Ways to Decorate a Scabbard
The main purpose of a scabbard is to protect the blade and make it easier and safer to carry a weapon. But that doesn't mean they can't also serve a decorative purpose. While some scabbards are made of leather alone, many scabbards have a metal plate folded around the tip and around the opening. These metal plates can be quite simple or richly decorated. In this article, you'll learn how to decorate your scabbard with a scabbard tip.
The plate that goes around the tip of the scabbard is called a scabbard tip, the plate that goes around the opening is called a mount.
Installing a Scabbard Tip or Mount with Glue
What do you need?
-glue (multi-purpose adhesive or super glue)
How do I install a tip or mount with glue?
Installing a scabbard tip or mount 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 mount and/or the scabbard and place it. Different types of glue have different instructions, so always follow the instructions that came with your glue for the strongest result.
Installing a Scabbard Tip or Mount 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 mount with rivets/nails/screws?
Most tips and mounts don't have pre-drilled holes. Determine where you want the holes to be. The easiest way to mark them on metal is to stick some masking tape on the metal and draw the markings on the tape.
Drill the holes where you've marked them. Make sure the metal is supported while drilling and is on a flat surface. For example, you can place a piece of wood inside the tip or mount so it doesn't bend while drilling.
Remove the masking tape from the tip or mount. Place the hardware on the scabbard and mark where the holes are. Remove the hardware again.
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're going to use nails, you can skip this step.
Step 5:
Place the tip or mount back on the scabbard and make sure all the holes are 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're using nails, you can simply use a hammer to tap them through the holes in the hardware into the scabbard.
