Make an Old World Rawhide Knife Sheath

With this course you'll learn how to transform rawhide into an extraordinary knife sheath worthy of camp or trail. [Wonderful afternoon project and no leatherworking experience required!]

Make an Extraordinary Rawhide Knife Sheath!

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What are students saying?

  • How to... now I know

    Brian Gess

    Jamie does an awesome job showing you how to make a rawhide sheath. This is a great step by step tutorial, easy to follow, with plenty of detail.

    Jamie does an awesome job showing you how to make a rawhide sheath. This is a great step by step tutorial, easy to follow, with plenty of detail.

    Read Less

  • Excellent

    mario parralejo

    Thank you verte much.

    Thank you verte much.

    Read Less

Course Objectives

What can you expect to learn?

  • Learn how to design and make patterns for almost any knife

  • Learn how to cut, shape and wet form rawhide

  • Learn how to use decorative tacks for a welt and mechanical hold

  • Learn tips & tricks that will take your rawhide crafting to the next level

  • Learn how to dye, color and protect your custom useable art

  • And more!

Materials Checklist

Below is a list of items you'll need to complete this course (online purchase links from tandyleather.com and amazon.com for tacks, rawhide, dye, and Old Hickory Butcher Knives are inlcuded inside of the course):

  • Knife: 7 or 5-inch Old Hickory Butcher Knives work great but any kitchen-style butcher knife will work as well (Amazon link to 7" Old Hickory: https://amzn.to/2MAoi5D )

  • 4-6 oz. Rawhide from leather supply company or natural hide of deer size and weight

  • 3/4 Shank Upholstery Tacks

  • Light and/or dark brown leather dye (show dye will work too)

  • Glue: White glue or wood glue

  • Clamps: 6-8 small spring clamps or equivalent

  • Hammer: Any small hammer will work

  • Awl: A crafting awl or sharp punch

  • Utility Knife

  • Pliers: Needle nose pliers or Multitool

Old World Rawhide Sheath

Rawhide is an incredibly versatile and durable crafting material for countless projects. It was used extensively by Native Americans and early explorers to make everything from containers and lacing to knife sheaths and drum skins. In this course, you'll learn the exact process for how to use it to make an Old World Knife Sheath of heirloom quality that looks like it belongs in pages of pioneer history.
Old World Rawhide Sheath

BONUS

FREE TEMPLATE INCLUDED

A FREE downloadable PDF paper template for the 7" Old Hickory Butcher Knife is INCLUDED with this course. This is Jamie Burleigh's personal template used to create the sheaths in the photos you see on this page! See AMAZON link to the 7" Butcher Knife at the bottom of this page.
BONUS

Meet Your Instructor

  • Jamie Burleigh

    Outdoor Skills Instructor and maker of fine rustic goods

    Jamie Burleigh

    Jamie L. Burleigh is a founder of The Old World Alliance operating from Port Huron, Michigan. He is a staff instructor at select outdoor institutions and reserves teaching a cross cultural curriculum to both young and old. Currently, Jamie is working as an author, outdoor skills instructor, and craftsman of fine rustic goods. Re-Learning old ways and implementing them truly enhances his family's lifestyle and well-being. Much of what he has gained through this journey is shared within the community he is building called The Old World Alliance. The Burleigh's are always eager to share their love of the old ways and accomplishments over a warm campfire. More info at: www.oldworldalliance.com

Course Curriculum

  • 1
    How to Make a Rawhide Knife Sheath
    • Terms & Conditions, Disclaimers, and Waiver of Liability
    • Welcome to the course!
    • A Word on Safety
    • Materials
  • 2
    YOUR FREE TEMPLATE DOWNLOAD
    • Printable Template for 7" Old Hickory Butcher Knife
  • 3
    Building your Rawhide Sheath: Step-by-Step
    • How to Create Your Paper Sheath Template
    • Transfering Tempalte to Rawhide, Wet Forming, Rawhide, and Tacking Sheath
    • Final Build Details & Cutting the Belt Slit
    • Dying Completed Rawhide Sheath and Finishing Touches
  • 4
    Conclusion
    • Final Thoughts & Sheath Maintenance

Butcher Style Knives:

This sheath works best with butcher-style knives.  Below is an AMAZON link if you don't have one already.

AMAZON LINK:

7" Old Hickory Butcher Knife (same one used in the course & for FREE template): https://amzn.to/2LS0k5Z