18th Century Leather Edge Beveling

[Trox]

In Dictionary of leather-working tools, c 1700-1950 and tools of allied trades by R.A. Salaman. You will see various old tools made for edges. Picture is from the book and shows plate from the "Encyclopedia of Diderot and D'Alembert, Paris c. 1760". Fig #5 shows a edge slicking tool. It proves such techniques where uses way before that book came out. There are evidence of edge finishing leather in bookbinding back in the fifteenth and sixteenth century. Not much antique foot or horse leather are preserved for us to look at. But old books are been taken care of and preserved. The above dictionary comes in to this subjects of several occasions. Edges wad weak points and where creased/ compressed and must certainly closed of when necessary way back in history.

[Sceaden]

The other thing to keep in mind is if you're trying to create an aged look. If you want to look like the item has been carried/worn for years than an inconsistent burnish with inconsistent edge dye that looks like wear patterns around arms, neck, etc would help make the whole thing feel more real as leather takes on a partial burnish from skin and skin oils.