Absolutely Alan,
As i said, the guy is not a smith.
I can further say that, if i
had to choose an option, i would obviously follow your exposition which, above all, is backed by experienced observation.
But i confess that, having been self influenced by the "repousse" aproach done by the various ( four?) members, and so having been "arrested" by the projection of the term, i was predisposed to easily beleive the guy when he said that the punching on the discussed scabbard was done ( at least partially) from the inside. To tell the truth, i still look at it and still don't reject such idea

.
Wasn't it Jesus thas said: the worst blind is the one that doesn't want to see?