slicking terms

[minellix]

What is the difference between slicking and burnishing? Or are the two terms interchangeable?

Thanks!

[bruce johnson]

It’s a gray zone. Burnishing implies some level of heat and bonding of the leather fibers to make it slick. Heat can be from friction or an outside source like an edge iron.  Slicking is smoothing. You can literally do that with anything - water, saddle soap, etc and smooth the edge. It likely won’t stay as smooth as a burnished edge over time. Different types of leather behave differently with edge treating. 

[Handstitched]

I have found that a wood slicker works a little better than a plastic one. I also use the edge of one of my tool handles,  like an edger  as they have a nice curved  shape to get into some awkward places where a round slicker can't quite get into.  

HS

[chuck123wapati]

From "Leathercraft Tools"  By Al Stohlman in other areas its mentioned that burnishing makes the leather brown while slicking doesnt.