Bearing Block Sheath

[crashdive123]

There was a discussion recently about bow drill fires. A couple of people mentioned that the bearing block was one of the more difficult components to make in the bush, along with cordage that works. This got me to thinking (sometimes dangerous, but worked out OK this time). I have seen a couple of knife manufacturers put dimples in their knife scales so that it could be used as a bearing block. I decided to incorporate that into a sheath, along with some storage for cordage – without wrapping the cordage around the sheath. Here is what I came up with.

First cut out all of the leather pieces (not pictured are the paper templates that were made. The scissors were only used on the thin leather, while a razor knife and metal straight edge were used to cut the thicker leather.

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A skateboard wheel bearing is used for the bearing, with wet formed leather holding it in place. A 15/16” hole was cut to wet form the leather. Thicker leather would require a larger hole. A small block of wood was used to form the pocket.

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The leather is then dry fit. By doing this before the stitching grooves are cut you will get a more uniform look around the edges of the sheath. Then the stitching grooves are cut and the sewing holes are punched. Front and back pieces are punched individually to get a uniform look front and back. I’ve seen more experienced leather workers put their holes in after everything was glued up. I’m not to that skill level yet. Drilling the holes is an effective way of preparing as well. In fact, I find that working with thicker pieces that drilling makes the sewing much easier. The punched slits are really just moving the grain out of the way. They do tighten up.

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Accessories are glued and stitched to the front portion of the sheath. Then the front, rear and welt are glued together and stitched up. Finishing nails ensure that the holes are lined up for sewing.

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The edges are sanded smooth using a belt sander (can be done by hand if sander is not available, but takes a while).

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Edges are dressed.

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Touch up with dye is done and edge coating is applied and loose edges are glued.

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The leather still needs to be sealed. I use a product called Ultra Sheen.

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[Pocomoonskyeyes3]

Now THAT is a wilderness adventure waiting to happen!! Very ingenious Crash. I think if there were a pouch behind the cordage pouch for a sharpening stone, it would be absolutely, irrevocably perfect. The right knife, the perfect sheath. Indiana Jones eat your heart out!! The only thing missing is the tickets to adventure!!!

[Alaskan Survivalist]

Interesting idea. I will be trying this for myself. Thanks

[hunter63]

That is a heck of an idea,.....and well done.
Thanks.

[crashdive123]

H63 - you actually helped me with your wet forming tutorial that you did some time ago. Thanks.

[hunter63]

That's always nice to hear, your leather work is getting as nice as your knives, which is to say exceptional.
Very nice, and a lot of thought, can't say if I ever saw a bearing block incorporated into a sheath.

[welderguy]

That's flipping awesome. Great job Crash.