This is the fourth knife I built. It is a skinning knife with deer antler handle, copper guard and end. I sanded the knife up to 320 grit, so as not to polish it. I think it goes better with the style of knife. When I heat-treated the knife, I placed into engine oil with the back first. This created an ever so slight upward bend on the back of the knife. This was an accident but I rather much like the outcome.The sheath is made from cow hide. I just put it in warm water with baking soda and let it dry. I did treat it with some compound that prevents water from being absorbed.