Billhook Sheath

Description

When working in a woodland coupe, or layering a hedge, or tidying the garden it’s useful to have your billhook ready at hand, hanging from your belt. Before having my own holster I would put my billhook down and then spend half an hour trying to find it under piles of brash! Wearing it at your belt becomes second nature and also reduces the number of times you have to bend down to pick it up.

This leather sheath is hand stitched by me using tough 5mm thick and natural, British veg-tanned cowhide. I dye the leather or leave it natural, burnish the edges and finish with natural oils and beeswax.

The Shape – Symmetrical or Asymmetrical?

Symmetrical – this shape allows the billhook to be inserted either way around, can be worn on the left or right hip and used ambidextrously. The shape is more rectangular so other billhook shapes can fit.

Asymmetrical – this shape is designed to be worn either left or right handed, with a slight hook shape in the leather profile. This also means that the sheath is slightly narrower and more streamlined. The hook is inserted at an angle until it reaches the bottom of the sheath when it’s straightened, to lock it in place. To remove it you just tilt the hook backwards and pull up.

I explain the symmetrical/asymmetrical differences in this short YouTube video.

Folded-over or metal opening?

There are two options for the opening, where you slide the billhook in. It can be either folded over or I can protect the edge using copper or brass. Both methods work well, it’s just a question of aesthetics.

I can also include a pouch for a pruning saw. If you’d like this optional extra then please let me know which pruning saw (or other tool) this is for so I can make sure it fits.

To ensure that I make a sheath the right size please send me a photo of your billhook (plan view, from directly above) with a ruler right next to it. You can send me the photo (to [email protected]) after you’ve ordered, along with the blade’s max width and length (from end of hook to where it meets the ferrule in the handle).

All my products are made by me in my small workshop in the northwest of England, UK. I sometimes have a lot of orders on my waiting list so please allow 3 to 5 weeks for me to make and post it. When you place you’re order I’ll be in touch soon to let you know when it will be ready.