10/16/2026
A subtle, simple scabbard with a bit of personal art, custom fit for the sword it shall hold.
Great project end to end. Here's the steps:
1. Discussions of the desired item - colors, art, complexity, options... such as simple body in black, chape & locket in gray, rain tabs, small artwork, shape choices, stitching choices (edges, back, running, criss-cross X, etc)
2. Getting me the blade (thats required, can't build a good scabbard from measurements alone)
3. Building a paper patterns
4. Cutting and wet-forming the leather (wet, manually mold to shape, let dry)
5. Cutting other elements such as (a) the lambskin & wool liner at the locket (entry) that gently and softly surrounds the blade when drawn and returned, (b) the chape (at the point, extra protection and encloses the end), (c) the locket/rainguard combination front and back near the crossguard
6. Trimming and edge work
7. Punching the stitching holes
8. Artwork, which in this case is only on the rain tabs: understated glyph on the back and personal icon for the front
9. Oiling
10. LOTS of stitching and gluing. More stitching and gluing...
BTW, I stitch with the blade in the scabbard to control the tension and ensure it is just the right snugness. Not too loose, not too tight.
11. Application of conditioner/protectant (combo of beeswax, lanolin & paraffin)
12. Photos!
