How To Use a Drill Press To Hand Stitch Your Knife Sheath  

Thanks for a great instruction vid. I decided I wanted to make a holster. Bought an online leather kit and about 25 bucks worth of leather. Reverse engineered another holster for size, and sewed it up. Everything I did was wrong. Cost me more time and does not look very good. However, now I have some of the keys to making a great looking holster. Thanks to you.

You are a Skilled Craftsman. Close to the begining, every time you displayed the sheith, I was impressed with the quality. I made an air pistol holster a few years ago with no actual leather-working tools and it came out ... quite acceptable. Thanx for showing.

Thank you George for your videos…I’ve worked with leather for around 25 years and always learn something new from you my friend!

Thanks very much for posting this excellent tutorial. This is the most frustrating part of leather working for an amateur such as myself. Thank you again!

I love watching a real craftsman such as yourself, thanks again.

I too am a self taught shade tree, been working with leather for about 15 years only hobbiest small to medium projects . Always have been very very anti drill, your explanation has caused me to purchase a drummel with drill press holder. Going to try it does look very clean and professional. Thanks for the info Be Safe God Bless Theron

Excellent example of craftsmanship! Thanks for the video.

Beautiful work! Thank you for making these videos!!

You are most deserving of some praise and a complement for your craftsmanship and your willingness to share your skill set. I often do the same with my talents and secrets , I’ve discovered over them years of doing things better and better. My hats off to you sir. And I enjoy the satisfaction of knowing I did my part to help people for nothing more than a smile on there face.

Excellent work, I found a knife in the dumpster and wish I had a sheath for it.

I don't do this craft but I'm amazed at what all goes into a knife sheath. It looks great and should last a couple of lifetimes. Thanks for sharing.

That is beautiful. I have wanted to sheth and holster a couple of my pieces for several years but time and life events have caused some interference. And now as you say. It sucks getting old. Thank you for allowing me into your shop and for your time. I learned a lot. ❤👍

I always wondered how people did such fantastic work with leather? You explained it very well. Thanks!

Real joy to watch you work. Thank you!

Hi Victor, very nice sheath, and the video showed we mere mortals how a craftsman does it. And many thanks for the instruction, I will check out fishing line for sure. Atb Stuart, Uk.

Slightly moistened, to sink the stitches… once again, an amazingly simple and effective method that most of us probably hadn’t thought of!! THANK YOU👍🏻 Glue must fully cure… yep, I’ve mad that mistake, having to grab the gum eraser. Sheesh! Lots of good info, every time. Thanks for sharing the practical tips that all of us can use.

That is a great idea! I never thought about using a drill press for leather. I have, however, used it for book binding repair. I had an old "joy of cooking' book that got me through my bachelor years making semi-palatable food, and one day, after it had been continuously falling apart, I pressed and re-glued the spine but it asn't enough so I drilled a series of small holes along the spine and sewed it together. It has held for over 30 years. one thing is that it will not lay open to your page, I had to make a holder for it.

Great instruction s very informative and through, and an excellent idea for a great look without the high cost of a leather sewing machine, very inventive process

Great information. I always learn something new from your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

I have been using a drill press for leather for 40 years. I had a dedicated bench top model just for it when I was in the business of knives and sheaths. Nice looking leatherwork, thanks!

Thanks for sharing your experience Vicktor. I enjoy making leather items for my own use.

This is truly a masterclass, I am about to make my first sheath for my knife and this information helps me a lot. Thanks

Great tips and tricks. I put another piece of welt material on the inside of the stitch line to keep the workpiece level. Thanks for making this video.

George, you video using drill press to make leather knife sheath made me smile! That's what I did last time I made a knife sheath!

Found some old leather & tools my dad had, plus a bench at yard sale, which turned out to be for leather-work (used to be Many saddle makers in this area, (lots of horses). Now we're kind of on our own, unfortunately. I had the old saddle maker build me the last team harness he ever made for my four horses. Dad had tons of fishing tackle/line. LOL. Made some sheaths. So much fun! Wish i known about your sewing jig, i have aluminum for that & Dremels. Etc. Thanks, very helpful video!

