How to Make a Leather Knife Sheath | LEATHERWORK | HISTORY |

[@gregwells8764]

now these are History lesson's I will sit through ! why weren't we taught like this ? we all remember fusty old Kings but weve all forgotten our modern History. to me the bravest and the best of us. thanks for sharing Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m pleased you find it educational, Greg, the best compliment!

[@kathymoll7010]

My husband makes knives and sheaths. It's wonderful you share your techniques so others can learn different methods. I never come away from your channel without learning something😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That’s a wonderful compliment, Kathy, thank you.

[@8626John]

Excellent video. I've done a fair amount of leather working, but there's always something new to learn.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, John.

[@stephencritchley9355]

All looks so simple - then you start - hmmm!! One can tell when a bloke loves what he does, but with you, it's universal. You must enjoy life. Happy days to you both.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Might as well, Stephen as I figure I’ll have a lot of time regretting that I didn’t, once dead!

[@robertpickett6907]

nice job Peter! turned out really nice.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Robert.

[@donbearden2618]

It's so amazing how talented you are Peter. My wife and I enjoy your videos very much. We look forward to seeing more. Also really enjoy hearing the wee bits of history behind your projects.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for the kind words, Don.

[@plutosbestpal4118]

I’ve got a friend that does wonderful leatherwork. He’s made all my sheaths for my knives. Great episode!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@jameshall5784]

As always Peter you never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and skills. Thanks again for great content.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And for your kind words, James.

[@jeffgrier8488]

Nice work on the sheath, and the knife looks great as well! Anybody would be proud to carry that!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My friend seemed pretty darn pleased.

[@HallnoutMhall]

Good friday evening Peter. Great job on the sheath. Your friend will be very pleased. Light Rain here all day and most of the weekend. I need to get out morel hunting before weeds take over. Its also turkey season aswell. I was fortunate to acquire acreage yesterday along the river to hunt artifacts. Im really excited to get out there and search. Have a blessed weekend my friend and thanks for sharing. We'll see you down the road......

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I used to belong to the archeological club in high school. There is something special about unearthing artifacts that are so old!

[@beverlymichael5830]

Beautiful work. What a special gift that will be. I once made a Bible cover from deer hide. Turned out good. Only leather work I have done. You have such great workmanship.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Covering the Bible in leather is great idea, Beverly. My friend was very pleased with the gift.

[@Blrtech77]

Peter I always enjoy learning history and watching you make things and the sheath looks fantastic! Keep up the great work and Be Safe.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Awesome, thank you!

[@alexs3447]

A wonderful gift for your lucky friend .

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

He was pretty pleased with it. Thanks for your interest, Alex.

[@kentcostello5286]

I love watching your videos because it shows our heritage please keep it up and going.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m flattered, Kent, thank you.

[@lancehenderson7249]

Great video Peter and Kathy, and a wee bit of history. Thank-you. Keep your powder dry

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Appreciate that, Lance … watch yer top knot.

[@JanTrewhitt]

Very exacting work, Peter. Your friend will appreciate how you were able to make it for him!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My friend Ryan was pretty pleased with it.

[@Eyepealer]

I love the way you explain what your doing with “ a wee bit a history”. Nice work!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Kenny.

[@robinbonaventura4951]

Nice job Mr. Pete! Your friend will certainly have a special gift! Thank you for sharing your skills and passion. Take care...Robin

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

He seemed pretty pleased, Robin.

[@hayward434]

Simple sheath, but serviceable for that knife. Well done. I hope the turkey shoot goes O.K.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Got myself my first Turkey on Wednesday… we’re allowed to purchase a second tag.

[@charleswilliams9647]

I love a wee bit of history. thanks again.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Our pleasure, Charles, glad you enjoyed.

[@richardliles4415]

It looks as though you made quite a nice knife, sheath, or your knife. Thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Richard..

[@2gpowell]

Hi Peter , great tutorial ! See ya on the next👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Gil.

[@rogerclyde2720]

Nice illustration, a good project for a relaxing afternoon. Nick made two for the knives he made for me, very nicely done. The Quill work would be interesting to learn.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve tried quill work myself but, my big old clumsy hands don’t d so well.

[@jackcook8613]

Nice sheath, Peter. That's how I made my last one.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Jack.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your live history videos

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Earl.

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you my friend and everyone else helping to make these live history videos and I watch the videos and I will continue to share the videos my friend

[@rickcooper6817]

Fine work Mr. Peter, thank you for sharing this with us. I love leather!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Rick.

[@bernadetteevans2]

Just beautiful! What a fine scabbard!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@bernadetteevans2]

@@TheWoodlandEscape You’re very welcome!

