattern. My question is, are spacers absolutely necessary when making a sheath? I plan on wet molding it to the knife using press foam, and leaving plenty of space between the knife and the stitching (I'm also gluing it). This will be my first time trying my hand at leather crafting, so I'm hoping it's not too humbling an experience. Great video and thanks!

[@artsandantiques542]

Wow very useful tips

[@Steve_10-31]

Great job beautiful sheath awesome video helps a bunch thanks!

[@tmorgan003]

Fantastic video, thanks for the tutorial

[@wtbofnc7880]

can you provide a link for an edge beveller you used in the video? thanks

[@Stillpoint23]

Great video, thanks for taking your time and not speeding up the video :)

[@johnjensen4434]

Awesome man

[@beltxabeltxa]

Well explained, love the video

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you very much!

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Excellent job!!!

[@stuartmarkman769]

2 part epoxy also works great for thread protection.

[@jesssmith9648]

Nice job!

[@crushwings1]

Great job

[@jacobh_22]

Do you store your knives in their leather sheath? I have heard it causes rust. What do you think?

[@DaleDix]

Glued to the screen!

[@leonvaros]

A beautiful piece, congratulations.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thanks!

[@ethansandomire1110]

great vid, I have a bowie knife that I made and im making a sheath similar to yours. what size hole punches are you using, like the spacing of the tines, and the size of the fork for the thread.

[@jlpulidojr]

Great video and information. From start to finish how many hours do you put into say that particular sheath to make

[@MrJeremyfelix]

Liked the video so much that I decided to make a sheatgh for my BK-9.

[@mikerobbins795]

Who’s stitching hole punch did you use?

[@Wimmig43at339]

Good work on the sheath. Some tips: sharpen your bevellers, and oil the leather with olive oil or canola oil before staining.

[@charlesreynolds7608]

good work man!

[@danielcharbonneau222]

Hi Brad, question what oz leather are you using in this video for sheath making. I'm thinking on trying to make a sheath for one of my older knives, just don't want to get a piece of leather in the wrong thickness. I enjoyed this video, nice work.