Should I Avoid Carving Over A Foldings?

[Suicide]

Hi guys,

Can you please suggest me on question in the topic title?

Billfolds, coin purses, book/notebook covers etc etc - anything what must be folded for using. Should I choose and place a pattern so it won't go over the folding line ?

Thanks!

[electrathon]

If possible, I always do.

Aaron

[Northmount]

It really depends on how tight the fold is. On a relaxed curve like the flap of a purse, it doesn't matter as much. A tight fold on a billfold that is used every day will have problems show up on the fold before it does other places.

If you can avoid running the pattern (tooling) across the fold line, the product will last much longer and maintain a better look. The cutting and tooling weakens the leather, the fold distorts the tooling, etc. The fold will crack somewhat long before you see any cracking on the rest of the item. The minute cracks will let in dirt, moisture, etc. hastening the deterioration. The fold receives more bumps and wear and tear so anything you can do to protect it will help keep it nice. Not tooling the fold protects it. Oiling lightly and restoring the finish occasionally will help it last longer, same as all leather.

If the item is not going to see daily usage, but sit on display or in a drawer most of the time, then it really doesn't matter.

Some patterns don't give you a nice looking natural break for the fold, so if you are using that pattern, you are stuck with it. See what your customer wants. Just advise him that it will show some distortion of the tooling, and will show wear earlier than the rest of the item.

[Suicide]

If possible, I always do.

The cutting and tooling weakens the leather, the fold distorts the tooling, etc. The fold will crack somewhat long before you see any cracking on the rest of the item. The minute cracks will let in dirt, moisture, etc. hastening the deterioration.

thanks, guys!