Leather Tools and Tips #6 (slicking leather edges)

  Interesting tips on slicking leather edges 

There is a lot of method and technique to slicking leather edge.

This is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list on this topic, still out there is alot more possibility have yet to tap on.

What started this question is primary due to my leather project and trying to get consistent result for each leather project. It is at time very taxing and time consuming process and it impact the overall quality of the project.
As each time we source for leather from different supplier or from same supplier at different time the batch might be different due to "aging". Different leather weigh also need to take into consideration when doing burnishing work.

The main purpose of slicking or burnishing process is to protect the leather edge (as in the cutting  process will expose the raw edge), make the edge clean, smooth and more appealing. 

However there are so many way to perform this task, and it at time can be confusing for non expert like us. It is confusing because when you ask around each expert have their own opinion and way of doing it or their preference that suit them best. 
There is no one simple answer to solve all case and in any situation, as there are several factors to take into consideration.


Here goes to share inform by expert or leathercraft forum / blog or YouTube video:-

1) https://dgsaddlery.com/slicking-leather-edges/
Slicking Leather Edges          Posted October 6, 2015 by don Gonzales

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95rsf0kKTCw
Quick Tutorial: Slicking Edges on Leather
Don Gonzales                   Published on 31 Mar 2018  (14:52 minutes) 
There are many different ways to accomplish the goal of smooth shiny edges in your leatherwork, but they all boil down to one thing...  water, friction and lots of elbow grease.   

3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2gsIHmN8P0
Leathercraft Canvas Edge and Flesh burnisher for Slicking Leather
Goods Japan                   Published on 8 Apr 2012 (1:21 minutes)
Available at http://www.goodsjapan.com

4)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRyh8VYER80
Burnishing leather edges- 3 simple ways
Mark the braider               Published on 2 Apr 2017  (8:48 minutes)
In this video I show you how to burnish leather edges using 3 simple and effective techniques. Burnishing is a process of making your edges smoother, glossier and darker.
Burnishing leather is an important step in making an item and makes your work look more professional and attractive.


5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX7fIQuW9rU
  BURNISH LEATHER SKILL VIDEO - How to finish edges of leather.
Rose Anvil                       Published on 4 Mar 2018  (4:04 minutes)
WEBSITE  http://www.roseanvil.com
DESCRIPTION            Burnishing is one of the most important parts of leather working. 
Burnishing takes your project form something that looks homemade to something that looks handmade.

6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioQXum6o_a8
Burnishing Leather Edges             
 Adams LeatherWorks               Published on 14 Sep 2015 (5:10 minutes)
This is a quick video showing how I burnish the edges on my leather products - at least as of late 2015.
https://www.adamsleatherworks.com/pat...

7) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPNhbumFObo&t=1s
Burnishing Leather Edges
Weaver Leathercraft         Published on 20 Jan 2017      (4:05 minutes)
Chuck Dorsett demonstrates how to burnish leather edges. 

8) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyEeCT41D8A
How to burnish a leather edge (for a clean, professional result)
Stock & Barrel Co                Published on 11 Feb 2017  (9:44 minutes)

9) http://www.goldbarkleather.com/sourceblog/2015/12/29/a-basic-guide-to-burnishing
A BASIC GUIDE TO BURNISHING        
Edges, burnishing  DECEMBER 29, 2015
There are literally hundreds of ways to clean up the edges of your leatherworking projects. And most established leather workers have their own unique way to do their edges. 

10) https://www.leatherbeast.com/blog/leather-edge-finishing
LEATHER EDGE FINISHING EXPLAINED!
I hear hear a lot of questions about leather edge finishing these days like, 
"what IS the best method for finishing?"
 I also hear a lot of people asking, "why should I finish my leather edges at all?"

Edge finishing is the process of creating a sealed smooth edge along your exposed seams by completing a few fairly simple steps, consisting mainly of truing up edges, using various methods of burnishing, applying wax and buffing.

11) http://howtoleather.com/how-to-finish-leather-edges/

How to Finish Leather Edges     Fred  September 8, 2015


12) https://www.rmleathersupply.com/pages/bob-park-method-of-burnishing-edge-finishing
Bob Park Method of Burnishing & Edge Finishing

Update on 7th Dec 2018

13) http://leatherworker.net/edging.htm
Finishing Edges by Bob Park, Phoenix AZ  - I am frequently asked about my process for finishing edges. It has evolved over the years as new products and tools become available. As a result I am constantly modifying the steps I take to produce a highly finished edge.
I use saddle soap and heavy canvas to burnish edges. It is a process that has been a standard in saddle shops all over the country, for years. The following is my adaptation and I hope you find it useful.

14) https://www.reddit.com/r/Leathercraft/comments/32qv5s/question_how_do_you_folks_do_edges_so_nicely/.
Comment from one expert user.
If you read through that thread I answered someone with what my exact steps were. Sand with a dremel bit to even them, bevel with edge beveler, wet sand with 400grit, moisten with gum tragacanth, use ghetto cocobolo dremel bit, rub beeswax, buff with canvas.
What's the edge tool you speak of, and are you using nice quality veg tan?

👀 Update on 30th Dec 2018.
Just saw this video from YouTube.

15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9FRzCx2IZw
Edge Burnishing Leather - Tips to get perfect edges with a few simple tools (Full HD)

Fischer Workshops            Published on 21 Dec 2018
Edge Burnishing Leather -  Tips to get perfect edges with a few simple tools (Full HD) by Fischer Workshops


Hello everyone, In this real-time video I try to go through a simple process that will provide you with a professional edge finish on your leatherwork with just a few simple tools. In this video I demonstrate how to burnish multiple layers of leather hide the seam and produce a quality high gloss shine. I also demonstrate how I burnish the edges of really thin veg tanned leathers (1mm 0r 2.5oz). I hope you find the tips in this video helpful. Please don't forget to subscribe to Fischer Workshops YouTube channel to get notifications of our latest video releases. Thanks!

16) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4S2Kvi-x3E
5 Leather craft Tips you must know
The leathercraft academy      Published on 27 Aug 2017
In this video I am showing 5 useful tips for leather crafters

• Tip 1: threading needles
• Tip 2: finishing a stitching
• Tip 3: Water finishing
• Tip 4: Making a belt loop 
• Tip 5: Cutting a symmetrical template


17) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_M9DB8jmsc

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zerooneleather                  Published on 30 Mar 2017
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*Note:- will update as we uncover more expert advice or recommendation as we moves forward.

Update:- 12 th Oct 2022.

Base on past experience notice certain leather material used or tried on project have encounter more difficulty to slick the edge to produce good result outcome.

Hence I am still learning way to work around issue.. If anyone have a suggestion how to identify which type of leather or leather properties pose issue for burnishing the edge are more than welcome to share.
It could be a few contributing factors, please share your comment or suggestion. Thank you.

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