Why Gambrel Knife Co. sheaths are built with you in mind?

Built for Work.

Built for life

Built for you.

If you carry a knife, then it is a fair assumption to say that you have opinions on how you carry that knife. I sure have my own preferences and I have often given my two cents. Kydex vs. leather and scout carry vs. vertical carry are just two of the many topics that are broached by people who rely on their knives. These topics deserve their own Field Guide. Today I want to look at the Gambrel Knife Co. vertical carry leather sheath that comes standard with every one of our knives. Specifically lets look at problems with many leather sheaths on the market and what makes ours different.

As a customer I want a sheath that has a rock solid design, fit, material, and origin. At Gambrel we provide the same considerations to the sheaths that our customers receive.

When I made my first knife and sheath set I was 14. I gutted deer, went camping, and skinned squirrels with that OG combo. What I really got out of the experience was a valuable lesson in sheath design.

Like my first knife and sheath set many knives are designed independently of how that knife will be carried. Even a well made sheath can be an after thought. A common result of this approach is a knife that rest on it's tip in the bottom of the sheath. With one forceful push or accidental hit to the back of the handle will send the razor sharp blade through the bottom of the sheath.

Conversely our "Moneycut" knife and sheath was designed in tandem.

When the blade is inserted into the sheath the knife is supported by the indexing tab, not the blade tip. This design allows for a solid knife and sheath interface that settles into the same spot every time. The indexing tab and shelf of the sheath keeps the edge off of the leather, preventing sudden and gradual sheath cutting.

The Sheath Design

I've focused on some elements of the sheath that you may not notice at a cursory look, but I'd be negligent to skip other design elements that make this my ideal belt sheath.

The "Moneycut" sheath is an exact profile of the blade shape, making the entire package slender enough to fit in the back of a bino harness while maintaining a generous leather welt. Jon Keen and I spent intentional time getting the belt loop size and attachment point just right. The loop fits narrow and wide belts alike. The loop is attached with a copper rivet. Belt loops that are stitched on are great; they aren't fool proof. A casual return of knife to sheath can catch and cut this stitching, causing the attachment to unravel. With secure copper rivet, don't give this issue a second thought.

The Sheath fit

Built for Work.

Built for life

Built for you.

Sloppy knife fit causes several issues. Not only is it frustrating as a user but it can be dangerous. Your knife needs to be sharp and secure without compromise. A lacerated hand, due to sloppy sheath fit, will ruin your day and your hunt. You wont find sloppy fit with Gambrel sheaths.

Referring back to the design: the "Moneycut" knife and sheath were designed in tandem. The indexing tab on the knife handle is the widest part of the knife and the sheath opening is the widest part of the sheath. This means the upper portion of the sheath, that grips the knife handle, has not been widened to accommodate a wide blade profile.

No material is without its downsides. After all leather is a natural material. Like anything that is porous moisture and temperature have an impact. In the event of over stretching you can dampen the front of the sheath and massage the leather back into a flat position. Doing this will result in knife retention that is like out of the box performance.

A well fit knife and sheath is a comfortably carried knife and sheath.

Material selection is of the utmost importance in leather goods. Some leathers, while cheaper, are inferior to others.

The leather used in every "Moneycut" sheath is vegetable tanned bridle leather. The leather is tanned using the natural tannins found in organic material. Veg-tan leather is not treated with chemicals like chrome-tan leather. Chrome-tan is a cheaper alternative that is shorter lasting and even corrosive to knife steels. After the 45 day tanning process this third generation tannery infuses each hide with oil and tallow. The fact that this leather is vegetable tanned and packed with oils means that it will age well and be very durable. Leather treated in this way is referred to as bridle leather, due to its use in building tack for horses.

Out of the box, every sheath comes ready to put in the field. The product is durable and easy to maintain. A perfect material for a sheath that is built to last a lifetime.

The Sheath Material

The Sheath Origin

Like our knives, the sheaths at Gambrel Knife Company are made is the USA. Specifically, they are made in the USA by Jon Keen.

I know Jon as a blacksmith, leather worker, and more importantly friend. I met Jon in 2021 through a mutual friend. Jon had a booth set up with leather goods that he had made. We weren't five minutes into the conversation when my eye caught a floral tooled belt sheath for a Case trapper. I bought it immediately. I still wear this low profile sheath to work as a high school Ag teacher.

Over the years Jon who I trust making sheaths for my custom belt knives.

Bringing Jon on board when starting Gambrel Knife Company was the easiest decision of startup. Just like you, Jon understands the value of using your hands, doing something worth doing, and making things in the USA. After getting a "Moneycut" knife go visit Jon's website and support someone who believes in making things the right way.

Just like knives, not all sheaths are made equal. Good design, fit, material, and origin make a difference. These categories dictate the quality of the tool to user interface, and ultimately make a difference in the field. Choose a sheath designed with intention and fit with precision. Choose a material and origin that will stand the test of time. Choose Gambrel Knife Company.

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