Edge Finishing Soft Leather

[VanPutter]

Apologies all if this has been covered already, but I was wondering whether anyone has experience finishing soft edges? I have some 2mm tumbled calf, which I would like to burnish/finish properly. Clearly traditional methods are failing me (specifically the Japanese method of sealing with Funori, and the gum trag/burnishing method). Has anyone done this? I am looking for a firmer and shiny edge without any visible fibre structure. Maybe glazing?

Thanks!

[Red Bear Haraldsson]

I believe you are talking about chrome tanned leather which will not burnish worth a darn. I'm sure more help will post here soon.

[VanPutter]

Thanks. I thought as much. I got some way with wax and a very high speed burnish, but it isn't taking!

[Nuttish]

It's difficult or impossible to burnish edges with soft temper and open grain like that for at least two reasons. First, the grain will never compress enough to allow it to be sanded smooth. Second, the stretch will cause any burnishing you do achieve to open back up, causing it lose its uniform look by turning white in spots where the finish has broken up.

I'd use a flexible edge paint like the Italian stuff Campbell Randall sells. It's thin, flows nicely, is mixable, and is easy to apply by hand even on thin edges with one of those Tandy machined brass edge paint rollers.

[Andrew Chee]

For chrome tanned leathers you are basically left with either painting the edges (and then possibly sealing with heated edge creaser) or folding the edges over.

Andrew

[VanPutter]

Thanks Nuttish and Andrew, I appreciate your comments. I just hate paint, but it may be the only solution. I will give it a go!

[Trox]

You van use the Giardini max edge paint http://www.leatheredgepaint.com/ That's an Italian professional edge paint system same as used by famous European bag makers like Hermes etc. You can get a free sample from them only paying for the postage. I have tried it out now and I am really satisfied with the result and all the mechanical stress this paint can withstand. For use on every leather regardless of type. Comes in a lot of colors /effects and the best thing; you can buy the amount you want. From 250 Ml and up.

Check it out.

Tor

[rktaylor]

I wanted to resurface this question. I looked at the Giardini paint and am considering an order. However, I wonder if anyone considers Fiebing's Edge Kote as a similar product? Thanks,

Randy

[Cattleman]

On 7/15/2024 at 12:42 PM, rktaylor said:

I wanted to resurface this question. I looked at the Giardini paint and am considering an order. However, I wonder if anyone considers Fiebing's Edge Kote as a similar product? Thanks,

Randy

 

 

Hey Randy,

Have you ever used Tokonole? I recently picked some up at my local saddle shop, and boy howdy does that stuff work wonders with chrome tanned chap leather!

 

Its available in brown, black, and neutral (clear). I use the clear. It doesn't get that burnished color like traditional slicking methods do on veg tan, but I dye most of my edges anyway. And yes it seems to take dye very well after slicking, I then follow with a coat or 2 of Tan-Kote to give it a more lustrous look.

 

Note: it only takes a very SMALL amount to get a very nice looking edge.

[rktaylor]

I have not used Tokonole, but the comments on Weaver's web page are positive. I will order some. Weaver only has brown at this time.

I just received some tragacanth and Edge Kote that I need to test.

Thanks for the tip,

Randy

[Cattleman]

6 hours ago, rktaylor said:

I have not used Tokonole, but the comments on Weaver's web page are positive. I will order some. Weaver only has brown at this time.

I just received some tragacanth and Edge Kote that I need to test.

Thanks for the tip,

Randy

Please let us know what your results are with the various products. Its always nice to know of alternative products in case one becomes unavailable.

[rktaylor]

I have been using Gum Tragacanth and Tokonole for the past few months. Both are working fine, but I prefer Tokonole. That might change with more use, but it is my go-to at this time. Thanks for all the tips.

Randy

 

[Beehive]

Has anyone tried, "Gum Arabic"? 

 

Pre internet days it's what I used. It's found in the artist oil painting section. No idea what they use it for. I used it to burnish edges up until I tried the Tokonole. Tokonole is cheaper. Back when,  a small bottle of gum Arabic wasn't cheap. 

I have examples of over 20years old that have a gum Arabic burnish. 

Edited Wednesday at 03:35 PM by Beehive

[Skinjob]

I use Tokonole a lot in my work. It's great and a little goes a very long way.

I was having trouble getting hold of it for a while and researched an alternative. It's made by the Toko tool factory in Japan, and is called 'Oka'. It's good for flesh and grain side slicking, and excellent on edges. It produces very similar results to Tokonole, is a bit thinner consistency and slicker to the touch when wet, but burnishes up really well. I've found a lot of uses for it....

Also, it has a long shelf life, several years, unlike Tokonole. It's also a great deal cheaper.

The attached pic is of the 100ml size pot, and they also make a 500ml pot