What does gum tragacanth do?

[Graveyard Jack]

I use gum trag to burnish the edges, finish the flesh side and to buff out the whole exterior. Then I finish with bag kote. I see a lot of folks on other forums and FB groups struggling to get good edges without it.

Although the best thing for edges I've found is Tandy pro waterstain. I don't use it for dye any more but for edges, it does everything gum trag does (or more) but also adds a bit of color.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I also use gum trag to burnish the edges and on some pieces, the flesh side. After that, I finish with a couple light coats of Skidmore's. To get a slight more sheen to the outside, I burnish the Skidmore's with plain typing paper after an hour or so. I don't like the shiny finish some other products give the leather.

This was done with gum trag on the edges and burnished Skidmore's.

[Major 2]

1st rate, Will

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks, Major. I like the little extra sheen it gets while still looking like leather rather than like it's made of plastic.