Spyderco genzow sheath problems

[BadFish]

I got the genzow hatchet for Christmas and I’ve used it extensively for deer hunting season clearing lanes for shooting.

I love this hatchet how light it carries on the belt and so forth. The sheath tho today when I looked at it I have an issue.

The stitching is already coming apart










What can I do ? For 175 bucks I’d expect a little better on a sheath. Any recommendations?

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

Needle and thread. $175.00 is not much to spend on much of anything these days you want to talk about money for nothing lets discuss my auto insurance renewal now there is something to gripe about. Seriously stitch it up.

[500Nitro]

For a start, just remember that things can catch/cut the stitching - I didn't think so until it happened to a sheath
I had quite a few years ago.

What can you do ?

Send it back to Spyderco Maintenance if you can't do what above poster says of stitching it up yourself.

[BadFish]

Yea I’m not into the idea of stitch repairing this myself st all. Is that an option spyderco would do. Fix the sheath ?

[500Nitro]

Yea I’m not into the idea of stitch repairing this myself st all. Is that an option Spyderco would do. Fix the sheath ?

Ask them ? I can't see why not, everything else service wise they seem to fix and service.

Send the maintenance dept an email.

[SF Native]

If spyderco wont help, maybe find a local shoe repair. Seems they would work with leather and stiching regularly.

[jpm2]

If mine busts, I’ll fix it myself, otherwise the local leather repair shop is a good suggestion.

[awa54]

Axe sheathes often have this problem... it's because the handle generates lots of leverage then as the blade rocks around in there the two faces of the sheath guide the blade right to the stitching. The only way to make one that will never have this issue is to put a leather spacer layer between the inner and outer faces of the sheath (edge hits leather, not thread), or to make the sheath/guard a loose enough fit near the edge that it can't get to the stitching, or so tight around the poll that the blade can't shift around at all.

[jpm2]

Axe sheathes often have this problem... it's because the handle generates lots of leverage then as the blade rocks around in there the two faces of the sheath guide the blade right to the stitching. The only way to make one that will never have this issue is to put a leather spacer layer between the inner and outer faces of the sheath (edge hits leather, not thread), or to make the sheath/guard a loose enough fit near the edge that it can't get to the stitching, or so tight around the poll that the blade can't shift around at all.

The Genzow sheath has plenty of spacers, 5 that I see for a total width of about 3/4". I don't think the stitch damage was from the blade cutting it from inside the sheath.

[SF Native]

That’s really curious. I don’t see any scuffs where it might have rubbed against a tree or anything. Looks like it just let loose.

[Extra330SC]

I got the genzow hatchet for Christmas and I’ve used it extensively for deer hunting season clearing lanes for shooting.

I love this hatchet how light it carries on the belt and so forth. The sheath tho today when I looked at it I have an issue.

The stitching is already coming apart










What can I do ? For 175 bucks I’d expect a little better on a sheath. Any recommendations?

Sorry for your trouble! If you don't get a satisfactory solution to the problem. ..hit me up via PM. My wife makes custom leather sheaths for most of my fixed blades.... I can have her try to fix it for you no charge!

Good luck.

James

[bearfacedkiller]

The spacer is called a welt and there appears to be a substantial one on there. I do not think that the hatchet cut the threads. It usually takes a little while for even a sharp axe to wear a welt out from the inside.

You shouldn't have too much to worry about because any decent sheath will also be glued together. Just stitch it back up and move on.

If this is a user than just accept it. I have learned from my own experience that axe sheaths have a short life span regardless of quality. It is usually only a matter of time before I try to use the axe only to realize the sheath/mask is still on and they don't usually survive. I know it sounds like a knucklehead move but it is easier to do than many probably think.

[BadFish]

Not sure how well it was glued either

[jpm2]

After looking at mine some more, that place where the stitch is broke is about where the tip of the blade would contact the stitching if the handle is rotated up while secured in the sheath. This would also require the blade to go between the layers of welt more than an 1/8".

It is usually only a matter of time before I try to use the axe only to realize the sheath/mask is still on and they don't usually survive.

I can see how this could happen under the above circumstances, but like SF Native said, there doesn't appear to be any external sheath damage.
I suppose it could happen without marking the sheath by hitting something soft like carpet?
It does sort of look like from that last picture the blade might have got between the layers of welt and wedged them apart.

[steeljustice]

My $45 dollar Cold Steel War Hawk came with a quality blade protector Sheaf ,and my $40 dollar SOG Tomahawk Axe came with a quality nylon Sheaf.
I would complain about your cheap plastic Sheaf.

[jpm2]

My $45 dollar Cold Steel War Hawk came with a quality blade protector Sheaf ,and my $40 dollar SOG Tomahawk Axe came with a quality nylon Sheaf.
I would complain about your cheap plastic Sheaf.

Do you mean "sheath"?
The Genzow sheath is leather.

[500Nitro]

My $45 dollar Cold Steel War Hawk came with a quality blade protector Sheaf ,and my $40 dollar SOG Tomahawk Axe came with a quality nylon Sheaf.
I would complain about your cheap plastic Sheaf.

Do you mean "sheath"?
The Genzow sheath is leather.

That’s what I was trying to work out as well ?!

[steeljustice]

Call it what you want but it’s material is cheep and it is coming apart.

[TomAiello]

I agree that the sheath could definitely be built to a higher standard.

Do you have a local leather shop? A harness machine can resew the thread that is pulling. If you have the equipment and skill it's less than 15 minutes work.

[vivi]

After you get it repaired, consider coating the outer threads with super glue or epoxy. This makes them much more durable.