What I actually do not like about Gum Trag (doesn't matter if it's Fiebings or Eco-Flo, manufacturer is the same) is the fact it is not actually tragacanth gum. If you look in the MSDS you can see that it's just super-cheap xantan gum with a small drop od pine oil. Real tragacanth is expensive, and xantan is like $5 a kilo. Meanwhile 4 oz. Gum Trag is $10. For the price of this little bottle you can actually make a bathtub volume of the same thing. Great comparison though, love your content! :D
I'd like to add one that some saddle makers use and that is dampen with a little water and rub on a little fillings glycerin saddle soap then rub with heavy canvas cloth. I do this after sanding to about 220 grit. I learned this from Don Gonzalez's TH-cam channel as well as Springfield leather's Denny Lowe another saddle maker, not to mention I think it has a good smell...
This was a lot more interesting than I anticipated. Almost didn’t watch since I figured I knew all of this. But there is always more to learn, especially for a beginner like me. I’ve tried water and saddle soap but never just water unless I follow it with Tokonole (or Toko Pro). I also do the canvas first and slicker second although I’m starting to think that the canvas alone is enough for my use. I wouldn’t have thought the soft beeswax gave much protection, as opposed to the rock hard edge waxes you can buy, but when it soaks into the actual leather I can see how it would. Love how the simple water approach darkens but doesn’t stain the same way Tokonole does.
This is why you’re one of my favorite leatherworking content creators on TH-cam. This was superbly educational. As a new leatherworker, I’ve primarily used Tokonole. I think I’ll start experimenting with water/wax and Gum Trag/wax. Those look like they give extremely nice results. I recently tried wax over Tokonole after seeing a video of yours because I had observed that it really doesn’t take long for Tokonole to lose shine and wasn’t super pleased with the splotchy results of the wax over Tokonole-which showed up here as well. I’m glad to know why that happens now.
I switched from gum trag to tokonol a while ago because of all the hype, but i may have to try the whole hot stuffing process with gum trag. I loved the tokonol because it was so fast and easy, but never realized why that was until now. I much prefer the idea of the finish being in the edge rather than on the edge.
I have been using all 3 methods depending on what the project is and what finish I require. Still learning and trying new things to see the outcomes, this helps . I appreciate the effort you guys go to to make these vids to help us out 👍👌
A good method I've discovered is picking up a plastic squeeze bottle with a filtered tip. Fill it with 40/60 water to Tokonole and give it a shake. It'll reduce the thickness to that of milk cream. I've found this method spreads more evenly, dries more quickly, won't leave behind as much wax resin, burnishes faster and will save you some cash on the resupply. Happy Crafting!🍺👀👍
Thank you for taking the mystery out of burner sheet and supplying us with some facts we can use. As usual, your videos are expertly executed and scripted clear concise information we can use every day. Your videos are always five star at least. Keep them coming they are very much appreciated.
Sometimes I like to wet the edge with water then use some saddle soap for burnishing. Run a slicker over it and a canvas rag to get a good shine. Sometimes I’ll go a step further and add some Tokonole over it if it’s not looking like I want it.
I've only used Tokonole since I started (which is only just over a year, and I haven't really done that many things. I really like it, but after watching this, I'll certainly try the other methods! Thanks for another great video...and I really hope you're doing well now! Kindest regards from South Wales, UK! 👍😀
I was just reaching this because I've had an idea I want to try. Do either a water or gum trag burnish and then go back over the edge with Tokonole as the top coat rather than wax. Maybe not realistic for projects you are going to sell, but for personal items or gifts I'm curious if that process would produce any interesting results.
I prefer tokonole for the sole reason that when I use gum trag and apply it with my finger I will later get a sort of "numbing" sensation in the finger tip. Don't know if it's allergies or whatever. However, nothing can beat the sweet, sweet smell of gum trag!
Thank you, very educational! I usually use fabric and artificial leather in my sewing, but recently tried my first real leather project. I have been using Tokonole and Edge Kote on faux leather edges for some time, and that's what I have at hand. I find on veg tan Tokonole makes more sense when you use water on the edges first, doesn't it? On artificial materials which you can't sand down, Tokonole is a must for me, before painting the edges. Edge paint won't stay on faux by itself.
