Making a scabbard for a kukri (WIP thread)
Nov 18, 2023 22:56:07 GMT
Post by erichofprovence on Nov 18, 2023 22:56:07 GMT
Hi everyone,
I recently decided I wanted to experiment with new leather-working methods so I chose to make a small piece (in order not to waste too much leather if I messed up). I had this Kukri knife that I had from Nepal, where the scabbard was pretty scratched up during transport. I had come across a tooling technique in a 2017 post by Peter Johnsson which I was very interested in. Basically, it is using a hot awl to scorch and raise the leather (but I'll let Peter explain it here).
Of course I forgot to document the making of the core, but basically it is made of using the veneer method (thin 8mm model airplane wood bound in glue) with the inside lined with felt (I use felt tape for this, which is a great material, as it is already adhesive and can cover whatever length you need). For the by-knives (Chakmak and Karda), I made two tiny (very cute) scabbards which were then glued on the main core. Traditionally they are in the back of the scabbard, but I wanted to experiment a bit and end up with a piece that could be a seen as a blade that was brought back from Asia and then given a more European medieval scabbard. Might not be for everyone, but I wanted this to be acting as a companion piece for another scabbard I am currently making for a Type XVIIIa sword. I covered the core in linen and then wrapped it in veg tan leather (sewn at the back). I used a bone knife to mould the leather around the by-knives and risers.
I then drew the design of 15th century-style acanthus tendrils with a felt tip ink pen and then used a swivel knife to cut the design into the leather.
I then used a seeder stamp to do the background.
I finally used an awl that I heated on a flame to pierce the leather in specific places to create the illusion of volume.
This was my first try so it could have been better, but overall I am very happy with the result. For the belt attachment, I used a leather lace that goes around the back to provide a space for the belt, as I saw on a video by Tod from Tod Cutler.
Hope you guys enjoy it, I certainly had fun doing it!
I recently decided I wanted to experiment with new leather-working methods so I chose to make a small piece (in order not to waste too much leather if I messed up). I had this Kukri knife that I had from Nepal, where the scabbard was pretty scratched up during transport. I had come across a tooling technique in a 2017 post by Peter Johnsson which I was very interested in. Basically, it is using a hot awl to scorch and raise the leather (but I'll let Peter explain it here).
Of course I forgot to document the making of the core, but basically it is made of using the veneer method (thin 8mm model airplane wood bound in glue) with the inside lined with felt (I use felt tape for this, which is a great material, as it is already adhesive and can cover whatever length you need). For the by-knives (Chakmak and Karda), I made two tiny (very cute) scabbards which were then glued on the main core. Traditionally they are in the back of the scabbard, but I wanted to experiment a bit and end up with a piece that could be a seen as a blade that was brought back from Asia and then given a more European medieval scabbard. Might not be for everyone, but I wanted this to be acting as a companion piece for another scabbard I am currently making for a Type XVIIIa sword. I covered the core in linen and then wrapped it in veg tan leather (sewn at the back). I used a bone knife to mould the leather around the by-knives and risers.
I then drew the design of 15th century-style acanthus tendrils with a felt tip ink pen and then used a swivel knife to cut the design into the leather.
This was my first try so it could have been better, but overall I am very happy with the result. For the belt attachment, I used a leather lace that goes around the back to provide a space for the belt, as I saw on a video by Tod from Tod Cutler.
Hope you guys enjoy it, I certainly had fun doing it!
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