Back Side Leather Smoothing

[Old Noober]

I searched the forums but didn't see much about this topic. What's the best way to smooth out the back side of leather, I bought a side to make armor with, the middle section is pretty good, but some of the outer areas are a bit rough, I used a boning to try to smoothe it out, but it only does so much. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Leatherstarter]

I've had some good luck w/ skiving the back rough parts. It cleans it up pretty good. I've also heard if sanding it w/ an orbital sander but I've never tried it. Hope this helps and gets you in a good direction.

[Matt S]

Dampen, apply saddle or glycerine soap and burnish lightly.

[Old Noober]

Thanks for the advice guys, don't have a sander, kinda scares me to do it that way, I think I might take off too much.

I have a skiver, like sanding I think I took off a bit too much even with gentle strokes, but I'll try that again. I'll look up the burnish method, saw that pin on finishing edges.