Leather Scabbard, Poplar Core

Vegetable tanned leather over poplar wood core.  Light Russet dye, custom tooling.  Shown prior to assembly with integral belt suspension.


After assembly with integral belt suspension.  Belt dyed black with "Vingaroon" solution consisting of 1/2 pad #0000 steel wool soaking in 1 pint vinegar for 2 days.  Belt was then treated with Dr. Jackson's balm, 2 coats super sheen, 2 coats atom wax.  Buckle from Viking Leather Crafts.

Remaining tasks: rain flap stitching, cuts on front for lace.

Vingaroon Black Leather

Half a 0000 steel wool pad was allowed to sit in household vinegar for 24 hours.  The lid was not tight as I believe there may be some gasses emitted during the reaction.  This test strip of leather was submerged for about 5-10 seconds, producing a nice black color with this ancient technique that takes advantage of a chemical reaction with the tannins in the leather.  This color will not rub off and shines up nicely with a satin or gloss finish.  I would imagine any shade of gray could be produced by experimenting with the amount of time the steel wool is left in the vinegar.

 Final result, with super sheen and atom wax.