Great and informative I have not used much gum tag at all I’ve always used water n wax till a year ago I bought on line the Tokaknol spell ck it gets on top sometimes 🧐 I’m going to use all 3 methods be pending on which Needs perfect preference, Thanks
Thanks for the comparison. I personally use gum tag for my veg tan products, and tokonole for my chrome tans. I like to dye the edges before burnishing (personal preference) and if I’m painting the edges then I don’t even bother with a burnish. You can paint over the tokonole, but as you mentioned, it is a top coat already, and the paint will eventually come off.
Awesome video, really helpful as I have been debating using gum trag for ages and this is now giving me the confidence to try it ! Thanks again for a super video both !
Yes, I need that. I've been trying to figure out the advantages of tokenole and gum trag. Also been trying to figure out the best order of finishing an edge. 1. Sand 2. Bevel 3. Dye 4. Apply Tokenole or Gum Trag 5. Burnish with wood 6. Finish with Canvas
I love tokonole. I wet sand 220, 400, 600 and 1500. Then edge kote and then tokonole. 20 minutes and I can have a wallet to a mirror shine. I never liked how much water leached into the edge and never tried gum track. It did take me a while to find what worked best for tokonole
thanks for the comparison video. great info about the tokonole. didn't know it was a top coat. lately i've been doing a quick water burnish after sanding the help knock the fibres down. if i want to dye that's next. then i finish with tokonole. have you seen the small needle tip bottles (30ml) from Amazon? makes applying Gum Trag & Tokonole real easy, and less waste
Great video! Very unbiased and honest (: Anyways, been trying to use gum trag recently but cant seem to get that 'mirror finish', not sure if anything has any tips to help. Thanks!
thank you, there is a lot of good information (I never tried gum trag), but it's not very demonstrative on a thick pure veg tan leather, you can burnish it without anything, even water works really good. More interesting to see what of these things will burnish and evenly seal glued edges, maybe 3 layers of 1.5mm.
If all 3 edges are already be edged, burnished and GLUED, you would have sand the edges again for it to be evenly edged no matter what type of edging applicator you would be using.
I have to admit I though sanding to 400 was excessive. Until today. I sanded a project 120, 150, 320, 400, 600 and the difference was night and day. See your videos do teach the hard head people. Lol
Have you ever used the gum tragacanth in a Buckleguy Dye Pen? Just wondering if it would work. I’m looking for a clean, quick, and easy way to apply a lot of it. Currently using a foam brush but it’s a bit messy.
Which one would work best for leather with fuzzy edges? Noticed this leather is fairly flat (not too much excess fibers) which I think is more manageable when finishing edges but from where I am most leather available are fairly fuzzy. Help please!
I use tokeonole love it I have even used it as a finish on my boots it gave them a really good shine Have you ever used it as a finish ? ( I m talking over the full product not just the edges) I have done it on personal wallet also Is it bad to do that ?? Can anyone share their thoughts on this ?
Oops. Great video. My first time trying this (on a Native-American leather bracelet with rough edges and 'back'. What can you use if you don't have a heat gun? I was thinking hair dryer even though the hot air flow is very diffuse. Is there any advantage to heating the beeswax before applying, vs. rubbing it on dry and heating the treatedc leather afterwards? Thanks
I would really like to know where these TH-camrs really get their leather. I have gone to weaver, Acadia, district leather, and whole bunch of other leather websites and have ordered the exact leathers they use on their videos but mine never look so nice. Even these pieces that are probably scrap look better then what I’ve gotten. I even usual ask for A grade leather also. I alway get holes which I know is common but mostly stretch marks that have cracks in them and inconsistencies in the color even on regular veg tan. I wonder if you have to be ordering from them for a while to get the better looking leather? Sorry for the rant but It just came to my head as I was watching this video. Nothing against Corter leather.
This is a great comparison! Thank you! I have a beginner-level question here: when I try to sand my edges, the sandpaper is as likely to tear up and fray the edge as it is to sand it down. Do you know if this is a matter of poor technique, leather quality or something else?
