sheath n also shathe.
1 Also: a wooden knife casing, made by the sealer and often elaborately decorated.
1852 Morning Post 12 Feb, p. 4 [advertisement] Oiled clothing, covered hats and south-westers...also palms, sheaths, and belts. 1984 WRIGHT 42-3 With the acquisition of knives we started a ritual that must be as old as the seal hunt itself. 'Got to make a "shathe" for that knife now b'y,' Jacob told me... An ordinary leather sheath is not suitable for a sealing knife because it quickly soaks up blood, which freezes. A properly made wooden sheath is less porous and allows the blood to drain away through a small hole cut into the bottom.
2 Comb ~ knife.
1852 Morning Post 12 Feb, p. 4 [advertisement] Also palms, sheaths, and belts, sheath knives, etc. 1986 SAUNDERS 53 After bleeding and paunching the carcass with his sheath knife, he took his axe and chopped [the caribou] in half for carrying.
