Slicking Flesh Side Of Leather

[nordicdistrict]

So I acquired this japanese leatherwork book and not knowing japanese I have a question regarding the process. It looks as if some kind of gel is added to the flesh side in order to slick it - does anyone know about this?

[TomG]

Looks like maybe Gum Trag.

[oltoot]

I dont read Japanese, but over here, rubbing in a little thick paste consistency yellow saddle soap then the glass slicker is one way. I haven't tried it but it seems to me like glycerine oughta work

Edited August 12, 2013 by oltoot

[Bob Blea]

I've done that with Leather Balm w/Atom Wax, but that product doesn't look like a gel so I'm pretty sure that's not what they are using in the book.

Bob

[danli1980]

It's actually a Chinese translation of the Japanese leathercraft book. The literal Chinese translation of the gel is "fleshside processing agent," which I believe refers to the burnishing gum Tragacanth replacement, which is sold by Goodsjapan http://www.goodsjapan.jp/item/leather-craft-items-leather-fi/seiwa-leathercraft-burnishing-/lid=29749117

Since it's a gum trag replacement, I suppose you can just use gum trag.

[Ryan Barto]

They use the same as gum trag in those books. I have one of their wallet books. I did this with a piece of veg tanned that was a bit furry on the backside, using a metal spoon to flatten it, as I don't own a glass slicker. The slicker would probably work better as long as it doesn't stretch it out. May want to cut your leather after slicking.

[Matt S]

Gum trag works... sort of. Glycerine soap works better.

Gum trag works... sort of. Glycerine soap works better.

[nordicdistrict]

Thanks everyone!

Gum trag works... sort of. Glycerine soap works better.

Hi Matt, what was the difference in your experience?

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