Those D@m# Edges

by Willow Enright

Four different edges: Raw cut, Beveled and Sanded, Edge Coated, Gum Tragacanth and Burnished Edge.

Working with leather edges can be a challenge, and when you first start off it may not be as important to you that they look great. However, as you continue to leather work you will eventually want your edges to look as smart as the rest of your leather creations. There are multiple steps to getting just one edge looking fabulous. We'll cover the basics of beveling, sanding, edge coating, and burnishing to take your leather edge work to the next level of amazing. 

Black Edge Coat, Gum Tragacanth, Wool Dauber, Wood Burnisher and 8-9 oz Double Austin Shoulder

Supplies

5-10 oz Leather
Swivel Knife/Head Knife/Scissors
Safety Beveler
​Sand Paper 100 grit
Wood Burnisher
Edge Coat
Gum Tragacanto
Wool Dauber or Paint Brush
Wash Cloth/Paper Towel
Clamps
​Cutting Board

You can use different grit for whatever finish you want. I like the 100.

Safetly Beveler, Clamps, Sand Paper, 8-9oz Leather post Beveling.

Cut your leather with your swivel knife/head knife/scissors, and then clamp it at either end to your cutting board. Leave the edge just barely hanging over the side of the cutting board, about 3-4mm. This is to give you just enough room to bevel without compromising your supporting surface, or damaging your safety beveler. 

Raw Cut Leather Edge

Raw Cut Leather Edge

Use your Safety Beveler at about a 45 degree angle to trim the leather in order to round out your straight cut edge. Do this to all under sides of your exposed edges, but don't use the beveler on the front of the leather or you may remove too much by accident. This process takes some time, and you need to be extremely careful so as to avoid cutting yourself with the beveler. Follow up the beveling with 100 grit sand paper to the edges for a smoother finish. 

Safety Beveler

Safety Beveler, Sand Paper, Clamps, Cutting Board, and what your leather looks like after beveling.

One Edge Coated Edge, and one Beveled and Sanded edge.

Sometimes you will need to repeat the beveling and sanding if your edges don't end up being smooth enough. If they are smooth enough you can begin with the edge coating. This comes in clear, black and brown. Apply the edge coat with a wool dauber or medium paint brush. Use a damp work cloth or some paper towel to wipe away any excess edge coat that you may get on the front of the leather as you work. Let the edge coat dry before continuing. 

Work Cloth

Edge Coat being applied

Dry Black Edge Coat with the wet Gum Tragacanth.

Use the Gum Tragacanth, applying it with either a wool dauber or paint brush. Leave it for a few moments to get tacky before using the wood burnisher, moving it along the edge between the appropriate sized groves. Do this until your leather edge appears nice and smooth. Repeat the Gum Tragacanth until you are satisfied with the smoothness of your edges. Finishing your raw edges with this lengthy process will be well worth the effort. Your edges will look amazing, and wear better over time! 

Gum Tragacanth Edge with Wood Burnisher.

Finished Edge all Burnished