Edge Beveling, and other advice needed.

[amin ledbetter]

Mongo, If I already applied Gum Tragacanth on the edges can the edges still be sanded and then re-slicked the way you described?  Also can that method be used to even out mistakes and uneven cuts from the edge beveling tool? If it can you'll be life saver on these two holster kits I have started. And thanks for adding this to the post! I had no idea you could do this to leather!

[Ned Buckshot]

Yes you can use sandpaper after you have already done some work, but as Mongo said go slow and easy! A little sanding goes a long ways on leather.

Be sure to sand the whole edge after you have used Gum Trag, you want to even the whole thing out so it all looks the same before proceeding.

Ned

[MontanaSlick]

amin,
For the final touch I use a shoebrush in a wool sock, polishes up nice and the edges get a nice burnish look.

Here's a sample




MS

[TN Mongo]

Ned is correct.  Take it easy with the sand paper and try not to scratch the body of the holster.  Yes, you can sand edges after you have already used gum trag, but as Ned said, even out the whole edge so it looks consistent.  Once you get good with sanding and burnishing, you won't find the need to even use gum trag.

One other note: I really don't like Edge Kote to finish edges and the welt.  I may use a darker dye on the welt and edges and I finish by rubbing a paraffin/beeswax mix on the welt and edges.  Then I polish the waxed edges with a piece of canvas to finish.