Arrow Quiver 'Drop Leg Style'

I wanted to have a quiver that is easily accessible and still keeps the arrows away from bushes while roaming through the woods. I didn't like the generic side quivers that keep tangling around my legs while walking. And the back quivers didn't work for me. So I started to think about a quiver that is firmly attached to the belt and to the leg. It should be easy to draw the arrows and put them back in. And while walking the arrows shouldn't poke me all the time.
I ended up with this quiver and I'm really happy with the design. It's very convenient while in the woods and lets me forget I'm wearing one at all. It has a twist that fits perfectly to my hip and down to my leg. This twist tilts the arrows a bit to the back side, thus ensuring that the nocks don't poke me in the back.
And additionally there is the option to attach a knife sheath directly to the quiver with chicago screws through the rivets on the side of the quiver. But that will come later...

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Materials:

- Thick belt leather
- Rivets
- 5 Chicago screws
- 2 Cordura straps
- Leather glue
- Cutter
- Dremel (sanding and polishing bit)
- Drill
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PS: My experience with leather is highly limited. In fact it's the second time I'm working with it. So there might be better ways to do some things. Feel free to make it much better!

UPDATE1: The pattern for the three leather pieces is now attached. But be careful, the first page is format A3 (2 sheets of A4) and the second and third is A4. The distance measurements are in mm (metrics. Greetings from Europe...). However, even if you print it the wrong size, you can use the angles on my template and together with the distance measurements you can easily make your own pattern and adapt it to your needs.

UPDATE2: Instructable user LAZY GLEN did an amazing job and traced my crappy sketch and made a DXF file and a PDF of the dxf file. The measurements are very close to what I used on my quiver. Many thanks to Lazy Glen!

Step 1: Cut out the 3 pieces

I made a paper template that I tested on my leg to ensure that it got the right shape. Initially I wanted to make the main part and the belt loops from one piece of leather. But the leather is much nicer on the front side, so I decided to use a 3 piece approach. Make sure that you cut the leather a bit larger than the template since the bending of the leather into the twisted form will use a bit more material. To get a nice edge you will later cut away one or two millimeter anyway.

Comments

[bcohen2]

I hope I'm not duplicating a previous post, Dominik. I've been having some technical difficulties.

The armguard was simple. I used Photoshop to scale it correctly. Then I printed it, cut it, and traced it on the leather. I need to use a recently purchased leather punch to clean up the holes; the drill made them a bit ragged and puckered. I used brass rivets and lace hooks as hardware.

The quiver was bit problematic without using a commercial printer to generate a template. Since I had the measurements, I just needed to replicate the angles. I simply folded along the relevant lines at key points to create the angles and used the paper as a protractor on the leather. The curved arrow guide at the top was more of a challenge. To make a long story short, I figured its zenith and nadir relative to a centered "Y" axis and an "X" axis running across from the beginning of the curve (a real bitch, since I'm not the engineering type). Then I basically eyeballed it (yep, definitely not an engineer).

Please note: for left-handed archers, the quiver template must be a mirror-image of the original. Left-handers will wear it on their left hips; the arrow guide and leg twist will be reversed.

I've ordered leather stamping tools and a swivel knife, so I can tool the next armguard and quiver with fancy patterns.

[dtextor]

You did an amazing job!!! You're my new favorite reader! :) I'm so glad you posted some pics! And trust me, being able to "eyeball" something comes pretty close to the definition of being an engineer! i might have an idea for silencing the quiver. When i'm back from military and find the time i'll send you a message. Thanks again and i hope you'll enjoy your beautiful new equipment. Greetings from switzerland.

[bcohen2]

I haven't hunted yet. But examining the quiver I built from your template, I think I could fit at least 3 arrows with Muzzy or Rage fixed 2-bladed tips. I used a PVC pipe approximately 1 3/8" inch (about 35 mm) outside diameter to widen the tube while shaping the quiver. Many, if not most, 2-blade fixed broadheads have diameters 7/8" - 1 1/8" (22mm - 29mm). I might come up with a quick-lace system that would prevent rattle while stalking, yet a silent release to access an arrow.

[bcohen2]

I just completed your design. It turned out beautiful! The leg twist is crucial and makes this field quiver so unique. All the rivets and screws are nickel. To keep everything "natural," I used a leather lace to secure the quiver to my leg. Even shooting at an indoor range, I like how the quiver doesn't bang against my leg when I walk to and from the target. I also made your arm guard out of the same piece as the quiver. They look great and function well when I shoot traditional (recurve). Thanks for great templates!

[dtextor]

Wow, you made them both?! If it's not too much to ask, I really would like to see how yours look like. Can you post some pictures? I have to admit that I'm a bit proud that you used my templates! :) Best regards.

[jcampbell]

I can't tell from your photos...will this quiver carry broadheads (bladed points) or just field tipped arrows?

[dtextor]

If you build it like this it will only carry field tips since the tube is not that wide. However, you could make the tube wider and shorter. There are some people that have done similar things.

[chase32615]

Did you buy the vambrace or did you make it?

