Ways to decorate a scabbard
The primary purpose of a scabbard is to protect the blade and make it easier and safer to carry a weapon. But this does not mean they do not serve a decorative purpose as well. While some scabbards are made solely of leather, many scabbards have a metal plate folded around the tip and around the opening. These metal plates can be very simple or richly decorated. In this article, leather you how to decorate your scabbard with a chape.
The plate that goes around the tip of the scabbard is called a chape, the plate that goes around the opening is called a fitting.
Attaching a chape or fitting with glue
What do you need?
-glue (multi-purpose glue or super glue)
How do I install a tip or fitting with glue?
Attaching a scabbard tip or fitting with glue is very simple. Make sure you use a strong glue that works on both leather and metal.
Apply the glue to the tip or fitting and/or the scabbard and place them. Different types of glue have different instructions, so always follow the instructions provided with the glue for the strongest result.
Installing a scabbard tip or fitting with rivets/nails/screws
What do you need?
-masking tape
-pencil
-drill
-leather awl
-hammer
-screwdriver
-rivets/small nails/wood screws
How do I install a tip or fitting with rivets/nails/screws?
Step 1:
Most tips and fittings do not have pre-drilled holes. Determine where you want the holes to be. The easiest way to mark them on metal is by placing some masking tape on the metal and drawing the markings on the tape.
Step 2:
Drill the holes where you have marked them. Ensure that the metal is supported and on a flat surface while drilling. You can, for example, place a piece of wood in the tip or fitting so it does not bend during drilling.
Step 3:
Remove the masking tape from the tip or fitting. Place the hardware on the scabbard and mark where the holes are. Remove the hardware again.
Step 4:
If you plan to secure the hardware with rivets or screws, you also need to pre-drill holes in the scabbard. Use the leather awl or drill, depending on your preference and the thickness of the scabbard, and make holes in the scabbard at the marked spots.
If you are using nails, you can skip this step.
Step 5:
Place the tip or fitting back on the scabbard and ensure the holes are all aligned. You can now secure the hardware with the rivets or screws. Place them in the holes and use a hammer or screwdriver to secure them.
If you are using nails, you can simply use a hammer to tap them through the holes in the hardware into the scabbard.
