Serious question, what's your go-to method for getting a super clean edge on a leather cover?

I was binding a journal last week and my usual sanding block just wasn't cutting it. I tried burnishing the edge with a bit of gum tragacanth and a wooden tool, and it came out glass-smooth. Anyone have a better trick for this?

3 comments

3 Comments

lucas2442mo ago

Honestly, I've never had much luck with burnishing tools and gum. It always seems to leave a waxy buildup that attracts dust over time. I've gone back to just using a very sharp blade and a steady hand for the initial cut, followed by light sanding with a high grit paper. A clean cut from the start beats trying to fix it later with paste.

ivangrant2mo ago

Ever tried a glass burnisher? No wax.

karen_sanchez101mo ago

Honestly ivangrant, I just use my old credit card (you know, the one that expired).