[dtextor]

I bought it. However, it would be very easy to build it yourself. Maybe I'll upload a pattern and instructions, since a lot of people ask for it. But the design is not from me!

[chase32615]

Okay sweet i cant wait the only thing that stinks is that my nearest hobby lobby is 2 hours away so i have to get creative when finding leather.

[chase32615]

What kind of recurve bow would you suggest that i wont have to pay out the wazoo for i mean i already have a hunting bow and its compound but i really like recurve and i do the same thing as you i like roaming around the woods.

[jcampbell]

The best deal I found was from Samick sports (brand). They have a takedown recurve bow that retails for about 150$ US.Check Sportsman's Warehouse or 3 Rivers Archery.

[dtextor]

I like the wooden traditional recurves, but I live in europe, so the best option for you would be to ask for help in an archery store. My experience in archery is limited, so you really should ask someone with more experience.
As for the leather, maybe you have someone that works with horses. They use decent thick leather for the tack and bridle. Maybe you get lucky.

[chase32615]

thanks i see what i can do if i do find some ill show you the finished product

[brice0112]

what kind of bow is in the picture

[moonpuppy]

My hubby loves this! He's the archer in the family. He was wondering if you had a pattern for the arm guard, also. It also rocks!

[dtextor]

The arm guard instructable is now online:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Archery-leather-armguard

[dtextor]

Building the armguard will be very easy. A piece of leather and some bungee cord will do. I don't have a pattern for this but the pattern for the quiver is now attached in step 1. Regards.

[whiterider]

Very nice! Do you have an Instructable for the arm guard? Dandy bow. What brand is it?

[dtextor]

I bought the armguard. But if more people will keep asking for it, I'll post a pattern anyway. :) Bow is an Initech II.

[dtextor]

The arm guard instructable is now online:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Archery-leather-armguard

[criggie]

I have a few leather things that hang off a belt, and over time the top of the belt loop is what wears out. I'd suggest a second layer inside the belt loop just to take the wear (nylon web perhaps?) or use a heavier thickness of leather at that point.

[Jord234]

Do you think that you would be able to lace the seems instead of using rivets and glue? Also would it work if I laced straight up the quiver to make 5 individual pockets for each arrow?

[dtextor]

I never worked with lacing technique but there shouldn't be a problem. However, I guess the shape won't flatten down the same as if you rivet it.
I also thought about making one in a similar fashion but with individual pockets to suppress rattling. I don't know exactly how I would do it with lacing, but with rivets and/or sewing it should make a nice quiver!

[Lazy Glen]

Can you upload your template? My 12 yo Daughter is asking for a quiver for Christmas, I had intended to make a sling over the shoulder style, but I like this too.

[dtextor]

I hope I can find time during the weekend and scan my pattern. It's not very accurate but it should help with the sizing! Ok?

[Lazy Glen]

That would be great, thanks. It's been a very long time since I've shot a bow, and it looks like you do it regulary. The twist would not even have occurred to me, but I see its utility.

I saw a link in the side bar for a PVC over the shoulder back sling, I may try to do both. The plotter paper 36" cardboard tubes should be perfect.

Thanks again.
Glen

[dtextor]

Hi Lazy Glen. The pattern for the three leather pieces is now attached. But be careful, the first page is format A3 (2 sheets of A4) and the second and third is A4. The distance measurements are in mm (metrics. Greetings from Europe...). However, even if you print it the wrong size, you can use the angles on my template and together with the distance measurements you can easily make your own pattern and adapt it to your needs. Hope it helps. Best regards.

[lperkins]

Brad-pointed wood bits at high speed make neat holes in leather much more easily than metal bits. They cut the outside edge of the hole first so there's less trouble with the leather just getting pushed out of the way.

[dtextor]

I did use wood bits with outside cutting edges. However, it still pushes the leather a bit. I ended up with making the holes slightly bigger than necessary and hammering it down again with scrap leather pieces above and below. Trying it first on leftover pieces of leather is always a good idea!

[Crossing]

Awesome, looks like this will be a good upgrade to my last homemade quiver. One question though, where did you get your awesome arm guard/ gauntlet?

[dtextor]

I bought the armguard in a local shop for archery products. If you search for traditional arm guards, you will find many alike. Don't forget to send some pictures, if you build one too!

[rfpatzman]

I'm a leathercrafter, and this is a wonderful ible! I've been looking for a pattern like this for a costume I've been working on (I'm a cosplayer). This is perfect!

[dtextor]

Thank you!! Please show some pictures if you build some too. :)

[Mooch07]

Nice!
Thanks for the ideas.

[The Rambler]

I like the look of this a lot. Do you find that it ihibits movement much? Does it make it harder to run?

[dtextor]

It doesn't inhibit any movement. But depending on the 'fit'of the spine tube, the arrows will rattle some. But thanks to the back drop/twist, they won't touch your back

[poofrabbit]

This is really cool and has a great result, well done!

[audreyobscura]

This came out really slick! I am not an archer, but this quiver style could be useful for all kinds of applications. Thanks for the excellent post.