[@dowdawg]

That is gonna be a very useful yet handsome piece!! Well done!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Daniel

[@marieleopold1625]

MIGHTY fine piece of craftsmanship there 'Emperor' Peter! When I C all the time/effort/talents used in the making of this gift...truly it comes from the 'heart 2 a heart' n'est-ce-pas? We have lost very much in mass production...many now C this and 'long 4 the days of yore'! Personified so well in your person and life 'chosen'/lived. I thank Empress Catherine 4 your fine yet strong hand in filming...and the heart with which U try and succeed in sharing with us! Funny how U speak Peter of the disintegration of leather over time and yet...on the bottom of the Atlantic lies the perfectly intact leather boots of ill-fated passengers on the Titanic. Truly amazing! Only the heart can sheath a 'vengeless' (my word no apologies) knife. Hungarian proverb; "Two sharp swords cannot be in one sheath." May our knives only assist and not divide us. Health and God Bless! :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Because Ryan is a valued friend, there was no work involved in this project. The Hungarian proverb is a sound one. Pity the world couldn’t simply sheath all the swords… my feeble analogy of all weapons of war. As always Marie, such a pleasure to receive your message.

[@judyjenson2918]

I like. I had Skinner make me a little knife like yours so fun to see how he made the sheath.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

He does amazing work!

[@kingrafa3938]

Well done Peter 👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@lindaSee89]

Great job

[@kirkterwilliger6407]

Very nice Peter. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My pleasure, Kirk.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

Appreciate your efforts and dedication! Fine job. I have a big leather project I need to get on very soon. So many things need to be done in spring time. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

There never seems to be enough hours in the day my friend. Watch yer top knot!

[@ridecaptain1]

Great project both knife and sheath. I wonder what type of oil was used to preserve the Viking sheath so well. I find hydraulic oil to be the best modern day preservative for leather.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Don’t have an answer and I must say I’ve ne’er heard of hydraulic oil, I’ll have to give it a try on a scrap piece of leather. Thanks for sharing.

[@waltsimonson2556]

And I always thought a welt was something you got from your parents , when miss behaving . But now I finally know what a welt is . Thank you , I really didn't know it was a strip of leather , or what it was for . Always love a we bit of History too .

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Few of us of our vintage don’t remember the odd welt!

[@ianandresen2326]

Nice video! Sorry I missed your outing with the 49th! Yes that would have been fun! Are going to Stoney Creek this year? I have that weekend off but I am not going there. If you are available, I would like to drop by.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Ian. Cathy and I are heading for the NWT and the Yukon for the summer. Probably leaving around the first of June. Perhaps this fall.

[@lae52]

Nice video. I'm almost surprised that your knife broke the baling machine. I was curious what and how you were going to do the rawhide. I've messed around some with rawhide to make sheathes. So far, I'm happiest with rawhide hawk sheathes. All I do is mold the wet rawhide around the hawk and apply pressure while it is drying. They're not elegant but they are a good alternative to modern Kydex if you need to pack a hawk in a pack somewhere.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, David and that’s a great idea.

[@steveorion6185]

Merci mon Ami !

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My pleasure, Steve, glad you enjoyed.

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Peter great video, the knife looks great. How about the tools your using? Whats the round wood that you where rubbing with???? and why. Maybe add a list of tools used???? Cathy keep him in line! Be Safe! IIByrds

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Hey Larry, that is a great sea. The tapered tool is a burnishing tool, it smooths and polishes cut edges.

[@richardmeyers8781]

Peter thanks for the reply back. I am looking for ways to repair old powder horns to give them a second life. I only want to use materials that they would have had access to in the day. That means no modern glues , epoxy etc. I find many that only the butt plug is the problem i.e. a small air leak. I would like to visit but Ohio is I would guess quite a drive. Thanks again.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wet rawhide laced around weak ares often works. Some existing pieces show us this method as well as thin copperplate attached with tacks. I have one the that needed a wrap near the neck and it worked perfectly.

[@larryreese6146]

Ive made several knives and sheaths out of 0-1 steel, tempered with a torch. Enough to know theres no money in making them. I usually do is make them with a brass hilt. The sheath usually comes part way up the handle with no belt loop on it. Its designed partially like a plains indian sheath with an integral part of the sheath acting as a loop. The belt goes over the sheath towards the bottom of the knife handle so that it can be carried right or left. It rides high and tilted forward in a reverse fashion. Inside the sheath i put a bump of leather that snaps behind the hilt when the knife is pushed inside. With a 4 and a half inch blade its as unobtrusive as a pocket knife

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You certainly sound like someone who knows what their talking about!

