Can I smooth the rough side.

[somewhereinusa]

I have an order for an 8ft leash, I made one out of latigo and I just don't think it's nice enough. Is there some way I can smooth the edges and rough side? I could use thinner leather and sew them together, but that's not quite what I had in mind. Also I'm afraid it will bleed all over his hand when he sweats. Is there something else I could use? Would bridal leather be a better choice.

Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Dick

[azrider]

I have had pretty good luck with sanding the flesh side of leather. I used 60, 80, 100, and 180 grit to smooth it out. Then I put some leather dressing on it and rubbed it down with a rubstick. I don't know if that process would work on lattigo, but it did work well on veg tan.

[hidepounder]

When I make latigo reins I edge all four sides and then rub the entire rein down with saddle soap. I typically hook one end in my vice and standing back from the bench apply Fiebings yellow soap all over the rein and then with a mitt I made from heavy canvass I rub soap into the rein by starting at the point where the end is in the vice and pulling allong the rein. I do this until the soap is worked well into the rein and the edges get a smooth burnished look (the edges won't really burnish). Then with a dry cloth I continue to rub and polish until the rein is dry. That process should work well with a dog lead.

Hope this helps....

Bobby

[somewhereinusa]

Thanks, I'll give those a try.

Dick