How to Make a Custom Center-Seam Sheath for a Knife

A center-seam sheath is the classic 19th century style of sheath for bowie knives, belt knives or hunting knives. Here's how to make one to custom fit your knife.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heavy leather
• Thin leather
• Glue
• Needle and thread
• Brass or other metal parts for the throat and tip

1. Trace the shape of your knife blade to make a pattern. Make sure the blade could be slid in from the top. The top of the pattern must be as wide as the widest part of the blade. Allow 1/4" extra all around.

2. Cut out two pieces of heavy leather the same size as the pattern. These will make the front and back of the sheath.

3. 

   Cut out one or more pieces of heavy leather 1/8" wide to space the front and back apart at the edge of the sheath, as shown in the illustration. Assemble the sheath with heavy-duty glue.

4. 

   Cut a piece of thin leather large enough to wrap around the sheath, with at least a half inch extra. When the sheath is dry, coat the outside of the sheath with glue, lay it on the thin leather, and pull the thin leather around it.

5. 

   Glue the ends of the thin leather together so they stand upright. Sew the center seam as shown, as close to the sheath as possible. Then trim away the excess leather just above the stitching.

6. 

   Purchase a rectangular metal throat or make one by bending a strip of brass. Glue it around the top of the sheath with epoxy. You can press it slightly so the knife will slide in and out easily, but won't fall out, creating a custom fit.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also purchase a metal piece for the tip and glue it on.
• Most 19th century sheaths of this style were worn tucked in the belt without a belt loop, but during construction you can add a belt loop on the back if you wish.