[@larryreese6146]

@@TheWoodlandEscape a little, Peter. I'd grind out the shape, temper, then grind on a belt grinder with several different grits, a brillo belt, and buff om a buffing wheel. By the time I got through I had more material and time in a blade than it was worth. I sold several for a hundred a pop in the 80s but still couldn't come out. But I will say this, not only would they shave but you could put a shaved hair on your thumb nail and dice it like a carrot. I still have one that I've carried for years. The sheath is worn and so is the blade but it's big enough for whitetail and a whiz on small game and fur. If I knew where to send it, I'd send you a picture of the knife and sheath. Might give you an idea or 2 you could use on your more traditional knives and sheaths.

[@richardmeyers8781]

Thanks that's one of the methods I have used. I hate to go that far if it a small leak. I feel it covers up so much of the beautiful history sometimes. I would rather try to seal from the inside first. I just need to find a natural sealer/adhesive that will flow at a fairly low temperature.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Let me know what you find!

[@awol5626]

Thank you, I am having difficulty to purchase or source leather, any recommendations for Southern Ontario

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Tandy Leather, Canada. They will have everything you need and lots you don’t.

[@jeremiahmccutcheon3234]

I love your videos . I just can’t get enuff. I always come back and rewatch them. Keep up the good work

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We are honestly flattered!

[@tgduo5770]

I just love that hunting shirt you’re wearing! Where did you find it?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We sew most of our historical clothing and often dye them as well.

[@tgduo5770]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Wow that’s wonderful! Do you take orders?!😄

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

@@tgduo5770 we don’t. I’m afraid. Figure if we start selling stuff our passion would become a job. I do appreciate your interest.

[@gschwendinger]

Really enjoyed this. Thanks very much. I like the idea of the rawhide liner. How is that incorporated?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Essentially it is simple stitched as an inner liner with the stitches on the spline of the blade,the opposite side from the blade.

[@gschwendinger]

@@TheWoodlandEscape thanks very much. Makes sense.

[@dragonslayer7587]

Well done as always! Just wondering if you are going to embroider or stamp initials in the sheath? That knife is stunning!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m going to make my own makers mark foe both steel and leather. Thanks for the kind words.

[@wanderlustjake]

Thank you to you both for adding sharing another interesting video. Two quick questions: First, do the notches on the back of the knife blade serve a purpose or are they decoration? (The knife is very nice!) Do you have any reading recommendations for knife making or blacksmithing? I just acquired an anvil and am investigating forges. You are inspiring the will to learn. Thank you for your time.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Be careful, Jake, once you start banging steel you quickly become addicted. The notches serve as a safety feature . With the thumb resting on them there is very little chance u slipping your l fingers up the blade. As to books, they are expensive and there are lots of absolutely great tutorials ( much better than mine) on KZbin. Appreciate your interest.

[@richardmeyers8781]

Peter do you know where one could get a small quantity of spruce pitch? I have looked on internet to no avail. Watched your series on canoe building noted that you make your own. Thanks for any help. No spruce where I live.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve never seen it sold commercially but, if you ever visit, I’ll load you up. What are you planning to do with it? You can purchase pine pitch or what is often referred to as brewers pitch for things like lining leather canteens, coating the sinew that holds arrow heads and fletching on arrows, etc.

[@mikesherman4565]

I would like to see the finished sheath oh howdid the power horn turn out

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ll be showing the finished horn once Robert has completed his amazing scrimshaw on it.

[@jmt6615]

👍👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@craigcook1571]

Utzi the iceman had a sheath for his flint knife made out of hand made twine. There was a guy that made a copy of it I saw on utube years ago

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ll have to research that video, thanks for sharing.

[@craigcook1571]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I’m getting old, I can’t remember where I saw it. It was interesting though.

[@kevinharding2099]

When I made my knife sheath I used melted wax to stiffen it and make it waterproof.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do as well, Kevin it works great.

[@davidprocter3578]

I have noticed you like your leather work and have put out several videos on the subject. Anyway occurred to me that a third hand would make your life much easier, ?I was thinking along the lines of those tall pole type vices you see in blacksmith shops only smaller of course and made from wood, I dare say you know someone who could teach you how to produce wooden threaded rod etc which would be the most difficult part clamped onto an appropriate sized stool it could grip your work so as to free both hands for sewing one needle in each hand imagine how quickly you could get through a seam. I would not mind betting similar vice patterns might be found in museums.

[@elund408]

its called a stitching pony or a stitching horse depending on if you sit on it or just put it on the table top.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A leather bench vise would be wonderful, I think I’ll make one.

