Leather over wood- tip finishing?

[Eric Estlund 101]

Hi, folks-

I've been experimenting with leather over wood core scabbards, and have been struggling with finishing and closing the pointed tip. I can get a decent wrap wet forming, but actually getting a smoothly finished termination has been difficult. 

 

I'm wondering if anyone can share their process, or if there are photos of historic examples that could be linked?

 

While I could hide these with a chape, I would prefer to choose that than feel forced into it.

 

Cheers

 

 

 

[Joshua States 2,470]

What type of leather are you using? 

[Eric Estlund 101]

Veg tanned, about 2oz. I should probably try to thin it more in the tip wrap.

 

I've had modest success with relief cuts and wet forming it back over, but that seems less than ideal.

 

 

Edited March 11 by Eric Estlund

[Joshua States 2,470]

10 minutes ago, Eric Estlund said:

try to thin it more in the tip wrap

This. Skiving it thin and ragged edged to hide the seam

[Eric Estlund 101]

Do you have any photos of this? Just trying to see if I'm on the right path and need to push further, or rethink how I'm approaching this.

 

Thanks!

[Eric Estlund 101]

So to answer my own question a bit- today I started at the tip, and did a bit of wet molding to get the leather to wrap and center the seam. Once I knew what material was being used there, I cut a small dart between the parts that would make the seam, folded it back over the nose and cemented it in place. When I started sewing the welt effectively starts by drawing the edges over this tab closing the dart. This saves the little bell or fish tale from things like traditional puukko sheaths.

 

Todays was imperfect, but felt like stepping the the right direction.

 

No idea on the historical accuracy, but then, there are greater anachronisms.

 

Edited April 10 by Eric Estlund

[Alan Longmire 3,682]

Have you considered not stitching at all?  Many leather on wood scabbards were just skived and glued, the same way you do the grip.

[Eric Estlund 101]

This was actually the first one I have stitched- the other two cored sword scabbards were glued. Part of it is practice, but I need to improve the joint fit up to be happy with those (I've added cosmetic strips to mask the joint on those). I certainly have no problem using adhesives.

 

The stitching on this one was skill building- I want to be able to choose the best method for each project. 

 

On my knife sheaths I typically machine sew as it saves some wear and tear on my hands, but on these I am interested in having a skill base to work from.