Thank you for the comparison! Does denim/old jeans work as a substitute for canvas burnishing? I have some old pairs I'm gonna toss, but I'd keep them to use for burnishing if you think they'd work well in pieces. Thanks!
I use the Tokanole and from the looks of it I use much more product and it gets darker and shinier than what he shows, though it's only been on dark brown and black belts so that may have something to do with it
i was watching this with the auto generated captions and when the heat gun was going it said "[Applause]", so well done : )
What I actually do not like about Gum Trag (doesn't matter if it's Fiebings or Eco-Flo, manufacturer is the same) is the fact it is not actually tragacanth gum. If you look in the MSDS you can see that it's just super-cheap xantan gum with a small drop od pine oil. Real tragacanth is expensive, and xantan is like $5 a kilo. Meanwhile 4 oz. Gum Trag is $10. For the price of this little bottle you can actually make a bathtub volume of the same thing.
Great comparison though, love your content! :D
Have you ever tried making your own?
I'd like to add one that some saddle makers use and that is dampen with a little water and rub on a little fillings glycerin saddle soap then rub with heavy canvas cloth. I do this after sanding to about 220 grit. I learned this from Don Gonzalez's TH-cam channel as well as Springfield leather's Denny Lowe another saddle maker, not to mention I think it has a good smell...
I misspelled in my comment, it is Fiebings glycerine saddle soap....
This was a great demonstration. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
This was a lot more interesting than I anticipated. Almost didn’t watch since I figured I knew all of this. But there is always more to learn, especially for a beginner like me. I’ve tried water and saddle soap but never just water unless I follow it with Tokonole (or Toko Pro). I also do the canvas first and slicker second although I’m starting to think that the canvas alone is enough for my use. I wouldn’t have thought the soft beeswax gave much protection, as opposed to the rock hard edge waxes you can buy, but when it soaks into the actual leather I can see how it would. Love how the simple water approach darkens but doesn’t stain the same way Tokonole does.
This is why you’re one of my favorite leatherworking content creators on TH-cam. This was superbly educational. As a new leatherworker, I’ve primarily used Tokonole. I think I’ll start experimenting with water/wax and Gum Trag/wax. Those look like they give extremely nice results. I recently tried wax over Tokonole after seeing a video of yours because I had observed that it really doesn’t take long for Tokonole to lose shine and wasn’t super pleased with the splotchy results of the wax over Tokonole-which showed up here as well. I’m glad to know why that happens now.
In Brazil we use carnauba cream and it works fantastic
I switched from gum trag to tokonol a while ago because of all the hype, but i may have to try the whole hot stuffing process with gum trag. I loved the tokonol because it was so fast and easy, but never realized why that was until now. I much prefer the idea of the finish being in the edge rather than on the edge.
I have been using all 3 methods depending on what the project is and what finish I require. Still learning and trying new things to see the outcomes, this helps . I appreciate the effort you guys go to to make these vids to help us out 👍👌
A good method I've discovered is picking up a plastic squeeze bottle with a filtered tip. Fill it with 40/60 water to Tokonole and give it a shake. It'll reduce the thickness to that of milk cream. I've found this method spreads more evenly, dries more quickly, won't leave behind as much wax resin, burnishes faster and will save you some cash on the resupply. Happy Crafting!🍺👀👍
Thank you for taking the mystery out of burner sheet and supplying us with some facts we can use. As usual, your videos are expertly executed and scripted clear concise information we can use every day. Your videos are always five star at least. Keep them coming they are very much appreciated.
This was really informative vid. Thanks. Makes it much simpler/faster to make decisions about finishing projects.
Love it. Learned something about the heat gun/beeswax/water burnish... You just made me a better leatherworker, so thank you.
Sometimes I like to wet the edge with water then use some saddle soap for burnishing. Run a slicker over it and a canvas rag to get a good shine. Sometimes I’ll go a step further and add some Tokonole over it if it’s not looking like I want it.
At last.. I've been anticipating this..Corter featuring Tokonole!
This is such a great comparison video! Thanks for the information, it is really helping educate me as I get ready to start doing some leather work. :)
Really good video. For some reason I've never used wax...I will now.
