Making an Adjustable Cross Draw Leather & Kydex Survival Knife Sheath Leather Working ASMR

Let's make an EVEN MORE complicated leather knife sheath! This time with laced edges instead of sewn. I had the idea for this sheath with adjustable angle position for cross draw carry. I used line 20 snaps on a Kydex plate to isolate it from the movement of the belt loops. It can be adjusted almost a full 45 degrees: From straight 90 degrees to almost horizontal. A bit of a Rube Goldberg? Maybe. But it actually works exactly how I imagined it. The only change I would make would be to use black snaps instead of the silver. But I was making this with literally what I had on hand. The knife this time is a Cold Steel OSI Sub Hilt.
Thanks to Tandy Leather for sending me some samples of their new brass stamp line!
My laser is the excellent xTool P2 55W CO2
Below is a link for saving a few bucks purchasing a P2 direct from xTool. I was given this code to pass on to my viewers when I first received the the laser. Hopefully it still works:
www.xtool.com/pages/deposit-o...
follow me on instagram @roadagentleather

[@6Sally5]

I love everything about your videos…the quality of the camerawork, the soft background music on loop, the sound of the work, the lack of talking, and of course, the unbelievable craftsmanship! I watch your vids for hours…calms and inspires.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@antonygattis1211]

Man, that's probably the coolest stitching I have ever seen.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! I learned that weave from another KZbinr, John Zhu. He hosts a woodworking/leather channel.

[@ronaldmathis8849]

Agreed, that stitching was awesome.

[@dirtyshirtinfo]

😎👍

[@truth-Hurts375]

Those overhand stitching is NOT going to last long if you cary this knife on a daily basis...its a beatifull wall hanger !!!

[@joseguzman6976]

Another Masterpiece. Sir, you are the true definition of a Master Craftsman. I am in Texas, and I would die to order a piece from you.

[@likeepetronijevic9928]

this kind of quality and feeling for every detail is rarely found.. I wish you to be alive and well, my friend, and to make many more works of art like this from the bottom of my heart

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much!

[@djmccathran]

It’s always a great day when Road Agent uploads a video!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Morning! Thanks!

[@Dynamytguy]

Agreed. My favorite KZbin channel for sure.

[@davidjftooley]

I really like how you incorporate the Lazer system into your work.

[@tammycox9789]

I love watching your videos they are so relaxing and the background music is so soothing and peaceful.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad you like them!

[@fordfan3179]

I realy like the idea of jazzing up kydex.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@h2odog45]

Beautiful workr. Such attention to detail and design. The woven edge is quite unique and amazing'

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much! And thanks for subscribing!

[@kurtacusmaximus5616]

This is one of the slickest designs I’ve seen. I love the adjustable angle.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@Richard-mz7qu]

Outstanding! It's no wonder why Tandy sent those tools, best advertising ever! That is an awesome knife too. Thank you sir.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@rymnzz]

this paired with Kyle Royer Knives.... perfection

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Just checked out the website. Wow! ... I could never afford it ... but wow!

[@theduelist04]

I was totally mesmerized by this. I think your sheath is worth about thirty times more than the knife.........

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@johnrisher3007]

I really like your work. I learn a lot when I watch your videos. Thank you

[@TUeltzen]

That is awesome. I love the stitching. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@hellorin]

as a leatherworker, i can appreciate the innovation. good job! thank you for sharing an amazing technique

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much!

[@wyomingwright]

The leather stitching was awesome. I would like to see how it’s tied off. I would rather have two Chicago screws to adjust the carry angle, but that’s because I don’t like snaps. You make the tooling look easy. I know it’s not. Really great work!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I may just make a short video on performing this particular weave. Make sure to subscribe to get the notification!

[@DreamsofAmber]

This dude is an old world master craftsman in the future! Just wow!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching. And thanks for subscribing!!

[@michaelcaldwell8090]

Because of your skill and design, I take many tips from your videos. I really liked the Tandy Brass Triweave (8900-05). Unfortunately, they have pulled it from production. I couldn't find one, so I contacted Tandy Customer Service. She found the last one in a Ft.Worth store. I was able to order it. and am proud to have it in my collection. Thank you for your videos and tips.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

They have?! Weird; they just started selling them. Thanks for watching!

