quick and clean edge finishing

[Treesner]

Been experimenting with different edge finishing and theres some great resources on how to get an amazing edge, however it is very time intensive. What do you think is the best fast way to finish an edge for projects that might not need the most beautiful and perfect edge. 

 

 

[DJole]

What kind of project is it? Is it thick veg-tan (like a sheath) or softer leather (like a purse)?

[chrisash]

Very hard to beat water then burnish then bees wax then burnish for veg tan

[LetterT]

If Youtube is to be trusted a slicker on a Dremel or a drill seems to be fairly fast. There is a nice intro and review by Ian at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8KhcB1QGWM

[Matt S]

Diluted water based glue speeds up the burnishing process an awful lot, and provides a more sealed edge than plain water. Most glues work. Gum tragacanth is commonly recommended but I've never got along with it very well. Gum Arabic, hide/pearl/rabbit glue, wallpaper adhesive, even PVA work better. I've also had success burnishing with clear acrylic after an initial plain water burnish. Shellac (the stuff used for French polishing) works well for stuff that didn't flex, like boot heels.

A very accomplished saddler (who posts as UKSaddlery on YouTube) also suggests water based wood varnish as a quick cheat. I haven't tried that yet.

Motorised burnishes are great -- one of the best investments I've ever made. However you can go pretty quick hand burnishing with any of the above solutions.

[Mark842]

Start with a sharp edger. If your edger is sharp it will cut down on sanding a smooth edge. I then put some wyo Quik slik on the edge and run on a cobra burnisher. That gives a decent good looking edge. For an awesome edge, sand repeat, sand repeat....