Trying to make my own custom sheath for my new Surge.

ARROWHEAD · **on:** June 22, 2008, 06:18:25 PM

Well, I've searched high and low for a quality leather sheath that will fit my needs. I don't particularly like the leather sheath that came with my Surge. I like to carry my AA maglite with my multi tool and the stretch fabric used on the leatherman sheath requires two hands to re-install. I also prefer a belt clip instead of removing my belt to carry it.

On Saturday, I made a trip to my local Leather Factory and picked up some leather and supplies to attempt to make a sheath from scratch. I read a few articles on the net on how to make a leather sheath and thought I'd try. Most of the articles were for knives but I guess the same principle applies.

I spent about six hours yesterday measuring, cutting out templates, and shaping some leather pieces. I made a wooden mold to represent my Surge for shaping the leather. I got pretty far along today. I hope to have time to stitch it up today.
Alfred

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2008, 09:14:54 PM

Here is the wood mold I made to shape the leather the way I wanted. It is 1 x 2 with radius corners at the bottom. This is just slightly thinner than the Surge, but I think will work.
The patterns are just paper with layout lines. I had to shape the leather before I had a final size for the templates.
Alfred

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2008, 09:23:04 PM

I also cut some scrap 1 x 1 to help with shaping of the leather. You can get the idea on how I used everything. The "wooden" Surge is inside and I mostly used my hands in forming and shaping the leather as you see. I started to use some spring clamps to help hold the material in place while I shaped the leather. The leather is soaked in warm water to soften for a couple of minutes. When saturated, the leather takes the shape surprisingly well. After a while the spring clamps got in the way and just mostly used my hands. It took a while but I got the shape to stay like I wanted.

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2008, 09:29:26 PM

A rare look at how the surge will rest in its new home.
I used the wood strips to help with molding the leather. This is how I clamped the leather but only used it temporarily since the leather wrinkles underneath and needs massaging for a smooth corner.

DaveK · **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2008, 01:26:08 AM

That is brilliant Arrowhead, I like your choice of colour for the leather - like the old Wave sheath! Do you do this kind of thing for a living?

I wouldn't have a clue how to take on something like this. I find myself waiting for the next installment on your post and I can't wait to see the end result.

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2008, 03:39:39 AM

Quote from: DaveK on June 23, 2008, 01:26:08 AM

That is brilliant Arrowhead, I like your choice of colour for the leather - like the old Wave sheath! Do you do this kind of thing for a living?

I wouldn't have a clue how to take on something like this. I find myself waiting for the next installment on your post and I can't wait to see the end result.

Thanks Dave. This is just one of the many things I thought I could tackle myself. Fortunately, this looks like it will work out favorably.
The leather is a pretty nice color although it is natural. It will stain easily. Even now, the oils from my hands show on the surface. I have some black dye to try on prototype-1. I gave my dad a Surge for Father's Day as well and he wants a black sheath (prototype 1). He wants a belt loop on his sheath.
Mine will probably be black as well but mine will have a belt clip.
I didn't get a chance to stitch it today. I read it was best to dye the leather first and then stitch and finally trim off access leather for a uniform shape.
I cut out a second set for my sheath. I added the snaps, trimmed material closer to the final size, and prepped for dying.
More photos to come.
Alfred

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2008, 04:01:55 AM

The forming of the tool holster turned out better than even I expected, I thought I'd get a little fancy and formed the Maglight holster for each light.

I used my mock up light and stretched the leather around it, then let it dry.

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2008, 04:08:12 AM

I've got a couple questions.First,what thickness is the leather?Is there an optimal thickness for working it? Are you going to do any tooling on your sheath when it's completed?

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #8 on:** June 23, 2008, 04:18:18 AM

Pictures of some cut-outs. My thumb and finger are hurting right now. I am only using a sharp x-acto knife to cut through this tough material.

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #9 on:** June 23, 2008, 04:25:17 AM

Quote from: Bison56 on June 23, 2008, 04:08:12 AM

I've got a couple questions.First,what thickness is the leather?Is there an optimal thickness for working it? Are you going to do any tooling on your sheath when it's completed?

The material is specified as 5/6 oz weight material. I think it refers to wt. per sq ft. The thickness is at 1/8" thickness.
I am not going to tool the leather. Plain is just fine for my taste.
Alfred

Anthony · **Reply #10 on:** June 23, 2008, 04:25:21 AM

Wow this is looking really good! Great job

J-sews · **Reply #11 on:** June 23, 2008, 04:34:24 AM

Quote from: Corrugated on June 23, 2008, 04:25:21 AM

Wow this is looking really good! Great job

Indeed! Great work so far. I'm looking forward to seeing the end result.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #12 on:** June 23, 2008, 05:35:43 AM

Yeah, very nice work!

max6166 · **Reply #13 on:** June 23, 2008, 08:08:27 AM

Really interested in how this goes. Thanks for taking the time to document it so well!