[@geraldstamour1312]

Dope AF results, @RoadAgentLeather! I also feel that the knife would look great in black as well!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@DreamsofAmber]

Wow this is the nicest coolest sheath ive never seen!

[@gavinritz6981]

Crickey you’re brilliant

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Ha. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@powers1776reset]

So very impressive!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you!

[@dewayneharrison2276]

INCREDIBLE and STUNNING work!!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelschwartz8922]

I have no words!!! Epic

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardhenry1969]

Beautiful work. Really I’m amazed at the design. Your attention to detail is excellent.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much!

[@boneslager3912]

You do very beautiful work and I Love that sheath.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much!

[@marcosalfredoorteganoriver4268]

I remember when I was young and my dad taught me that art. Too bad I was able to continue with that beautiful profession 😢😢😢

[@dennislong9579]

Beautiful job.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you!

[@maiko7772]

dang !!!!!!! amazing work again

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! Ans thanks for the subscribe!

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

beautiful sheath and awesome knife

[@mikeboone4425]

Exceptional workmanship the lacing is beautifully done there is one thing I would suggest on the lacing oil it every year without fail . The angel adjustment clever . I've done in the past but not with snaps just a slot cut in a radios just for people to pick what angle they wanted with certain blades then I would make the sheath accordingly with angled belt loop. I also put it on an adjustable strap running down from the belt to find there sweet spot for handle distance from the belt . A lot of people like there knife handle at arm's length, most do not in all my years like there knife handle at the hip. I used to us the adjuster for every customer they loved being able to see and feel the the knife purchase. You do wonderful work with a very neat mind for order very unusual for leather worker keep on doing what your doing . Happy trails

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! And thanks for the subscription! I think for a cross-draw sheath, on the hip makes more sense as it would be hard to reach across your body and grab a knife lower on your thigh. I was looking at it more like a sword scabbard. Yes! I thought about a slot myself, but decided the snaps would be easier/faster to make adjustments on the fly while wearing. As mentioned in the video description, the only thing I would change is to use black snaps instead of the silver ones.

[@mikeboone4425]

For sure on the cross draw to be honest I think I've made 3 cross draws in all it must not be to popular with hunters i have zero combat customers those days are past us . Happy trails. @@RoadAgentLeather

[@09rg]

Excellent work beautiful stitching👍

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you so much 😊

[@mooneagle4772]

You do incredible work

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@cozmoos]

Cool idea.

[@jeffallen3382]

That turned out awesome as usual!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks again!

[@waynemcmanus2634]

great idea!!!!!!

[@preacherman85379]

The tri leaf worked out perfectly, a really nice sheath

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks 👍

[@RoadAgentLeather]

...and thanks for the subscribe!

[@marioblanco9830]

Un excelente trabajo en cuero...felicitaciones.

[@josebravo6674]

Impresionante. Un trabajo impecable... 👏🏼👏🏼

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@glenstokes3970]

Nice craftsmanship

[@RoadAgentLeather]

thanks!

[@thumpershd]

A great design, I like the new stamps and have to agree with others, that edge stitching looks fantastic!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks so much. And thanks for the subscribe!

[@ADVBear]

Outstanding.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@CruxCrusis]

I love Spanish basket weave on edges. If I may make a suggestion though. Look up Perma lock lacing needles, they are so much easier to use then those alligator type needles. Plus they are better built.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for the subscribe! I've seen those at Tandy but have never tried them. I'll have to check them out!

[@gustavoandrade4710]

wow, amazing. thank for share. big hug from cordoba, argentina

[@kevinpitts17]

I'm so happy to have stumbled across your channel I knew I was a fool to have thought I was the only one who thought to use my laser with leather

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for subscribing!