I've only used Tokonole since I started (which is only just over a year, and I haven't really done that many things. I really like it, but after watching this, I'll certainly try the other methods! Thanks for another great video...and I really hope you're doing well now! Kindest regards from South Wales, UK! 👍😀
I was just reaching this because I've had an idea I want to try. Do either a water or gum trag burnish and then go back over the edge with Tokonole as the top coat rather than wax. Maybe not realistic for projects you are going to sell, but for personal items or gifts I'm curious if that process would produce any interesting results.
I prefer tokonole for the sole reason that when I use gum trag and apply it with my finger I will later get a sort of "numbing" sensation in the finger tip. Don't know if it's allergies or whatever. However, nothing can beat the sweet, sweet smell of gum trag!
Thank you, very educational! I usually use fabric and artificial leather in my sewing, but recently tried my first real leather project. I have been using Tokonole and Edge Kote on faux leather edges for some time, and that's what I have at hand.
I find on veg tan Tokonole makes more sense when you use water on the edges first, doesn't it?
On artificial materials which you can't sand down, Tokonole is a must for me, before painting the edges. Edge paint won't stay on faux by itself.
Tokenole is mainly pva glue, you can achieve a tokenole style effect with pva and water.
Great and informative I have not used much gum tag at all I’ve always used water n wax till a year ago I bought on line the Tokaknol spell ck it gets on top sometimes 🧐 I’m going to use all 3 methods be pending on which Needs perfect preference, Thanks
Thanks for the comparison. I personally use gum tag for my veg tan products, and tokonole for my chrome tans. I like to dye the edges before burnishing (personal preference) and if I’m painting the edges then I don’t even bother with a burnish. You can paint over the tokonole, but as you mentioned, it is a top coat already, and the paint will eventually come off.
Really appreciate this kind of content, thank you!
Awesome video, really helpful as I have been debating using gum trag for ages and this is now giving me the confidence to try it ! Thanks again for a super video both !
Lol TH-cam thinks you are saying “Toenail burnish” instead of Tokenole around 5:45 😂😂😂 love it
Yes, I need that. I've been trying to figure out the advantages of tokenole and gum trag. Also been trying to figure out the best order of finishing an edge.
1. Sand
2. Bevel
3. Dye
4. Apply Tokenole or Gum Trag
5. Burnish with wood
6. Finish with Canvas
I sand level, then bevel, then sand to round the bevel personally - you're right about everything else tho!
Texas Roadhouse silverware towels work AWESOME…. Just saying
I love tokonole. I wet sand 220, 400, 600 and 1500. Then edge kote and then tokonole. 20 minutes and I can have a wallet to a mirror shine. I never liked how much water leached into the edge and never tried gum track. It did take me a while to find what worked best for tokonole
Great info. Wonderful presentation. Thank you!
Nice comparison. Thanks for the input
Well, that was extremely helpful! Thank you!
TOKONOL for me. Great comparison. zone34 here!🙋🏻♀️
This is very helpful. Thanks.
thanks for the comparison video. great info about the tokonole. didn't know it was a top coat.
lately i've been doing a quick water burnish after sanding the help knock the fibres down. if i want to dye that's next. then i finish with tokonole.
have you seen the small needle tip bottles (30ml) from Amazon?
makes applying Gum Trag & Tokonole real easy, and less waste
Thanks for the content! Would leather choice affect the choice of edge finish? Chrome tan vs veg tan? Thickness of leather?
I prefer water, the reason being is,I always get some on the skin side of the leather.
Great video! Very unbiased and honest (:
Anyways, been trying to use gum trag recently but cant seem to get that 'mirror finish', not sure if anything has any tips to help. Thanks!
@@bethmcmullan7686 what if its a super oily type leather though? Such as pull up leather? Where the fibres are extremely frayed
thank you, there is a lot of good information (I never tried gum trag), but it's not very demonstrative on a thick pure veg tan leather, you can burnish it without anything, even water works really good. More interesting to see what of these things will burnish and evenly seal glued edges, maybe 3 layers of 1.5mm.
If all 3 edges are already be edged, burnished and GLUED, you would have sand the edges again for it to be evenly edged no matter what type of edging applicator you would be using.