Benner · **Reply #14 on:** June 23, 2008, 12:15:34 PM

It's coming along really nicely.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #15 on:** June 23, 2008, 01:07:22 PM

Thats some fine work there mate

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #16 on:** June 23, 2008, 01:17:05 PM

man thats realli nice one.i wouldnt believe its your fisrt one ,)

hey check out XIANLEATHER on google,if u plan to piut some decorations on it.ive done some bisness with that guy,he sone...no,hes the best.

kymg · **Reply #17 on:** June 23, 2008, 03:12:47 PM

G'day,

On the topic of sheaths, I saw this one made for a Wave on the British Blades site.

Pretty darn good I reckon

Cheers

kymg · **Reply #18 on:** June 23, 2008, 03:15:36 PM

I'll add another one - photo I mean

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #19 on:** June 23, 2008, 03:40:40 PM

wow.i like that closing with knobby kinda thing. i wouldnt put a velco ever into leather sheath.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #20 on:** June 23, 2008, 04:55:58 PM

Quote from: kymg on June 23, 2008, 03:12:47 PM

G'day,

On the topic of sheaths, I saw this one made for a Wave on the British Blades site.

Pretty darn good I reckon

Cheers

Nice job mate

, and welcome to the forum!

Airman · **Reply #21 on:** June 23, 2008, 08:51:57 PM

Niceee! I would like to still have the patience and time to do that,I used to sew and work with leather long time ago for falconry use,but time passes on and no time at all by now.Congratulations,good work!!!!!!

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #22 on:** June 24, 2008, 01:12:38 AM

Here are just some of the items I had to buy in bulk from the Leather Factory. I had to practice on some scrap to see how well it would look on the material.
My wife did some research on stitching leather for best results. I punched holes on some scrap and she tried some different techniques. The pencil points to the way I think I will stitch the sheath.

J-sews · **Reply #23 on:** June 24, 2008, 04:18:17 AM

Leatherwork is something I always wanted to try my hand at, but never got around to. Someday though....

kymg · **Reply #24 on:** June 24, 2008, 01:05:50 PM

Hey MickyD

I DIDN"T make that sheath. I wish I did. I would not like to lay claim tha I hadn't made - I think its a exceptional piece of work that show skills I could only dream of having.

I shall flick more pics soon.

The only thing I would do is make it horizontal.

I saw it on the British Blades forum. They have a seriously good section on Sheaths and Leatherwork.

I have a Wave - must say it isn't my cup of tea - in fact don't likr it much really. I have a kF4 which at the moment sits in a horizontal sheath above my left front pocket. Don't even know its there.

I am thinking of a Swiss Spirit.

Cheers and Beers

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #25 on:** June 24, 2008, 01:11:00 PM

Sorry mate miss read the post

If it's an early Wave then your not alone as there's a good few people who aren't the greatest fans of it either $:-\$ , the 2004 model however is pretty good

As for the Spirit, go for it mate, there cracking tool's, and are in my opinion, the finest medium weight tool available today

kymg · **Reply #26 on:** June 24, 2008, 01:57:34 PM

Don't apologise. I just don't want to take the credit for someone who is much much better at leatherwork than I could dream of being

As for the Wave, mine is post 2004 but it seems to be sort of not quite right.

The turn around screwdriver is too short, the fine screwdriver is not the right tool to be attached to something so heavy and bulky. Jewellers/electronics screwdrivers are usually lightweight. I bought it because a pocket knife was the thing I used most but that thing is like a sabre - scares people off.

Yeah I know I should think before I buy but I did buy it off an ebay dealer here is Oz for mobs less than anywhere else. It is difficult to look at these things in shops for a long time. People start to wonder about you.

Seems that everyone thinks the Spirit is the ducks guts though

Cheers

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #27 on:** June 24, 2008, 02:02:34 PM

Yeah I'm not the greatest fan of the bit holder screwdrivers either

, and I do think they made a lot of design/tool sacrifices when they made it an OH design

If you can live with non OH blade's, then you'll love the Spirit

ARROWHEAD · **Reply #28 on:** June 25, 2008, 05:36:20 AM

Well, I got everything dyed and trimmed on Monday. I think everything is about ready to be stitched up.

I had a plumbing problem at home so I had to play plumber this evening. I probably won't get around to finish the sheath until the weekend.

The color looks good and the down time will give me time to think of the best way to stitch through the multiple layers of leather. These are all the pictures I have so far. I will take more as I stitch it all together.

Alfred

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #29 on:** June 25, 2008, 09:41:51 AM

It's coming along really well mate

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Trying to make my own custom sheath for my new Surge.

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