Edge beveling 101

[bruce johnson]

Something else that makes edging the flesh side easier is slicking your leather. I know, I'm old school.  Basically for vegtan you case or at least dampen the surface then run a glass or wooden slicker over it a few times. I slicked flesh and grain side. On a cosmetic note slicking makes the bottom side appearance smoother and more pleasing. Functionally - slicking will compress the fibers, smooth the grain a bit, take some stretch out. it helps to prevent paired straps from stretching unevenly. It will also make your bottom edging feel almost like grain side edging.  For chrome tan leathers like latigo, you can use something like saddles soap, BlackRock, gum trag or Tokonole on the flesh side and then slick to lay down fibers and allow some compression. 

Slicking will also let you use some of that leather you all are throwing or giving away. Cut the flanks out of the bellies and save the bellies. Case them and slick the snot of them. They will compress and make a nice piece for things like card cases or leather that molds easier for sheaths depending on thickness. You can work at it and slick a belly up to almost resemble shell cordovan. 

[ThisIsMyFirstRodeo]

On 7/26/2025 at 5:01 AM, RidgebackCustoms said:

"They be more what you call guidelines than say actual rules"

Since the fibers on the flesh side are a little looser and harder to cut cleanly, I tend to cut it first.  The presence of the full width of the leather supporting the cut makes it easier.  I can push down slightly as well as forward and the fibers don't tend to smush down as I run the line since they're fully supported.

Thank you, it’s been puzzling me. I also noticed about the flesh being a little easier to work, so I guess I’m on track, but thank you for clarifying. 

AZR

ps Your Stan Lee is amazing!

 

[ThisIsMyFirstRodeo]

On 7/25/2025 at 4:36 PM, bruce johnson said:

I have seen that advice a couple times with no reason given to back it up. The flesh side can be a little harder to bevel sometimes because of the stringier fibers, but that shouldn't matter in what order you do it as long as your edger is sharp. 

I have started taking my edger to my buffing wheel, which did have an immediate (positive) effect, but as I can only get the back/bottom side, how do I sharpen the cutting blade itself?

[fredk]

1 hour ago, ThisIsMyFirstRodeo said:

. . .  how do I sharpen the cutting blade itself?

Depending on the style of edger; rub a lot of compound an a length of string. Tie one end of the string to something, hold t'other end and pull it tight. Rub the blade up & down the length of string