Smooth edges?????? Help....

T

torquemada055

Joined
Jul 29, 2004
Messages
29
As a newbie trying this stuff out, how do you make the edges so smooth in all these pictures?
I know my small bet sander works on getting the edges uniform, But I have yet to figure out how you guy's make such smooth edges..

Good thing that so far every one I've made, all 6 so far, hasnt needed a smooth polished look like the fantastic ones I keep drooling over..but I am working on one for my older sister that needs a smooth edge and I dont know how that happens.
 
This is one of those "ask 12 guys the same question, you'll get 12 different answers" kinda thing...but that's good news for you because you'll be able to try all these different approaches to smooth edges, and you can then decide which method results in the edges you are trying to achieve.
I find that some leather just doesn't respond to "the way I usually do it" so have to try other means.
Usually water and a cocobolo burnisher mounted on 1/2 hp motor does the trick for me....sometimes I just feel like doing it by hand with a cocobolo stick.......I'm experimenting with a beeswax/parafin mix rubbed on the edge, then burnished.....sometimes when I feel like it, I'll use Edge Kote.....then always with my finishing top coat, which varies also.
So I guess I don't have a clearly defined answer for you, except to try various methods and see what works best for you.
 
Well, I already have beeswax for bowstring, guess I can try it with a rod of some kind. I normally cut my leather with either big scissors or an exacto blade so that's not too big a deal. I just didnt know how to get a smooth edge that looks FINISHED if you know what I mean.
The sheath's I have made so far were more the mountain man style so a finished edge wasnt a big deal.
But I get all sorts of ideas from reading how you older hands deal with things, I appreciate the advice. I'll give your method a try.
 
Edges are probably the biggest challenge for new leather crafters. Getting a good even sand on the edge is imperative. Blue jean material or canvass works good if you don't have a cocobolo burnisher. Pass the material at least six times in one direction to lay the grain down before you rub back and forth. This was a favorite technique of old saddle makers. Sometimes it seems no mater how you sand on some leather you'll get little dimpled or uneven spots. You can fill this by rubbing bees wax, parrafin wax or shoe repair wax over the spot then burnish the wax in. Remember though the wax won't take dye, so try and use a wax the same color as your desired finish. You can also use a small glass bottle, deer antler or hard plastic stick to burnish. Good luck on your quest for the perfect edge.
 
Funny you should mention deer antler, I have 2 forked antlers sitting on the shelf behind me. I'll definitely be trying them.
So would it be a good idea to dye the leather before I apply some wax to the edges and try to burnish them?
 
Gum tragacanth is a natural gum used on edges of leather for about 2000 years. You can get it at any leather store or bakery supply(used for thickening in cake batter)
After dying rub some on and BONE IT BABY. It will slicked, harden and weatherproof the edge. You can also use it as a finish on the flesh side of leather, it will make the fuzzies lay down.........Randy
 
Gotta admit Randy, "Bone it Baby" was not something I ever thought I would hear in regards to leather working...I'm still laughing and it's hard to type....But I will get some and take your advice.

I hope my wife doesnt read this thread anytime soon, she'll have giggle fits for day's on end.....
 
You can get decent results by burnishing with a brown paper bag as well. Just wet the edge a little and burnish it with a piece of brown bag wadded up.
 
1) Belt sand
2) #2 or #3 edger depending on thickness
3) Sandpaper to 400 grit
4) Beeswax aggressively worked with slicker

I dye the edge after last sanding with paper and before the beeswax.
 
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