Members LTC Posted May 6, 2014 Members Report Posted May 6, 2014 (edited) ok, well i think i have read just about every thread i could find on here regarding edge finishing. including the .pdf from the master of edge finishing himself, Mr. Park. (and yes, the entire thread that contains the .pdf) still, i have some questions. i've been making wallets for a while now and while i was able to get some decent leather, i think it is chrome tanned and is difficult to get good edges on it. i read in some threads where some folks recommended DuraEdge and others where folks recommended Edge Kote. --- are these the same thing? --- if not, does anyone have pics showing what the finished edges of each look like? --- does one work better than the other? this would be for chrome tanned leather and i guess any other leather other than veg tan which brings me to my next question....... i've also read many threads discussing the differences between various leather types. i have quite a bit of veg tan right now that is decent quality, but i've also come across some other types that are quite thin and flimsy...i bought them to use mainly for lining wallets and such. i don't think it would work well to make wallets though, right? (i mean the thin leather) --- can someone tell me specifically what "case leather" is? --- how about "dyed through shoulder"? --- are these both types of veg tanned leather or something else? where is the best place to get these leathers? --- do the edges burnish nicely or do you have to apply some other substance to them to get the edges nice and shiny? --- if so, what is the best coating to use to do this and how would the burnishing process differ if using one of these substances? i searched for several days for answers to these questions, but was unable to find answers. i would be very grateful if anyone could answer these questions for me. i want to make nice, excellent quality wallets but the edges are just kicking my butt. i can finish edges on veg tan leather very nicely, but the better quality leather that looks better for wallets, not so much. Edited May 6, 2014 by LTC
Members Hi Im Joe Posted May 6, 2014 Members Report Posted May 6, 2014 Try doing a turned binding instead of a cut edge. I bought some chromexcel and as soon as I tried to burnish it I gave up and started researching how to do a turned binding b/c I knew I would never get that edge how I wanted it. http://www.sevenhillsleather.com/
Members LTC Posted May 6, 2014 Author Members Report Posted May 6, 2014 ok well that is an option also. thank you for that. i will look into that.
Members ikewineb Posted May 7, 2014 Members Report Posted May 7, 2014 I don't think you can burnish Chrome tanned leather. An edge coat or a rolled edge is about the only real choices, from what I understand. I work nearly entirely with Veg. A dyed through shoulder could be veg tanned. Ask whoever you are buying from. Case leather? I assume you are refering to cased leather. Cased leather is veg tanned leather that has been wet and allowed to return to a near natural color. Basically, the moister is in the middle of the leather. This is a step in carving leather, not a type you buy. The type of leather you use really comes down to what you are wanting to make. I personally wouldn't make a wallet with chrome tanned leather. Not that you can't and that it wouldn't be nice, it's just not really my style of wallet. If I were, I would do as the other member suggested and roll the edge. The easiest, though, if you want a burnished edge on your wallets is to simply get veg tanned leather. Ike Winebarger www.southboundleather.com
Members Hi Im Joe Posted May 7, 2014 Members Report Posted May 7, 2014 I wonder if you can use one of those heat wand things to "burnish" chrome tanned leather. http://www.sevenhillsleather.com/
Members LTC Posted May 7, 2014 Author Members Report Posted May 7, 2014 Case leather? I assume you are refering to cased leather. well then you assume wrong. if i meant to say caseD leather, i would have said caseD leather. i meant "case leather" as in leather used to make cases. i have seen makers refer to "case leather" in several videos, so i didn't know if there is a specific type primarily used for cases or what. apparently you don't either. thanks for the reply anyway.
Members LTC Posted May 7, 2014 Author Members Report Posted May 7, 2014 I wonder if you can use one of those heat wand things to "burnish" chrome tanned leather. i thought about that but it sounds like the "correct" tool for that is pretty expensive. i looked at part of the video in the link you sent me. i need to get a skiver that actually works. he's using the same one i have in the video, except his cuts and mine doesn't. going to try repositioning the blade as someone suggested in the other thread where i asked about skivers.
Members Hi Im Joe Posted May 7, 2014 Members Report Posted May 7, 2014 i thought about that but it sounds like the "correct" tool for that is pretty expensive. i looked at part of the video in the link you sent me. i need to get a skiver that actually works. he's using the same one i have in the video, except his cuts and mine doesn't. going to try repositioning the blade as someone suggested in the other thread where i asked about skivers. Yeah thats the same skiver I use as well. It takes a very strange motion to get it to work. It's hard to describe. You kind of just have to fiddle with it until it works then try to replicate it. Also you may want to try swapping out the blade. http://www.sevenhillsleather.com/
Members LTC Posted May 8, 2014 Author Members Report Posted May 8, 2014 yeah i will try changing the blade soon. i repositioned it last night and it seemed to work a bit better. anyone else have any other answers to my long list of questions please?
Members DavidL Posted May 9, 2014 Members Report Posted May 9, 2014 Try doing a turned binding instead of a cut edge. I bought some chromexcel and as soon as I tried to burnish it I gave up and started researching how to do a turned binding b/c I knew I would never get that edge how I wanted it. I hand skived before for turned edges andf it came out bunched at the edges. May have been too thin or i didn't cut enough stress relief points. Do you thin it to half thickness or feather thin? The only way to burnish chrome or horween leather is from heat tools. An attachment on a soldering iron can get it done. The real tool if your interested is available on mando.fr for 500+. https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150131553076948 He's using the tools from mando.fr on chrome goat skin.
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