Nigel A's Card holder

[veesee]

Please critique this card holder I made. My first one using non-scrap leather. 

[Loft Leather]

Looks good.  Did you put edge paint on it?

[PastorBob]

Looks really clean!  Love the stitching.  It appears that the laminated edges could use a bit more sanding so they look like a single piece of leather instead of 3.  It takes a bit more time, but the results are fantastic after burnishing the edges.  I would also help to really press down on the pieces after gluing to ensure there are no gaps between the leather.

[AlZilla]

I'm going to be the outlier on the edges. While admitting they might be more attractive if polished and concealed, I think they look fine as they are.

To me, edges that are totally concealed and finished to hide the seams just look like cheap vinyl that could be spit out of any factory, 10,000 before lunch time.

To each, their own.

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

I really enjoy minimal carry items like this. My wallet only holds an ID on one side, a single card slot on the other with a pocket behind both for foldable cash.

As mentioned above. The glue up looks a little loose if you used glue or cement. Hard to tell from the pictures. Getting the leather compressed during glue will make a easier to finish edge. Edge work can make or break a project. While some line the rustic look others like the finer finished look.

Because of this being a nice sleek card holder, I think it would look better with a fine finished edge. Sand until it's perfectly flush with all pieces. I go a high as 600 grit. Then burnish the edges to mirror. They'll be super smooth and soft feeling while sealing the edges together. You might still see multiple layers but it should feel like it's one. I'll personally never use edge paint but some leathers won't burnish and edge paint may be necessary. Just not necessary in my line of products

[veesee]

On 9/2/2025 at 4:33 AM, Loft Leather said:

Looks good.  Did you put edge paint on it?

Thanks, no paint just Tokonole and slicking.

On 9/2/2025 at 5:11 AM, PastorBob said:

Looks really clean!  Love the stitching.  It appears that the laminated edges could use a bit more sanding so they look like a single piece of leather instead of 3.  It takes a bit more time, but the results are fantastic after burnishing the edges.  I would also help to really press down on the pieces after gluing to ensure there are no gaps between the leather.

Thanks, I did this in my next iteration. Does it look better?

 

On 9/2/2025 at 5:52 AM, AlZilla said:

I'm going to be the outlier on the edges. While admitting they might be more attractive if polished and concealed, I think they look fine as they are.

To me, edges that are totally concealed and finished to hide the seams just look like cheap vinyl that could be spit out of any factory, 10,000 before lunch time.

To each, their own.

Thanks, I kinda agree, it really shows it was handmade.

On 9/2/2025 at 11:33 AM, DoubleKCustomLeathercraft said:

I really enjoy minimal carry items like this. My wallet only holds an ID on one side, a single card slot on the other with a pocket behind both for foldable cash.

As mentioned above. The glue up looks a little loose if you used glue or cement. Hard to tell from the pictures. Getting the leather compressed during glue will make a easier to finish edge. Edge work can make or break a project. While some line the rustic look others like the finer finished look.

Because of this being a nice sleek card holder, I think it would look better with a fine finished edge. Sand until it's perfectly flush with all pieces. I go a high as 600 grit. Then burnish the edges to mirror. They'll be super smooth and soft feeling while sealing the edges together. You might still see multiple layers but it should feel like it's one. I'll personally never use edge paint but some leathers won't burnish and edge paint may be necessary. Just not necessary in my line of products

Thanks for your feedback, I tried the edge paint in the second version. Next I will try to put some elbow grease in the edge. It really takes a lot of time :).

[wizard of tragacanth]

Yes, you have the right to use artistic license and do anything the way your want but my opinion is that the edges are not "rustic" but rather totally out of congruence with the rest of the project. Everything looks well finished, nice leather, good stitching, etc... except for the edges. Because of this contrast, they do not look "hand-made" or roughly made, they look poorly made. If the wallet were rough-out leather, it may work just fine.

As others have mentioned, the first step is to use the proper gluing technique to create a good bond with all the layers. Second, the edge needs to be sanded, probably with progressively finer grits going to 600. On a small project like this, it won't take much. A few strokes with 220 and a little more with 600. Use a sanding block to keep the edge flat and level. Sanding will remove any glue the seeped from the edges. It should feel like one piece of leather. Then burnish with Tokonole using the tool of your choice. Apply enough Tokonole to cover the edge without getting it on the grain side. Spread it with your finger and et it soak in for 10-15 seconds. Then, bear down with the tool as firmly as possible, without mushrooming or rolling the edge over. Use rapid back and forth strokes and pressure to create heat and bond the fibers together, as if you are trying to start a fire. As it dries, it may start squeaking. It should be very glossy in the end. I think you will like the results.