Thanks for sharing this. I learned a lot of techniques I didn't know.

I think this is one of the best leather video's I've found yet. Learned a lot. Nice to know you don't have to use a traditional stiching clamp, whatever works best for you.

Thanks George.i enjoyed watching you work.

I've been doing it like this for years and I still learned a couple of things, thanks.

That IS the most fantastic thing you just made! Beautiful leather work is so rewarding to watch. As for flaws, ha! I'd still buy that from you 😁

Thanks for the video George. Great job as usual.

Appreciate the tutorial. Your style gave great clarity both I speech and content. Hop to use the knowledge some day. Perhaps next time I buy a knife I'll look at the case with a more discerning eye.

Thank You very much George Great video lots of little tips you probably didn't realize you were giving. Going to build a sheath now referring back to this as I go.

I've done some leather work in a previous hobby but it is nice to see how another craftsman does it. Nice job. Thanks!

Thanks I learned a lot from this video.

Yes, "it sucks getting old". Very nice sheath and drill setup.

One of your best videos to date great job! You are a great teacher! Thank You keep up the good work! P.s. Nice shirt!!

As always a great video George. I sometimes use a drill press when doing a really thick welted holster but I don’t use a drill bit, I use a thin round awl blade chucked into my drill. I start by using the stitching chisels like you as well then drill it. When I go to sew, I use my hand held diamond awl to restore the diamond shape to the hole and ensure the hole is the correct size for the needle and thread I’m using. (Usually 1 mm tiger for hand sewing)

That was the most satisfying video I've seen in a long time! Thank you very much george, I look forward to more of your instructions.

Great video great tips. I use black nitrile disposable gloves to grip the needles I only have to use the plier very little. Saves the hands too and then you can use them for dying.

Great video! Very good instructions. Thank you!

I like the tubing on your sewing pliers. Nice. I have a favorite pair of side cutters that USED to have a spring, but it got messed up and fell out. I will do this. Thanks

The algorithm just recommended your channel, and I'm so glad. I love your method of instruction and simplified hand techniques. I'm an amateur who got into leather a few years back because I needed sheaths for my many axes, bushcraft knives, and spoon knives. I have been using the drill press method for the thick lay ups with fair results. I used a groover on both sides and sometimes found that the drillbit deflection would cause them to not line up (ughhh). I see that you only do two layers at a time and skip the grooving. Brilliant! (subb'd)

Very informative and I forgot how much work there is to leather work. Looks great and that will probably be scarred after using it a while anyway.

Ty for sharing this very informative and interesting video, 👍 it was great to see you explain very step as you went Also you made i very clear to see what you were going. Absolutely 💯 loved the video 🎉😮😊😊

Mastering a skill takes perseverance, but repeatedly going forward rewards you a skilled master at the task.

Victor, Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I learned a lot watching this video. I have subscribed to your channel so I can pick your brain further. Thanks again!!!

I've salvaged some leather off the back of an old sofa, gonna attempt to make a custom phone case/wallet combo!

Coach did it again 👍🏻great video they are so helpful and well explained

Hey George, really enjoyed this video. I learned a few tricks from you. I initially learned to do a little leather working back in the 70's when I was attending the UofA in Tucson. My best friend from high school and I starting making leather western belts and carving rose patterns with our names on the back (we were both "aggies"). Then years later I started competing in cowboy action shooting competitions and decided to make my own holsters, gun belt with bullet loops and a few ammo pouches. My shooting partner (who had never done any leather working) and I made a couple holsters one Sat. sitting on the floor of his living room. Later I started making knife sheaths for some of my hunting/camp knives. I also dabbled a little making Kydex holsters and sheaths, but I love the feel of working with leather.

