HOW TO WORK THE SLICES OF LEATHER?
To get a perfect slice, the secret is above all sanding!
Slicing is often the last step but also the one that requires the most time and precision. Slicing is essential to have a beautiful finish. This step consists of applying a liquid finish (paint) to the edge of the leather using an applicator pen. The end of this operation consists of rubbing a block of beeswax on the edge and polishing it with a cotton cloth.
Discover in this guide the different ways of working with slices.
VEGETABLE OR MINERAL TANNED LEATHER
- Sand the edge with an abrasive sponge (medium fine - grain 240). Always sand in the same direction, at 45° to the edge and towards the grain side of the leather.
- Apply a light layer of edge finish with the tool of your choice: awl, roller pen, roller or applicator pad... Beginner's mistake: apply too thick a layer = the dye will have more difficulty sticking.
- Wait several minutes for the stain to dry, then lightly sand the edge with a fine abrasive sponge (400 grit).
- Apply a second coat of edge stain (we recommend applying at least 3 coats - sand between each coat).
- Place beeswax directly on the slice.
- Still in the same direction, smooth the edge with the simple thread (threading iron or manual thread) or rub with a cloth.
DISCOVER OUR CARBON PLATES FOR SANDPAPER
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEATHER SCHOOL >
HOW TO WORK SLICES WITH A FINISHING ERASER?
FOR VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHERS ONLY
Would you like to know more about working the edges of vegetable tanned leather with a finishing gum: gum tragacanth, gum arabic or tokonole? Check out our guides!
GUM ATRAGACANTH/ARABIC GUIDE >
WHAT IS ABAT-CARRER LE CUIR?
The edger is a leatherwork/saddlery tool that breaks the sharp edge of a piece of leather in order to make the edges more rounded. These are generally thick leathers with vegetable tanning that are chamfered. The edger step must be carried out before sanding the edges.
WHAT IS THE BOMBER?
The bomber is a colorless undercoat that allows you to obtain a beautiful domed edge in a single pass. It is applied before dyeing the edge. It is suitable for all types of leather (mineral or vegetable tanning).
HOW TO MAKE A DECORATIVE LINE (THREAD) ON LEATHER?
The threading iron is widely used on mineral tanned leathers (with chrome) to make a decorative line (thread) parallel to the edge of the leather. The former, the furrier or the leatherworker's threading iron are more used for vegetable tanned leather (cold marking of the leather). The thread is to be made on both sides of your creation if they are visible (e.g. watch strap). 
VIDEO: USING THE THREADING IRON
The leather threading iron will allow you to obtain a professional finish, in particular by smoothing the edges of the leather (edge dye and beeswax).
WHAT HEATING POWER SHOULD I CHOOSE?
The heating power ( potentiometer ) is to be adjusted according to the leather and your expectations (pronounced marking or not). We invite you to let the iron heat up for 5 minutes before use and to do tests on scraps of leather. To know if the iron is hot enough, you can tap it on the palm of your hand. 
WHERE TO HAVE YOUR HEATING TIP MADE (CUSTOM-MADE)?
Do you want to make an engraving (hot or cold) with the name of your brand or a particular pattern? We advise you to contact specialized companies in particular: BFM - Tools and machines for leather. BFM will design your tool for cold or hot engraving/branding of leather.
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VIDEO: USING THE MANUAL THREAD IRON
A great alternative to the threading iron: more economical but less practical.