UPDATE: The Third Time is the Charm!Success! I completed the scabbard on the third attempt. I made sure to do plenty of preparation of the inside of the scabbard to accommodate the geometry of the blade. Soaking the two halves in boiling hot water for 35 minutes gave the wood enough flex to make the needed bend.
After drying I noticed that I actually over sanded the inside upper portions so I glued two leather strips along the inside centerline which worked out perfectly. I can hold the sheathed blade completely upside down and give the scabbard a moderate jiggle before the blade will steadily and smoothly be withdrawn by gravity. I am waiting for the twin sets of buckles and tips from Raymond's Quiet Press before shipping it all off to Brent @ T-Star leather for the final phase.