Problems With My Edges/edge Kote

[Sona]

Hi guys, first of all a happy new year to all of you!

I whish you al the best in private as for your leatherwork!

But as I visited my father for these days, I just recognized the edges of a belt I made for him like half a year ago, especially the edges. Back then they were really nice and smooth. I used some edge kote, burnished it, applied some bees wax and, if I remember right i used some saddle soap to polish it again. But now the edges look quite worn out, fuzzy and I really would like to prevent that in any way... But I don't know where to improve. I know that some of you use some paraffin on the edge as fins coat, but i doubt that this would fix the problem.... I ask because i am stitching another belt right now for a friend and I'd really like to do it better this time...

Any ideas, guesses or tips?

I'd really (!) appreciate them!

Thank you

Not the best picture I know, but it is the best my mobile phone creates at the time ... Hope it helps to understand/see the problem.

[midwestislander]

I usually sand (if necessary), edge, dye, then saddle soap, burnish, saddle soap, burnish, wax (using same color wax as belt ) burnish, then edge coat. I have belts out for 2 years that show enough scuffing that you know they are worn very frequently if not every day, but wear is not as evident.

[thefanninator]

Can't beat the edge finishing instructions by hidepounder. I quit using edge coat after reading it.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=18101

Edited January 1, 2015 by thefanninator

[Red Cent]

I use EdgeKote if I am desperate . And it may work for some but saddle soap is a conditioner of sorts and will soften leather.
"Saddle soap is a proprietary compound containing mild soap and softening ingredients such as neatsfoot oil, glycerin, and lanolin."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddle_soap

And the edge is going to depend on your leather. If it is a good and stiff piece of leather, barely wet the edges and burnish. Should get a glassy look. Water and heat. 'Course, you do need to bevel and sand. And I agree that you should read HidePounder's tutorial on the edge.

I push the roller buckle. It will save belts. A horse shoe shaped buckle will scruff the edges of the belt each time it is put on. At least push a square buckle but the square roller is best.

[Dwight]

The fanninator and red cent gave you some real good advice.

I bevel / burnish / etc. all without using any gum trag or edge cote, . . . my edges on my every day work belt are still good, . . . and I know it is in the 10 year old category.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Sona]

Thanks vor the good ans fast answers. I read that before ans i don't know why i came back to edge kote if I am honest, but I'll give the dye-and-seal Version another try. The thing is, i used edge kote in the buckle area already to habe a clean edge there (i statt stitching at that end) so I have to try to get a similar look over the rest of the edge... Let's if that works out.

To the buckle-thing (roller, square) I saw that point and starter using only square buckles as the most roller buckles don't look that nice. But it might be a very good point. I'll have a look if I find some nice rollers I think.

Thank you all for the input!

Greetings from Germany

Sona

[raysouth]

Hello Sona,

I have now switched to QUIK-SLIK, sold by www.sheridanleather.com and as recommended by Hidepounder. Extremely happy with this product.

Hope you find a solution.

God Bless.

Ray

[MorningStarL]

I'm sewing a knife sheath as I'm reading here, and I've read the finishing instructions for edges. Trouble is, the knifemaker's promised this is going out in the mail tomorrow and I don't have any saddle soap to hand. (Moving house, the whole house -- it's a single-wide.) Any ideas for substitutions?