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff mate 👍

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for the visit

[@joseph71345]

Beautiful

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you

[@torontoalwaysrocks]

Very cool!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@German.A777]

increíble cómo siempre 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Dynamytguy]

The braid stitch was very cool. Another awesome project. You should consider a side hack as a knife model.😅😅😅

[@lexmarkrp]

Not usually a big fan of Kydex or lace but that looks awesome. Great job

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I appreciate that! And thanks for subscribing!

[@NomadShadow1]

Interesting, i like your solution to making an adjustable cant.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad you like it

[@donmarion8808]

Gorgeous..

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you! 😊

[@user-dk8vu4gq3w]

عمل متقن و رائع الصنع

[@dustyak79]

I’d of gone with a set of those plates for different angles. Have the mounting point serviceable by being screwed in. Chances are you’re not changing it all around on the fly and the added protrusions could have some comfort issues plus it would look more pleasing to the eye

[@RoadAgentLeather]

valid point. Thanks for watching!

[@dillonpropst1454]

“That’s not a knife… that’s a knife!”

[@DreamsofAmber]

You know this guy paid close attention in shop class!

[@thomasd9237]

That's kinda cool 👍👍 Unfortunately most regular humans don't have a laser machine in their back pocket ☹️

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@Semerich_Knives]

Nice job, Man 👍

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! 👍

[@RoadAgentLeather]

...and thanks for the subscribe!

[@MASI_forging]

Nice work dude. That knife is beautiful and looks incredibly comfortable in he hand👍👍

[@RoadAgentLeather]

thanks!

[@jamestilley9365]

I'm curious about the knife as well, who makes it?

[@nicholaswillcox]

I love the integratio of kydex and leather together. I hope to start doing the same soon. Would love to learn some way to make custom throat snaps in kydex then leather exterior. I saw you do it on one video and was completely facinated. Amazing work as always.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Kydex can be finicky to work with. But it's very strong and that's why I prefer to use it. I have considered 3D printing them in PLA or PETG. The benefit it here is even higher levels of customization. It's another idea I have in the back of my head for a future video.

[@nicholaswillcox]

Looking forward to it. My 3d printer is highly modified and I definitely need to get some more use out of it. That is going to be an exciting experiment to see!@@RoadAgentLeather

[@maddawgnoll]

I love my brass stamps. They tend to be a bit more delicate, taking damage easier if they're dropped for example. They do tarnish if you haven't used them in a while and that'll leave a dark stain. I've learned. Whack a couple stamps into a scrap piece before going into your project.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

good tip!

[@DreamsofAmber]

American made excellence!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for the comments!

[@Grandcentralgoods]

Would absolutely love to watch a video on how to properly make patterns on illustrator. I get soooo lost!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Noted! Although I would have to figure out a way to make it more interesting for subscribers who are primarily watching for the leatherwork. A pure Adobe Illustrator tutorial may be boring for them.

[@osker4738]

Damn i wish i could buy that right now

[@minerblue9641]

Wow! Nice work and nice everything else. You have just turned leatherworking on its ear. And I do believe this is just your amature stage! What are you going to be doing a year from now? I'll watch every video from now on like I've been doing in the past. 👍 Keep up the good work sir!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks and will do!

[@monzon529]

Thats bad ass.

[@Cetrifuga1945]

Veramente sublime una belezza

[@johnhoward3516]

Very nice work ! Like the lacing, I've been doing a lot of Mexican round braid on a lot of items with the kangaroo lace but never seen it done like ya went about it ! Very nice . Will have ta give it on a try on a sheath I'm about ta make , as always thank you for sharing your skills and how you go about making yours ! Wish I was down in Waco show , NOT this go round .reddoc custom leathers Chicago...

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! Always nice to hear the videos have inspired others.

[@TheJohn93226]

The coolest sheath I've seen in a long time! Can this one be ordered from you? 🤩❤

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Hi! Thanks! Unfortunately, I'm unable to take custom orders at the moment.

[@jimmydukes2692]

Sure would like to purchase that knife and case

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@juliangonzales2916]

Saludos buen trabajo👍👍👍

[@jessefrazier9263]

Oh now your just showing off. In all seriousness amazing work my guy i hope someday i can try to replicate this. If thats alright.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

ha. Thanks for watching!

