Gum Trangcanth on Chrome tanned leather

[fishguy]

So does gum trangcanth work on chrome tanned leather edges? That edge coat stuff isn't worth much and I have a hard time getting rid of the fuzz on the edges

[TCLeather]

I learned the hard way to only make knife sheaths from thick vegetable tanned leather, but I still make handbags from chrome tanned leather.

I haven't tried the gum, but for edge treatment I use edge coat first before stitching the pieces together because it makes the edges stiffer and easier to work with. After stitching everything together I rub the edges with a block of beeswax and then burnish the edges with a piece of boxwood and/or a nylon sock. Nylon socks are my favorite leather-shining secret. The nylon, when rubbed quickly across the surface, produces a lot of heat and the shoe polish or wax melts nicely into the leather. To get rid of the fuzz I've learned to make clean cuts with a sharp knife and not pull the leather apart. Some hides are fuzzier than others, so I sometimes burn the extra fuzzies off with a long lighter like people use to start their BBQ grills. But be warned-- it smells bad.

Hopefully this helps.

Tammy

[fishguy]

Yep, I know about the evil effects of chrome tanned leather on steel. I am interested for the chrome tan I use to make bags, etc. I will give the beeswax a try

[TCLeather]

I wasn't trying to lecture you but mentioned my 'lesson' in case any brand new sheathmakers might be reading.

I've never been able to get the beautiful, smooth edges on chrome tanned leather that are possible with veg tanned, but the wax does make it much nicer than just the edge dressing alone, IMO.

Are image of your bags posted somewhere? I love admiring other people's work, but I don't know many people who actually make leather bags.