JRE Prototype Pouch Sheaths Unveiled

Last night I headed down to JRE Industries for a visit and to shoot the bull. Little did I know I was going to be witness to the production of some prototype sheaths which are slated for production.

Spen had some pieces of leather already cut when I arrived and he promptly put me to work punching holes and roughing the leather in preparation for glue. I didn't actually know what I was punching and roughing until he assembled the first one and stitched it.

These pouches are all made of some nice thick leather (8-9oz. according to Spen) and some had integral firesteel loops and some did not. There were several sizes which looked capable of holding a wide array of Bark River knives from the Minis (Canadian, North Star, etc.) all the way up to the Gameskeepers.

There is a copper rivet in the top corner of the sheath which adds, in my opinion, a very nice touch. It quickly catches the eye and should also develop a nice "character" once it begins to patina. As much as I've been a fan of kydex in the past I have to say a nice worn-in leather sheath really grabs me. Each has a place and it is ultimately up to the end user to decide which option best suits him or her.

Without further ado, here are some pictures I snapped last night while the sheaths were being finished. There are no finished sheaths in these pictures but they were getting close by the time I headed for home around 1am.




I can't wait to see these shipping with future knives. It'll be great if Mike Stewart will offer them (for a fee) for presently-owned knives. I sure wouldn't mind having one of the firesteel models for my Mini Northstar.

Thanks for reading,

B