edge burnishing

[crossdraw]

How do you keep the edges from flaring out when burnishing with just water and a rag. Am I using to much pressure?

[Slowhand Bob]

Yes, either too much water and or to much pressure.  If my edges are pretty good from the knife, I simply dampen the edge lightly and then go around it with one of the 'FINE' sanding sponges before actually edging and burnishing.  I have the problem of squishing the edges sometimes and almost always can attribute it to the 'bigger hammer' syndrom.  Thats when its time to slow down and relax, "hmmmmmmm"  "hmmmmmmmm" and your done. 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I like to use a piece of cotton fire hose rather than a rag. I can control the amount of flaring with the direction I apply the pressure (gentle, but pressure none the less).

[Springfield Slim]

If you take some of the edge off with an edger then there isn't so much leather to fold over. I prefer to round off the edges some before burnishing. You might be using too much water, too, making the leather very soft and more prone to movement.