Rancho5

I've seen the technique in some higher end belts. It's been around for a while. I'm just trying to think of ways to keep it from fraying and still get that sharp edge look.

Do you know what this particular belt making method is called, not beveling the edges but leaving them sharp? Maybe "Strait edge belt"?

I've been beveling the edges of my belts first, then punching, then edge coating, then dying, then burnishing (If you can improve on this order, please do so) I made a belt last week that I didn't bevel. I left it "sharp" on the front side and I liked the look. I did not edge coat it but moistened the edge and then burnished the backside edge as best I could without rounding off the front side. I really like the looks of the unbeveled front and was wondering what the best way is to burnish the edges without smashing that sharp front edge. Any help for a beginner appreciated. Thanks.

My wife agrees with not dying it. So we will cleaned and condition and post the results!

Thanks for the website. I called them and they suggested their leather cleaner and then leather saver. I'm wondering how much color the process will bring back. My question is about dying leather though. I called a reputable upholstery shop in town and they said "get new sofas or live with it...no one dyes leather sofas anymore." Maybe they aren't so reputable? So is dying a sofa very complicated? Clean...spray with water to moisten but not soak...apply dye to rag and work in a section at a time until you get the desired color...let dry...apply a finisher. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Hopefully this upload will work. Any ideas on how to restore it to its former burgundy glory?

Pics are a great idea. My apologies for not thinking of that earlier. I'm leaving town on business until Friday and will post pics soon after. Thanks!

Maybe this wasn't the area to post this question in?

Strange that after becoming a member of your forum, and after falling in love with leatherwork that my first post would be about sofas. This weekend a friend sold us two beautiful leather sofas, brass nail kind, feather cushions. They are faded though. The inside edges of the cushions, however, show the true color, a deep cordovan that is just gorgeous. No rips, tears or stains anywhere. Would there be any way to bring back these beauties back to their former glory? I've just started making belts and dying them but I'm not very good yet, so the idea of dying these sofas scares me a lot. Any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated. No bad ideas here.