Knife sheath question

[john beattie]

Hi Guy's
Can anyone tell me what kind of strap fastening a knife sheath would have had in the old west, what i mean is most modern knives have a snap (press stud) on the retaining strap but what was used before, or were they made without the strap.

many thanks
john

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi John,

Chuck Burrows adapted this stock knife for me ... and it originally came with the ubiquitous 'snap band' ...

One of the many things he did was to make a 'keeper' to hold the knife ....

[john beattie]

Thanks Wadd that's a nice idea, and thats a nice knife and sheath as well

all the best
john

[outrider]

They also may have used a "finial" stud (Sam Browne stud) similar to the military holsters of the day

[ChurchandSon]

I try to "friction fit" all my sheaths that house knives with guards but if you have a loose one a leather thong stitched one end and wrapped loosely around the handle works well and is easy to manipulate with cold fingers....
I prefer pouch sheaths but them and guards don't make it.......Randy

[john beattie]

The Sam Browne idea had crossed my mind Outrider i just didn't know if that was the way i may have been done but thank you

Thanks Randy that idea also sounds fine i will put it to the lad who is wanting it made and he can decide,the blade is a 10" so like you say a friction fit would work well.

many thanks
john

[Cliff Fendley]

Most antique bowie knives didn't have any fasteners holding it in. Nor did the push daggers I've looked at. A lot of knives didn't either.

Just as the gun holsters they fit well enough it wasn't necessary I suppose.