What king of cloth is that to help burnishing?
Thanks for the tips! Can I pre-melt the wax and then apply it?
Thanks you're back . Please upload more tutorials thank you
Would be interested to hear opinions on Columbus Wax
I have to admit I though sanding to 400 was excessive. Until today. I sanded a project 120, 150, 320, 400, 600 and the difference was night and day. See your videos do teach the hard head people. Lol
Question 2?
Do you hot wax items like wallets, watchstraps
Have you ever used the gum tragacanth in a Buckleguy Dye Pen? Just wondering if it would work. I’m looking for a clean, quick, and easy way to apply a lot of it. Currently using a foam brush but it’s a bit messy.
Water is the best!
Hello. That’s interesting withthe wax heated in
Question are there any tricks to burnishing
Thin leather?
Is there anyway to get that Tokinole stain off?
Which one would work best for leather with fuzzy edges? Noticed this leather is fairly flat (not too much excess fibers) which I think is more manageable when finishing edges but from where I am most leather available are fairly fuzzy. Help please!
I use tokeonole love it
I have even used it as a finish on my boots it gave them a really good shine
Have you ever used it as a finish ? ( I m talking over the full product not just the edges)
I have done it on personal wallet also
Is it bad to do that ??
Can anyone share their thoughts on this ?
slobber is better than water)
Thanks for the video. Now I know I don’t need to get the tokonole. My grandfather did leather work and I don’t think tokonole was availability
Available at that time. Thanks Grandpa for the memories. God bless.
i see other leather workers use edge paint. What are your thoughts on that as a finish?
If I’m using water, can I dye the edges before I start burnishing with the water?
Oops. Great video. My first time trying this (on a Native-American leather bracelet with rough edges and 'back'. What can you use if you don't have a heat gun? I was thinking hair dryer even though the hot air flow is very diffuse. Is there any advantage to heating the beeswax before applying, vs. rubbing it on dry and heating the treatedc leather afterwards? Thanks
Thank you so much for this lesson.
Can they be dyed after wax is applied?
It’s best to dye before as the wax would seal the leather
Have any tips for me. I use the Gum Trag but it always feels brittle on the edges after I burnish
What is the canvas you use? Just any random canvas?
What‘s the material of the cloth?
I prefer tokonole personally
nice vid/tut tyfs
I would really like to know where these TH-camrs really get their leather. I have gone to weaver, Acadia, district leather, and whole bunch of other leather websites and have ordered the exact leathers they use on their videos but mine never look so nice. Even these pieces that are probably scrap look better then what I’ve gotten. I even usual ask for A grade leather also. I alway get holes which I know is common but mostly stretch marks that have cracks in them and inconsistencies in the color even on regular veg tan. I wonder if you have to be ordering from them for a while to get the better looking leather? Sorry for the rant but It just came to my head as I was watching this video. Nothing against Corter leather.
Have you tried sno seal?
If you don't have a slicker, what do you try to show us?
This is a great comparison! Thank you!
I have a beginner-level question here: when I try to sand my edges, the sandpaper is as likely to tear up and fray the edge as it is to sand it down. Do you know if this is a matter of poor technique, leather quality or something else?
@@andreasL4114 Thank you! I didn't know that about bellies and shoulders. That's probably part of it--I think that's all I've used so far.
You are missing a good one, try Glycerin Saddle Soap Bar
Fun fact:
Fiebings/Eco-Flo Gum Tragacanth (based on MSDS) is made of Xanthan Gum not real Gum Tragacant.. Strange?
Thank you for the comparison!
Does denim/old jeans work as a substitute for canvas burnishing? I have some old pairs I'm gonna toss, but I'd keep them to use for burnishing if you think they'd work well in pieces. Thanks!
The impression I've always had is that leather and water don't mix. Or is this a misconception?
Genial muy bueno
I use the Tokanole and from the looks of it I use much more product and it gets darker and shinier than what he shows, though it's only been on dark brown and black belts so that may have something to do with it
Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam. Try it. You can thank me later
Danke schön.
👍😉
Why does it take 18:41 to give me a minute's worth of information?
I think you need to get yourself some burnish tools. That can be much better done.