I've been wanting to get into leather working for quite some time. So i visited the leather district here in Seoul and got the minimum required tools necessary for some simple projects.

I have a huge admiration for our holster makers and with my love of Milt Sparks, Del Fatti and John Ralston leather, I could never dream of being comparable. So i decided to take my new found addiction to custom knives and try to hopefully become a maker of low cost quality custom sheaths in the near future.

This first attempt lead me to many realizations. No square corners, new ways to gain a more uniform edge, ways to make a more uniform stitch on the backside, a better technique for developing detail through boning. Lots of lessons learned here.

However, as an amateur cook I always ask friends for an honest opinion as i feel you cannot better yourself without truthful criticism.

So let me have it guys!

Knife courtesy of DBKnives, AKA Sybo, give him a shot if you're on the fence.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

Nice knife condom.
But seriously, nice job.

I have been doing leatherwork for a number of years. I'm no Mich Rosen, but I do a fairly good job.

I say that it looks great, better than some that sells "custom holsters and knives sheaths".

I say great job!

ARman

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Nice knife condom.
But seriously, nice job.

Knife condom?

So I should not reproduce Q?

Thanks for the compliment.

Killed it!!!! Who could laugh at that work! I love it. Great job my friend!

quote:

Originally posted by sybo:
Killed it!!!! Who could laugh at that work! I love it. Great job my friend!

Mr. Grice,

I have to let the cat out of the bag! As much as i love my projects, this man enjoys his craft more than anyone I have ever spoken to!

And on a side note, from the photos we also enjoy a love of tattoos!

You sir are an inspiration, very much on the same level as Mr. Yarchin, Rogue JSK and others here on the forum my only hope is to meet you all some day if I ever make it back stateside!

Anyone wanting a custom knife, send Mr. Grice, I drew my most recent, and 3rd knife with him on cardhoard paper and he made it come to life with a passion and excitement that i cannot help but admire. Give him a shot!

Nice work. Really nice.

Man, that's a helluva good job, especially for a first attempt. That's a good job for a 100th attempt.

Very nice. Kind of blocky knife handle so it's sheath can't look super graceful. I've done some leatherworking since the late 1970s and you are breaking a harness maker rule: don't stitch across a strap. It creates a weakness zone that'll eventually break. Try some leather dye. Instead of cutting the entry or opening straight, some curves will look better.

quote:

Originally posted by pbslinger:
Very nice. Kind of blocky knife handle so it's sheath can't look super graceful. I've done some leatherworking since the late 1970s and you are breaking a harness maker rule: don't stitch across a strap. It creates a weakness zone that'll eventually break. Try some leather dye. Instead of cutting the entry or opening straight, some curves will look better.

Sir, i understand what you mean by opening with curves, as stated in my opening post with the lack of care for squared corners. But, what do you mean by stitching across a strap?

I cant begin to determine what you mean sir, please enlighten me.

I would never believe that is your first effort! Well done.

I am going to guess that "stitching across a strap" refers to the horizontal stitching you have across the belt loop on your sheath. The simple box looks as though it could create a weak spot where more reinforcement may be required. (I am only guessing.)

It’s beautiful work.

Is this a personal hobby for your own use, or do you plan to sell them?

 
Very, very nice for a first attempt.
 
One of my friends here in town is a custom saddle maker, which to me is the height of leather working skill. I love to visit her shop and chat, and watch her work. The smell of leather, even the pervading smell of high VOC Barge glue.

Looks great!

It would be something I would be proud to own. Remember that you can make all kinds of fancy things as you're desire and skill increases, but there is only one 'first'.

Laugh? I could hope to do nearly so nice a job on my first attempt Nicely done!

Some of the stitching is a bit uneven on the back-side, but that's nit-picking. I'd be more than happy to wear such a sheath.

looks well done to me as well. Congrats. I think you are on to something.

Good job for a first attempt. Congrats.

Ah, the leather craftsmen in Seoul who would make a pair of custom boots for G.I.'s in exchange for a carton of Cigarettes in the late '50's.

I had such a pair of boots and they fit like a glove. Stitching (cotton) wore out after several years.

As I remember, Boots, clothing altered, was always top grade work.

Otto,
Certainly nothing there to laugh about. Good job for sure. My first attempt at a holster on the left.

That's a P290RS, my EDC. I messed up the stitching so it looks like hell. It also got soft. Some pro tips from here stiffened it up and I have been carrying it daily for 8(?) years. Not very professional looking but concealed and very comfortable. On the right is my P220 holster (sans clip). It's a bit better but doesn't get carries as much. My only tip is keep at it.

Nice job. I wish I could work leather like you.