Burnishing Edges Of Harness Leather

[alb]

Recently I've made various small projects using harness leather. This leather has been a dream to work with but I'm having difficulty getting a good burnished edge. I've tried saddle soap/canvas which ends up just looking like a dirty mess, hardwood slicker with water, which never seems to get to the completely slicked down clicking phase, and a plastic burnisher on a drill.

Does anyone have any tips for getting a nice edge on harness leather?

Thanks,

Ann

[jonwatsabaugh]

Ann,

Conventional methods used for veg tanned leather don't work. I simply drag my harness leather straps through a can of paste saddle soap a couple of times to thoroughly saturate them, work it in with my hands, then wipe off the excess (no need to burnish). If you have used a sharp edger the paste soap does a very nice job of finishing the edges. After the soap dries, you can finish by wiping on a coat of Tan Kote. As an added note I always punch holes and buckle slots after the paste soap to avoid having to clean it out of the holes and slots later. Try this method...I think you will be pleased with the results!

Jon

[alb]

Jon - thanks so much! I'll try it.

Ann

Ann,

Conventional methods used for veg tanned leather don't work. I simply drag my harness leather straps through a can of paste saddle soap a couple of times to thoroughly saturate them, work it in with my hands, then wipe off the excess (no need to burnish). If you have used a sharp edger the paste soap does a very nice job of finishing the edges. After the soap dries, you can finish by wiping on a coat of Tan Kote. As an added note I always punch holes and buckle slots after the paste soap to avoid having to clean it out of the holes and slots later. Try this method...I think you will be pleased with the results!

Jon

[mountainman1776]

Ann,

Try a wool applicator with Gum Tragacanth from Tandy Leather # 2264-01 and then rub the edge with a hardwood or plastic edger, bone works too. This is the modern equal to human spit which is what the old timers used - it breaks down the fibers and leaves a very nice smooth edge. Be careful using your plastic edger in a drill, I have burned the edge and melted my edger by go too slow with it, this does work work real nice for doing long belts and such. Good Luck, Morgan

[Saddlebag]

I use water and a piece of denim. Never tho't about using spit. At least we wouldn't have to go very far to get some as it's always handy.

[wvcraftsman]

I ordered some of the Fiebing's Dura Edge. It says it will hold up to flexing and use. Time will tell.