Thats a fantastic idea! I have a Pfaff machine but I like the manual process. It is good therapy. I just go out to the shop and drill usually but the portable rig is great! The high speed prolly helps to remove material better than a slower moving shop drill press. Thanks for the vid!

Great video. Thanks. God bless. From Glenn CATT. In Massachusetts.

viktor is a true master

Thanks, I make knives with deer antler handles and the sheaths for them. I need help with the stitch. I didn't know to use 2 needles. Thanks.

Thankyou for sharing so I can do my sheath Thankyou

I have used this technique for years, to spare my hands. It has always worked very well for me.

Such a joy to watch a true craftsman who enjoys his work. I watched it all and subsribed.

I found an older sewing machine for boots, I had to repair some bushings and cleaning of course some other repairs, and it took me quite a while to get used to how to run the machine operated properly and practice. I can stitch just about anything on that thing and it comes out beautiful.

Viktor , You are a gun ! Thanks for the tutorial . Cheers from New Zealand.

Excellent video.. I do a lot of things just like you. Excellent job and teacher.

1969, Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya, in the Leather Shop that I ran for a while. We had been using a small, old, drill press with a cut off carpenter's, headless, wire brad (nail) in it for years. An over stitch wheel was used to mark the stitching holes on thick edge projects and the holes were bored with the brad tip. Perfect outcome. TSGT Joe S, USAF Ret.

Looks very good brilliant video thanks👍👍

Thank you for doing this video. Great information and tutorial.

Viktor, it looks really nice even with a minor blunder. Great points to help in the future. I will be sure to try your method for creasing, maybe even heating one blade of the dividers. Back in the eighties when I made a few custom hand stitched halters I prepunched the holes using the awl on the Campbell Bosworth Sewing Machine after removing the open eye needle. Seeing your fingers close to the drill bit reminded me of the time I put the awl through the tip of my index finger. Luckily I was able to stop the machine before the needle came up from the bottom. Method does not require critique when the finished product comes out looking so good. Thanks for sharing! Cheers...Freddie

Amazing work and amazing process.

Excellent.

Great instructional video - thanks!

Sir, you are ridiculously meticulous! Thank You very much! That's what makes quality!

Thanks for sharing your wealth of Knowledge with us very easy to follow Very nice looking Sheath Sir..

Thanks learnt a lot. Not I need to buy another gadget for my dremel🤪, onto my wish list it goes.

Wow !!! Great work and dedication to craftsmanship!! Thankyou!!

Love it!! Good job brother

Excellent work George! As always like the detail to your work .reddoc custom leathers Chicago

A very enjoyable tutorial. Thank you.

As always Georgie, terrific tutorial. Luv the side-by-side start and finish stitches, yet another tip for me to utilize. BTW, the north of the border mail ain't too swift.....LOL

Thanks Theron! You made my day with this comment I started using this setup long before I knew it shouldn’t be done this way Allegedly 😂 Anyway, I appreciate your honest feedback and just remember to take the bite off of the new bits with sandpaper and it’ll work just as well for you, especially with your experience 🙌

As always; great video!

Awesomeness ! THANKS. ...Alan in 🇨🇱

Enjoyed your work today, I’m 63 and agree it sucks having daily pain with no relief. I’ve been a rancher my entire life to date and have had both elbows and both shoulders injected to relieve some pain as well as increased motion. Docs have told B Me that sitting or relaxing with arms elevated on an armchair is very bad for motion and increased pain. I see your arms are resting on your beautiful green chair. Just a note that may be of some interest to you. Beautiful craftsmanship. N B Canada

Love the video and wisdom! A question: Why not glue the sheath front/back/welt together first, then lay-out the stitch line/spacing and pre-drill the holes on the drill press prior to stitching? I may have missed an important detail in your video - forgive me. I have restored Vibram-soled hiking boots by gluing the the sole/welt/uppers together with Barge cement, then drilling with a 1/16” bit in a hand drill, followed by sewing with a “Speedy Stitcher” with waxed nylon thread. The only problem I encountered (one time) was a narrowing of the toe box, which was remedied by soaking and stretching my boots by slogging though a swamp while wearing extra-thick wool socks. After a few blisters and wrinkled toes, I got another hundred miles of enjoyable hiking in those heavy boots!

