Four Features of Handmade Leather Sheaths

With so many excellent advantages that synthetic materials can offer to modern sheaths, one may neglect to consider what a high-quality leather sheath has to offer. Even with the advantages that some synthetics like nylon and especially Kydex can offer such as in blade retention (important in some applications) and wear resistance, leather still has a lot to offer you when you’re carrying your favorite knife. Synthetics definitely have their place, but here are four of the best reasons you might want to consider one of the handmade leather sheaths we offer here at The Knife Connection.

Leather Sheaths Are Quiet
Silence isn’t always something that’s really going to matter too much in the field. If you’re in camp splitting and hewing wood for shelter, you’re going to be making plenty of noise anyway. However, for hunters, leather often offers this distinct advantage. Sometimes the noise doesn’t matter - but if you’re still hunting, noise can be a problem. Leather is much quieter not only on impact against your gear but also if it comes in contact with branches. A knife also won’t rattle around in a leather sheath. That nature that makes them quiet also makes them more comfortable - but more on that in a moment.

They Can Hold A Blade Just As Well with the Right Application
A sheath that actually keeps your blade where it’s supposed to be is really important. You don’t want to discover that you’ve lost a knife while hiking or even injure yourself because of a sheath that doesn’t hold a knife securely. While it’s true that synthetics like Kydex typically offer a fantastic grip on the blades they hold, a well designed and properly sized leather sheath matched with the right application will perform perfectly. Wet forming (in some cases) can increase a leather sheath's effectiveness. Interestingly, some prefer the easier draw of a pouch style leather sheath than certain synthetic sheaths provide. This is especially valuable when you only have one hand available.

They Let You Carry How You Want
This isn’t a mark against alternatives, just a mark for handmade leather sheaths that many might not consider. With a quality leather sheath like the ones we offer here, you can have a fair degree of versatility with how you carry your knife, and carrying your knife how you want is important to making it accessible when you need it.

Our leather sheaths give you versatility on how your knife is carried on your belt. Many of our leather sheaths are equally equipped for high ride carry as well as for dangle carry, which allows them to be moved out of the way when necessary such as when sitting or getting into a vehicle. There may not be quite as much versatility in carrying as you have with some modern alternatives, but a quality leather sheath will still give you as much freedom of carrying options as you might need.

They Give You A Classic Look And Feel
A handsome knife should have a handsome sheath, and even if it weren’t for all the other benefits of our handmade leather sheaths, this is certainly one. Not only does leather have a classic look that modern alternatives just don’t have, but it’s also a fairly comfortable material as it has some “give” and will “wear in” over time. Leather is also remarkably durable, and when cared for properly will last many years. Over time it will develop a patina with use and wear that will make it fit your blade and your belt like a glove.

If you’re thinking about transferring your camp knife or your hunting knife to a leather sheath or just getting a spare leather sheath for the times that call for it, take a look at what we can offer you here at The Knife Connection. We sell beautiful, practical handmade leather sheaths for many popular knife models from Bark River, ESEE, TOPS and more, and many of our sheaths are intended to fit a wide range of knives of specific dimensions. Many of our custom leather sheaths also feature ire steel loops. If you’re looking for a specific model, take a look at our offerings or give us a call at 866-336-2834. We’d be happy to help you find the leather sheath that’s right for your knife.