Making an axe sheath is a practical and useful project for anyone who uses an axe regularly. A sheath helps protect the axe blade, prevent accidents, and keep it sharp. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a basic leather axe sheath:
Materials and Tools You’ll Need for Make an axe sheath :
- Leather (about 8-10 oz. thickness is ideal)
- Sharp utility knife or rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Ruler or straight edge
- Leather hole punch or awl
- Waxed thread and stitching needles
- Contact cement or leather glue
- Clamps or clips
- Snap fasteners (optional)
- Leather dye or finish (optional)
- Hammer
- Sandpaper (optional)
Steps:
- Measure Your Axe Blade: Measure the length and width of the axe blade to determine the size of the sheath you need.
- Cut the Leather: Using a sharp utility knife or rotary cutter, cut a rectangular piece of leather that is slightly larger than the dimensions of the axe blade. Leave some extra space for the thickness of the blade and some overlap for sewing.
- Shape the Leather: Round off one end of the leather piece to create a rounded top for the sheath. This will allow the axe head to easily slide into the sheath.
- Fold the Leather: Fold the leather in half lengthwise so that the rounded end is aligned. This will create the sheath’s basic shape.
- Glue the Edges: Apply contact cement or leather glue along the folded edges of the leather. Press the edges together and use clamps or clips to hold them in place until the glue dries.
- Stitch the Edges: Use a leather hole punch or awl to make evenly spaced holes along the open side of the sheath. These holes should be close to the edge and evenly spaced.
- Start Stitching: Thread a needle with waxed thread and start stitching from the bottom of the sheath. Use a saddle stitch (also known as a two-needle stitch) for added strength. Make sure to pull the stitches tight as you go.
- Continue Stitching: Stitch up both sides of the sheath, working your way toward the top. Tie a secure knot when you reach the top.
- Optional Snap Fasteners: You can add snap fasteners or buttons at the top of the sheath to secure it closed. Measure and attach these as desired.
- Finish and Optional Dye: Trim any excess thread and sand the edges if you want a smoother finish. You can also dye or finish the leather to your liking.
- Allow to Dry: Let the sheath dry completely before inserting your axe.
- Test Fit and Adjust: Test the fit of your axe in the sheath. If it’s too tight, you may need to trim or adjust the sheath to ensure a proper fit.
Remember that leatherworking can be a bit challenging for beginners, so take your time and practice your stitching on scrap pieces of leather if needed. With patience and attention to detail, you can create a functional and durable axe sheath.
How to make an axe sheath with duct tape
In this article, I am going to explain how to make an axe sheath with duct tape. It’s a pretty straightforward method and shouldn’t take too long to finish. So, let’s start making a sheath for that beautiful axe of yours.
Materials Your Needed
- Duct Tape
- Scissors
- Marker
- Your Axe
Step 1: Make a Sheet of Duct Tape
The first thing you need to do is take a strip of duct tape. It should exceed the width of your ax blade. Now fold it so that half of the sticky part is exposed and the other half is covered by the fold.
Take another strip of duct tape. The length should be similar to the previous one. Use this strip to cover the exposed sticky part. Turn the whole strip and add another strip. Do this over and over to create a leaf. The blade must be larger than the head of your axe.
Step 2: Cut the Sheet
Now place the ax on top of the leaf. Use a marker to draw an ax head on a sheet of masking tape. Make it bigger than the actual ax head to give you extra room in the scabbard.
Take your scissors and cut along the outline of the ax head.
Step 3: Make Another Sheet
In the same way, create another sheet of adhesive tape. Place the sheet you created earlier on top of this one. Use scissors to cut it into the same shape. You now have two similar ax case designs made from duct tape.
Step 4: Join the Two Pieces
Now glue the two pieces together. Use masking tape to secure the joint on the top and front of the ax shape. The handle and back should be open to insert the axe.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Now take another strip of duct tape and fold it until the entire adhesive part is covered. Again, keep the strip thin and narrow. Now glue the ends of this strip on both sides of the case near the back. It creates a loop under the case.
Place the ax inside the sheath to see if it fits properly.
Warnings
- Handle the scissors and axe with caution.
- Avoid using blunt scissors for cutting the shape, or it won’t be clean.
- Make sure no sticky part of the tape is exposed once you’re done making the sheath.
- This sheath is not an ideal replacement for a store-bought sheath.
- Use good-quality duct tape.
Related- How To Tell The Top Of An Axe Head ?