Sheaths on Bags?

[Smokey Plainsman]

I am curious about the historical authenticity of knife sheaths attached to shooting bags in 18th and early 19th centuries. Was it done, and if so, where is the proof? Seems a handy way to keep a fixed blade patch knife always with the bag and ready for use.

Thoughts?

[Tim Crosby]

 Get a copy of The Kentucky Rifle Hunting Pouch by Madison Grant. That should get you started, probably won't need any more proof.

  Tim C.

[Smokey Plainsman]

Get a copy of The Kentucky Rifle Hunting Pouch by Madison Grant. That should get you started, probably won't need any more proof.

  Tim C.

I’ve a copy of said book, but it’s currentlt approx. 8,000 miles away. Now that you mention it, I do seem to remember some pouches having attached sheaths in that book. But, I have read conflicting information as to the authenticity of some of that author’s material, I’ve read some of those bags have been “restored” and have had things added, though I may well be wrong on that.

[James Rogers]

Grants books dont have date provenance on the items but had some examples. Sheaths on the bag strap can definitely be proven in America by about 1821 though

[Smokey Plainsman]

Grants books dont have date provenance on the items but had some examples. Sheaths on the bag strap can definitely be proven in America by about 1821 though

Interesting.

That falls within my time frame requirements. Can you describe what they look like or do you happen to have a photo handy? I have a nice bag at home and am wanting to add a sheath and knife to it. I originally was interested in a folding knife inside the bag, but it seems like a cumbersome and slow way to go.

[Brokennock]

I believe, could be wrong (only on my 1st cup of coffee and working from memory) that there is a reference to a Kentucky Rifleman, could have been Boone, in a writing by Audubon, that describes the shooter loading to shoot a squirrel and drawing his knife from a sheath on his shot pouch.

[Elnathan]

I believe, could be wrong (only on my 1st cup of coffee and working from memory) that there is a reference to a Kentucky Rifleman, could have been Boone, in a writing by Audubon, that describes the shooter loading to shoot a squirrel and drawing his knife from a sheath on his shot pouch.

"… He blows through his rifle to ascertain that it is clear, examines his flint, and thrusts a feather into the touch-hole. To a leathern bag swung at his side is attached a powder-horn; his sheath-knife is there also; below hangs a narrow strip of homespun linen. He takes from his bag a bullet, pulls with his teeth the wooden stopper from his powder-horn, lays the ball in one hand, and with the other pours the powder upon it until it is just overtopped. Raising the horn to his mouth, he again closes it with the stopper, and restores it to its place. He introduces the powder into the tube; springs the box of his gun, greases the "patch"over with some melted tallow, or damps it; then places it on the honey-combed muzzle of his piece. The bullet is placed on the patch over the bore, and pressed with the handle of the knife, which now trims the edge of the linen. The elastic hickory rod, held with both hands, smoothly pushes the ball to its bed; once, twice, thrice has it rebounded. The rifle leaps as it were into the hunters arms, the feather is drawn from the touch-hole, the powder fills the pan, which is closed. “Now I’m ready,” cries the woodsman….


I think that there is an account in the Draper Manuscripts describing a hand-to-hand encounter that took place around between an Indian and the interviewee in which a knife hung off the bag (I don't remember if it was the body or the strap, sorry) played an important role. Unfortunately, I've lost the reference, so I can't confirm.

[Smokey Plainsman]

Thank you, much appreciated.

As an aside, where do you fellers keep your sheaths if one is on your bag? Is it tied to the strap, sewn to the back of the back, etc.?

[smokinbuck]

I have bags with the knife sheath sewn on to the strap and a couple that have the sheath sewn on to the back of the bag.
Mark