I make leather billhook sheaths to order, designed to be worn on the belt and to fit each individual tool.
A billhook or bill hook, also called a pruning knife or spar hook, is a versatile cutting tool used widely in agriculture and forestry for cutting woody material such as shrubs, small trees and branches.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billhook
All I need to make the sheath is a photo of the billhook from directly above, with a ruler in shot. I can then scale this up on my computer screen and make a template.
This works for a standard billhook (as shown above) or a Yorkshire style (where there’s a second straight blade on the back, like the one shown below).
Include a Moulded Pouch
Options to add a pouch on the front for a pruning saw or secateurs:
Rectangular or Shaped
The design can be rectangular (symmetrical) or shaped for the hook (asymmetrical).
The rectangular shape can take other billhooks and allow you to insert them left or right-hipped (where the hook of the blade points behind you when wearing on a belt).
A shaped sheath tends to be narrower, so less bulky, and the hook stops the sheath from coming out if turned upside down.
Metal or Fold-over Opening
When I first started making billhook sheaths (back in 2014) I incorporated a fold-over opening to strengthen this area. Later I developed a way to add copper or brass to give it an even longer life. Both styles work very well so the choice is mostly aesthetic.
Colours
Natural or dyed a colour – the choice is yours. The natural version will darken with use and develop a beautiful patina. Other colour options are dark brown, light brown, black or green.
The Leather
I use UK veg-tanned cowhide, approximately 5 mm thick. There’s an extra layer of leather in the stitching to prevent any sharp edges from cutting the thread from inside the sheath. I oil and wax the leather to help preserve it in bad weather.
If the leather gets wet then the sheath will need to be air-dried, without the billhook inserted, and away from heat sources. The leather should be treated at least twice during a season with a waxy dubbin or leather balm. The number of times you’d need to treat the leather will depend on how often it gets wet.
Belt Loop
The split belt loop allow it to slightly bend around your hip, so it’s not too bulky.
How to Order
Feel free to drop me an email or head over to my Etsy shop to place an order:
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