How To Create A Primitive, Torn Edge Look

[dbusarow]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a method to work 8/10 oz. veg tan in order to produce an edge something like the "torn" edges at the belly, legs and shoulder of a side?

What I'm trying to reproduce is a look something like this bag

and use it on a large laptop case. The man I'm making it for is my pastor who is also an active trapper and loves the mountains and the trapper era.

Due to the size of the piece I need using the belly isn't practicle. I need to create the look from a cut edge.

Thanks!

Dan

[Tree Reaper]

When raw hides are dried, the nails are placed very close together to prevent a rough edge like that.

The greater the distance between the nails the more ragged the edge will be.

You can try wetting the leather, tacking it out on a board and leave your nail spacing about 1 1/2 to 2 inches and allowing it to dry over night.

Try it on a small piece to see if you get the results you're looking for.

Once the leather is tacked down raise it on the nails to allow the air to get between the board and the leather.

Edited December 31, 2012 by Tree Reaper

[Dangerous Beans]

That's an interesting ask... I have always worked to avoid what your looking to achieve but I do like the idea, a lot.

I have never done this but an idea that comes to mind is cutting the edge to a close approximation of the shape your after, then skive off as much as you can get away with.

Then with a leather wrapped mallet, and using a rough rock as an anvil, so the back of the leather is against the rock, hammer the edges to distress it, this will loosen the fibres around the edge and give that fluffy worn look... Possibly... It's only a thought though, I've never tried it.

Do let me know if it works though, I may give it a go.

Nigel

[dirtclod]

You could try a wire wheel on a buffer that might eat the edge up enough to get the look you want.

[electrathon]

Use a 4 1/2" angle grinder with a brand new 36 grit flap sandpaper disc. Lay the leather down and grind along the edge. Super sharp new sandpaper is the key.

Aaron

[Luke Hatley]

I have been known to use a Ball Peen Hammer and Pound along the edges , then use a coarse File to finish up...

[dbusarow]

Thank you all for the ideas. I think Luke's is the first one I'll try. Luke, trying to read between the lines on your post, would I sketch the outline I want and then use the ball peen hammer to "cut" out the shape?

Thanks again!

Dan

[reddevil76]

Cut the leather slightly larger than your pattern, then pass it to your dog. He'll take care of it.