very nice , thank you

Beautiful work

I am also a self-taught leather worker . I have learned most construction techniques from the AL Stolhman books . One thing that I have learned to do is to place a copper river at the throat of the knife sheath made from 12 or 14 gouge copper wire in the hole before the first stitching hole to prevent the knife from cutting the end of the stitching And another at the toe of the sheath. Good tip with the block of wax to lube the hole punch . A cobblers trimming knife works nice to trim welts . I have never heard of micron fishing line. I am a fisherman . A micron is a metric measurement of fibers . Are you using Dacron fishing line ? Or a Kevlar line like Spiderwire ? I use linen soling or harness thread , prewaxed, but keep a cake of beeswax near Although Barge has been around for years Elephand brand contact cement is better . Do you ever do hand lock stitches ? If you haven't consulted with an Orthopedic surgeon. Look into having a minimal invasive microscopis shoulder surgery if you have arthritis on the tips of collar bones impinging on the rotator cuff nerves . It worked for me

You're a true craftsman Viktor.. I'm really impressed. Hope you'll be able to make me A few of your beautiful pieces for my ESSE IZULA,ESSE IZULA 2,ESSE 3,ESSE 5,AND my MORA bushcraft.. Thanks for the videos.. New subscriber and I'll be watching 🇺🇸👍✌️🙏

Great video. Enjoyed it.

I'd be using my stitching horse on both the belt loop and welt stitch....I know you have a couple, saw them on your "shop tour" vid. Yet I've not seen you use one, that I recall! 😂

Great Scott! This is fantastic work! I would like to make a gun strap but haven't ever worked on leather before. Can you advise on any small starting kit I might buy or the key items I should buy to start? I have a drill press and Dremel type tool. You should be proud of yourself, great work but also an amazing video tutorial. I wish I was taught this skill at school.

So why can't you glue everything and drill the bottom 2 layers in one go? Does the drill bit try to bind or does it try to wander off line?

❤Super video as allways, you got the gift 👌👌Amazing attention to details😊

Very educational

Will done Nice and clean and at 82 now I have a few screw up . Unfortunately have not been able to do much the wife has dementia now for about 5 years now. Just know time for anything other than my kitty. Stay safe good looks .

I really like the showing at the end of the video. That completed one dyed with the carved pebble finish is quite unique. I hope you don’t mind if I try to copy that pattern.

where/how did you get your maker and USA stamps?

Question not really related to this vid but still relevant. When using a dark brown or black dyed leather with white stitching how do you keep the thread white. I use a waxed thread but it always end up looking dirty.

I have an antique knife (477 German) made, I need a sheath for.....Very instructional, Thanks

I've been doing this for a few years now using a Dremel attatched to a drill guide, which works pretty well for me. Artharitus called for a different way of stitching and that is what I came up with. Doesn't matrer how you get the holes in or even how you get the stitching done, as long as it looks good and holds nice and tight. People that have a provlem with nontraditional methods are just mad because they didn't think of it and they ned to justify their closed mindedness and lack of confidence in themselves

By the way, when you’re looking at the screen, the first one the really dark one with them nipples that is my favorite one. I’ve never seen a press or a stamp tooling that way I mean, I’m sure I probably have but I like that that’s really nice.

New subscriber. When I make axe masks or knife sheaths, I use a drill press because I don't have stiching irons that will punch all the way through 30+ oz of leather. Keeping the hols completely vertical has been a problem sometimes.

New sub for ya! I noticed a coffee cup you have, I’m a Blackout coffee fan..invested in the company as well. Love most of the flavors too! Take care and stay safe! God bless!✝️🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I use kevlar fishing line also. It is strong and wont rot over time.