[@Ilikeit616]

Howdy Peter Nice sheath .....Made one many years ago for a " Bowie " type knife ... like you said leather does not last ,the so called " leather " it came with died quickly . The one I made , wish I had thicker piece , still is as good as it was about 40 years ago .... I rub bees wax on the inside before assembly and on the outside ... just about 100% water proof .. You were lucky finding your knife .... do you still have it ? Sheaths has been around almost as long as I have ....lol

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do indeed Bruce. Wax always works great on leather.

[@DavidOConnell-t9n]

Is there a chance you could do an episode on making a neck knife sheath? Thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You bet, probably in the winter, that’s the time I have to work on such projects. Thanks for planting the seed.

[@DavidOConnell-t9n]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I really appreciate it. Thank you

[@neanderthalnonsense]

Really nice video. Id really like to see a center seam sheath knife build. Also when using buckskin for a knife sheath would it be better to use a buckskin that hasn't been broken well during the tanning process? Maybe the stiffer leather would add some rigidity? Just a thought I am about to start my deer hide tanning journey this weekend. Thanks for sharing the video!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Good luck on your first attempt. Don’t get discouraged if your first doesn’t turn out perfect, it will certainly be usable. Sometimes getting them perfectly soft is very hard and do use the stiffer parts for projects like bullet bags or even shooting bags. Not sure I’d use it on a nice sheath.

[@neanderthalnonsense]

@@TheWoodlandEscape will do. Thanks for the information!!

[@victortuten4399]

Thank you for the lesson. Now, opinion time. Let's go back further, to the stone age. Do you suppose they used anything to protect their blades or do you think they just made more? As scarce as obsidian or even flint is in some parts of the world I am betting they cared for their blades. As you say leather breaks down easily and does not survive well in or on the ground so all traces may have been lost but I am sure they had something. They had sense enough to sew clothing I am willing to bet they had some protection for their blades. Even if it was a special pocket sewn into their clothing or a small haversack. Thoughts?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It would be pure speculation but, I certainty agree with your theory, Victor. Their tools were very sharp, often brittle and very time consuming to make, so it stands to reason that they would have made something to carry them in. No doubt, not that much different than what we know as a knife sheath.

[@victortuten4399]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Didn't mean to do another reply but I just read an article on Otzi the frozen hunter they found in the melting mountains a few years ago. They have dated him back 5300 years. They found a tool BAG on him that included a dagger, an end scraper, a borer, a flake, an antler retoucher and two arrowheads (plus the arrowhead still embedded in his shoulder) He had a wicker sheath for his flint dagger! Seems like the question was answered, I just didn't know where to look. Yes, I KNOW he was from the beginning of the copper age but every tool he had with the exception of his copper ax was stone and still reflected the older age.

[@boscodog4358]

How do you attach it to your belt?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

In the era we portray they were carried tucked into the waist sash.

[@wenrayhopkinswong9307]

Idk why but this video only shows up in the tutorials playlist and not anywhere else

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is still a draft. It shouldn’t have been anywhere. It will be published on Friday.

[@MrOj53]

I turn seventy this year, have carried a knife since I was six. Sweden has introduced a new knife law in which I got caught one day when I was in town, a couple of thousand in fines. I think like the old people on the Faroe Islandsa man without a knife is a naked man

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Naked indeed, Ola. I turn 70 next week and I’ve carried a knife all my life.

[@greggdougherty8992]

"A knife is what separates humans from critters". I'd say it's more then Just that. But the statement persists.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve never heard that one before, Gregg, thanks for sharing.

[@heru-deshet359]

I've made several leather sheaths and other items, but I cheat. I use old unusable leather coats and carpenter belts that are already tanned and treated.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Nothing wrong with recycling old stuff … my go to if I have it.

[@jtsterry]

❤😊😊

[@tomsmith4907]

Its hard to believe but i have vietnam war era collectables from both american military and local vietnamese tools ....some the leather is already falling apart...it can last forever if somone is around to care for it but it dont take long to degrade! and there are a lot of conditioners and treatments that do more damage than the help! there are a lot of snake oil products...do your research for your specific type of item before using just any product on leather.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Very true, like many things and products these days, there is a whole lot of smoke oil out there! If one researches and find things from the 1700 and 1800’s you can be pretty much assured that they work.

[@stephankramb204]

I think i'll do it youre way sometimes.

[@elund408]

So "long knife" was the start of the modern " big knife big idiot "

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Perhaps!

[@brandonfigueroa7399]

Good episode, but its was too short. 20 minutes or more please. if you need some filler just go for a hike and use the knife and sheath in the field.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you. The length is a perplexing thing, some say too long and some say too short.