[@kcg3927]

Very nice work, this man is definitely thinking outside of the box... If I were a younger man, I'd come work for free, just for the experience...

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I appreciate that!

[@dillonpropst1454]

I’m sure you’ve seen this already, but Tandy featured your knife sheath on one of their emails promoting the new stamps! Congrats!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Hi! Thanks! Yeah, I knew they were going to do something with it. Do you have a link?

[@dillonpropst1454]

Sorry, I thought it was an email but it was a text thread 😬 it looked nice though! It was a pretty cool GIF

[@edgell3]

Wow! That is a beautiful piece. I love the integrated snaps for adjustability. Have you though about incorporating that into a cross draw gun holster? I think that would be an industry changer. I agree in one of your replies, black snaps would make the system pop. What is the dye color. It looks like a fifty/fifty mix of light brown and mahogany. It makes the piece stand out. Any other color just would not work. Like everyone else the stitching is a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! And thanks for subscribing! I actually tried this on a holster. It was the original concept for the IWB holster video I uploaded in July. It didn't really work, so I just made a regular holster instead. You have a good eye! Yes, that jar is a thinned mix of mahogany and something else (probably russet). I made a holster/belt rig back in September and mixed up too much dye. You can see it on my Instagram. I've been trying to use that jar up ever since.

[@CampfireKodiak]

Impressive video! What an creative design: a sheath with an adjustable angle! I wonder if you could face the kydex with thin leather to improve the looks? Especially with wood or antler knife scales.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for the subscribe! That angle piece with the snaps was originally going to be leather. But I decided that it wouldn't be ridged enough. Additionally, I was concerned about how thick the whole sheath was getting. Maybe if they sold Kydex in faux-leather colors and patterns....

[@CampfireKodiak]

@@RoadAgentLeather Yes, or you could make the entire build all black.

[@fhvchgjcc8051]

Отл работа супер)

[@user-dh6mo3bp8v]

Thank you for the video. I am curious about the spacing between the needle holes.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching! My hole spacing is pretty tight on this one -- was going for a particular look. Only 2mm between them.

[@user-dh6mo3bp8v]

@@RoadAgentLeather you are an artist 😊😊

[@ronaldowens9165]

You are just too good love your work can we buy 😊

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for the subscribe! Unfortunately I'm unable to take custom orders at the moment.

[@mangoman9290]

Beautiful piece! What stain are you using at 24:28? looks very easy to apply and thinned down but still gives a rich colour.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! I used a blend of Fiebings dye. I think it was russet and mahogany. And it was thinned down with alcohol.

[@TwoWitchyMoons]

This came out gorgeous! Curious as to what the saddle soap does for the leather. I've only seen one other person do that process and I wasn't sure what it was for.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching! It's a trick I learned when I was a kid. The soap lubricates the leather fibers. Makes it more pliable. This helps when using a swivel knife and to make better stamp impressions. It also slows down the drying time.

[@TwoWitchyMoons]

@@RoadAgentLeather ahh that makes sense! The other video had stamping too so that was the only think I could think of. Thanks for the info!

[@flmoose1]

Hi. I'm curious what you do about the charring of the edges and stitching holes you get when using the laser. I'm always having to pay special attention to cleaning them or my thread gets black. Even after cleaning the holes, i still get dingy thread.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Not sure if this helps, but I dampen the leather before putting it in the laser. This is mostly to help it lay flat, but it may help a bit with the charing. I usually just wiped the edges down with a damp paper towel. What type of thread are you using? I think it's just an inherent issue that has to be dealt with.

[@flmoose1]

@@RoadAgentLeather i generally use Ritza thread. I've never tried dampening my leather. Also I use an xTool D1 Pro that's a diode laser versus your CO2 xTool. Not sure if that reduced char

[@iamnoone.]

Your work is next level. I have a question about the soap and the plastic bag. What does it do to the leather?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

It called 'casing'. It's to prep the leather for tooling. The soap helps the process a bit, but not necessary.

[@iamnoone.]

