Edge burnishing secret

[red cayenne]

I used to spend hours rubbing edges with a wood slicker and water but I never got that glassy look. I found out that a tiny bit of saddle soap and a piece of old denim actually works much faster for me. Seems like the heat from the friction is what really makes the fibers lay down flat. Do you guys use canvas or wood for your edges and do you think expensive tokens are actually worth the money?

 

[alex retha]

@red cayenne Completely agree, denim is a total game changer for edges. The coarse texture of the fabric generates a lot of heat very quickly which is exactly what you need to melt the waxes into the fibers. It gives a much more organic shine than those plastic wheels you see on some power burnishers.

 

[banananana]

I used to spend hours rubbing edges with a wood slicker and water but I never got that glassy look. I found out that a tiny bit of saddle soap and a piece of old denim actually works much faster for me. Seems like the heat from the friction is what really makes the fibers lay down flat. Do you guys use canvas or wood for your edges and do you think expensive tokens are actually worth the money?

I still stick with my old cocobolo wood slicker because I like the control it gives me on tight curves. If you take the time to sand your edges down to 800 or 1000 grit before you start rubbing you do not need much friction at all. The preparation of the leather is usually more important than the tool you use.

 

[Matthew Williams]

gotta remember that trick - thanks!

 

[ph@r$a]

I used to spend hours rubbing edges with a wood slicker and water but I never got that glassy look. I found out that a tiny bit of saddle soap and a piece of old denim actually works much faster for me. Seems like the heat from the friction is what really makes the fibers lay down flat. Do you guys use canvas or wood for your edges and do you think expensive tokens are actually worth the money?

Have you tried using a bit of beeswax after the initial burnish with saddle soap? I fkinda noticed the soap gets the fibers flat but a quick rub with wax and one final pass with canvas seals it against moisture forever. It stops the edge from getting fuzzy again after a few months of use in a pocket.

 

[blacksm0k3=<3]

I think the type of leather matters more than the secret technique. You can spend all day rubbing chrome tan leather and you will never get a glass edge because the chemicals in the tanning process do not allow it to firm up. I only buy high quality veg tan specifically because I love the look of a finished edge.

 

[ocean2014]

Does anyone else notice that their arm gets tired before the edge is actually done? I am considering getting a small dremel attachment just to save my joints on the longer belts. I'm worried about burning the leather with the high speed but the manual way is becoming a real workout.