Hi
I'm working up an Indian War Enlisted Infantry Soldier for SASS, NCOWS, and GAF (first). I've put together several butcher knives and I'd like to work up a beaded sheath for that outfit. I plan on carrying a 6, 7, or 8 inch Russell Green River butcher blade (they come in all three lengths), and I’d like to carry it in a beaded sheath.
I own Plains Indian Knife Sheaths: Materials, Design & Construction written by Kozlov, Alex. For my first effort in sheath making, I plan on doing a tacked sheath, not a beaded one, but when I tackle a beaded one, what shape is easiest? In some ways, I’d guess that the trapezoidal ones are the easiest instead of the ones that are the same shape as a knife itself.
My experience in beading is that I stitched 454 and 457 on the outside of a couple of pigskin bags that I stored round balls of that size (454 and 457) in. I think what I did was known as applique stitching, the needle went all of the way through the leather. I'd like to learn how to do the lazy stitch. What is the best source of information on doing the lazy stitch? Website, DVD or book?
It is my understanding that the French 10/0 or 8/0 beads are the most authentic, Crazy Crow has them, and I could get a few of them. What needle is used? Is needle size dependent on bead size? I remember reading (don’t remember where though) that you should use Sinew that’s the same diameter as the beads. I don’t want to waste original beads on a SASS / NCOWS / GAF setup because I’m pretty sure I’m 0% native American…
What bead size, needle, and thread should I use? Do I need an awl the same size as the needle? Is there other equipment / stuff that I need? Besides why woiuld anyone want to play with little biddy things and a needle, what didn't I ask that I need to know? I also emailed Crazy Crow with a similar question.
Thanks