@@RoadAgentLeather thank you

[@kakaaikido]

😊 ❤

[@user-vk4ll8rk2w]

Гарна робота,все зроблено супер.Яка ціна його буде?

[@Mudsuitable]

I can't believe I've never heard of this channel before, you are a true artisan. I have a Fallkniven bowie I'd like to have a custom inverted shoulder strap sheath made for it, is that something you'd be interested in doing?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! Unfortunately I'm unable to take custom orders at the moment.

[@Mudsuitable]

@@RoadAgentLeather I figured that much, you must be extremely busy with talent like yours. Keep it up!!

[@pip.pip.magrip142]

Love the pattern for this one. How do you prepare your leather for tooling? It comes out looking so good

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! I case the leather with water and glycerin saddle soap and let sit in a bag for a few hours before tooling.

[@pip.pip.magrip142]

Awesome, thanks man. I'll definitely have to try that out. Thanks again.@@RoadAgentLeather

[@scrqqge]

Is this a legend of zelda background tune?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Nah, just something from Adobestock audio . . . I don't THINK it's a Zelda tune?

[@scrqqge]

@@RoadAgentLeather i think it is, but no matter it was nice

[@jakubowsianski1201]

This design is great, buti have to ask do you worry about the snaps? They can wear, and they holdind strenght will reduce over time, do you think, can it happen?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for the subscription! Worried? Not really. I designed it so that there's always two snaps holding it in place. And on this particular item I can't imaging there'll be enough adjusting that it wears out the snaps. :)

[@Ryker2608]

where do you get your custom stamps made?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Hi. I purchase most of my tooling from either Tandy Leather or Pro Leather Carvers. The stamp I used on this sheath was from Tandy.

[@likeepetronijevic9928]

you are not a master..you are an artist.congratulations

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@Hayscooper1862]

What is the step where you put a product on the leather and then in a plastic bag? what is it for and how long does it stay in the pocket? What is it as a product? The case is beautiful as usual ^^ I love Cold steel too

[@RoadAgentLeather]

The casing? It's for preparing the veg-tan leather to accept tooling. It's just plain water to moisten it. The saddle soap helps with the process . . . but it's definitely not something most people do. I leave it in the bag for a couple of hours. Some people leave it overnight (though I haven't found that necessary). There's lots of info on the web and on KZbin about casing leather so I typically don't focus on it. Just show it as part of the construction process.

[@Hayscooper1862]

@@RoadAgentLeather The knife sheath. Sorry autocorrect.. ok I just humidify it with a spray. thank you for the answer

[@theColdFramer]

Ok, I’ve seen you do the saddlesoap, leather in bag casing, the only answer I always hear is well it’s properly cases…ok but that’s subjective- what’s the real practical reason? Also how long do you usually leave it in the bag?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

It's an old trick I learned. The saddle soap helps lubricate the leather fibers: This makes carving with a swivel knife easier (if you're using one) and helps make the leather more pliable, which results in better stamp impressions. It also slows down the drying a bit. But it's something definitely not everyone does. I leave it in the bag for a few hours. Some people leave it overnight; but I've never found that necessary.

[@MJ_IND]

hello your videos are an inspiration, could you tell me the name of the song you use in the background?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! The soundtrack is "Jaracanda" from the iMovie audio library.

[@Buckeyebob]

why did you not show us how you finished the lacing? I wanted to see how you completed it.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I suppose I was focused on just showing the gist of the weave pattern itself. There's so many different styles. This particular method of lacing up the edges may make a good video in itself.

[@chrhadden]

oh damn i could have been using my computerized cutting lazer why didnt i think of that.......

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for subscribing! Yes! Lasers have really opened up new possibilities in the craft. Just the trick of cutting a wood tooling frame to prevent the leather from spreading out of shape is worth the cost alone.

[@alexanderkovalenko8233]

Дивовижна робота, посто шедевр

[@user-eh6mq3yw7y]

Прекрасная работа !!! Минус один данной системы крепежа ножен она рассчитана на худых и стройных людей , человеку с животом данная система не подойдёт ,живот будет мешать 😂 Творческих успехов !!!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!