Sgian Dubh Sheath

[Archangel]

So I decided that I would spend my holidays teaching myself to make Sgians dubh. I've ordered three blades and I'm about to order wood for the handles. I started to plan the sheath and realized from the different threads here that most sheaths are wood. I was planning leather but now I'm not sure.

I'm better with steel and leather than I am with wood but the wood sheaths do look nice.

I've also realized that my collection is all solid sheaths, mostly some kind of plastic. One is solid with a nice leather covering. (I have a collection because of an ebay mistake: thought the guy was a collector who knew the terms he used, wrong but I did get a Wilkinson Sword Sgian Dubh, the rest were not really worth anything.)

So give me some discussion on leather versus wood sheath, please.

[HeathBar]

For display purposes, a wood sheath that matches the handle well enough to make it look like one piece, looks really nice. Plus the carvings that can be done on the wood, can also enhance the appearence.
But for wearing in the hose purposes, leather would work just fine. I would prefer the leather.

[Bob C]

My day sgian has a simple leather sheath. My dress sgian has one that appears to be the same sort of resin as the handle of the knife.

So, if you're making dress sgians, I'd recommend a complimentary sheath. If they're simple day sgians, simple leather sheaths would be the choice.

[Robin]

wooden sheaths covered with leather are awesome...add a nice silver tip and top rim and the sgian can compete with the nicest regimental sgians

From a different perspective...when you wear it, you..nobody in fact...will see it...that's depressing

[escherblacksmith]

Also note that wood sheaths, especially for smaller blades, are not that difficult to make. Obviously the more ornate and exact in fitting you want to make it, the harder it will be.

I made a quickie for a large dagger I had in about 30 min. Including drying time for the glue.

[Archangel]

Thanks for your responses. I'm leaning to a wooden presentation case and a leather wearing sheath.

Any idea where to get silver ribbon, tips, etc? I know they can be handmade but I've got several here and they all use similar silver ribbon material.

[ehiker]

Can anyone point Archangel (and me, to be honest with you) to a website or book that covers the process of covering a wooden sheath in leather?

Archangel,
Try doing a Google search for "sterling silver sheet". I found this on eBay with the same search:

http://cgi.ebay.com/STERLING-SILVER-...QQcmdZViewItem

It is pricey, just so you know. It probably will be, no matter where you get it from.

One place to try, especially if you have a business license (of any kind) is to find out when the next local gem and mineral show comes to your area. If you can get into the dealer (wholesale) side (for which you'll need the business license), as opposed to the consumer (seller) side, you can probably talk to some of the silver jewelry makers about where they get their sheet silver from. If you can't get into the dealer side, you can probably get the same info from one or two of the dealers on the consumer side (but you'd have more luck with the former).

Another source might be to find a local jeweler who works with silver and see if you can get their source or if you can buy from them.

[Raptor]

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...129&uid=550150
This is a dirk, but the process of making & covering the sheath is the same.

[Don Patrick]

I'm better with steel and leather than I am with wood but the wood sheaths do look nice.

I've also realized that my collection is all solid sheaths, mostly some kind of plastic. One is solid with a nice leather covering. (I have a collection because of an ebay mistake: thought the guy was a collector who knew the terms he used, wrong but I did get a Wilkinson Sword Sgian Dubh, the rest were not really worth anything.)

So give me some discussion on leather versus wood sheath, please.

I've never made a sheath, but I'd think you could have both - a wooden and a leather sheath. Stitch the leather close over the wooden sheath and soak it in water. Then add a metal tip or pommel - if that is appropriate. I've learned over the years that leather is not very kind to steel.

I'm new to this whole thing - I guess I always thought this knife was a dirk - Sgian Dubh is a new term for me.

I'm learning new things everyday.

[SoldierSpike]

If the closest major city has a jewelry supply store, the should have silver sheet there, and you don't have to worry about shipping costs or insurance.

Marc