How to Sharpen Leather Edgers

Sharpening leather edgers can be tricky business. This videos shows how I keep my leather edgers sharp and ready to use on a daily basis. I have used this process on expensive and cheap edgers alike and it works extremely well.
This process is similar to the process that I use to keep my stitching awl blades sharp as well. If you would like to see that video then click here: • How to Sharpen Leather...
The edgers I demonstrate on in the video are Ron's Edgers and I purchased them from Makers's Leather Supply in Waco, TX: makersleathers...
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[@adamgardner4213]

If you are searching for the proper size of rod/dowel/drill rod diameter to use as a sharpener and don't wanna spend a ton Use a set of drill bits to get a best fit size The drill bits are the same diameter as there corsponding drill size on the back end it easy to sit there for 5 mins and figure out precisely what size you need Hope this helps someone

[@jgclark45]

I use a string tied to a nail on the bench, put some compound on the string and run the edger over it several times

[@Sigma_Freud18]

I find I get better results by laying the rod on a bench top, with the emery paper on top, and just drag the edger along it. This way, I can maintain the proper angle of the beveler more precisely. To strop it, I have glued a piece of string approximately the diameter of the edge beveler channel onto a piece of flat wood, add some stropping compound to it, and drag the edger along it at the precise angle. To remove a possible burr, I lightly run the beveler along the corner of a piece of leather with compound on it. I usually end of with some great results. Also, I paint the surface the channel of the beveler with a black felt point to see that I'm at the proper angle

[@ordinaryeverydayguy2593]

ronald simons your way also allows one to develop a feel for the proper angle because the sharpening device is anchored. Holding the tool and the sharpening device makes it too easy to change the angle without knowing. The angle when hand-sharpening is EVERYTHING.

[@Sigma_Freud18]

@@ordinaryeverydayguy2593 I totally agree. Thanks for your comment.

[@marktullis1175]

When learning, use a black Sharpie to coat the surface you wish to sharpen. It is easier to see where you are abrading the surface when first lining up!

[@sonsofliberty1062]

I've used these same concepts on polishing metals and sharpening metal edges for years, starting with 600-2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. And on edges finish with polishing compound. I believe you can make strops for these edgers as well, out of leather lace stock. A sharp tool is a useful tool, a dull tool is just that. Ron, Great tips and advice. Always grateful for your channel and contents. Thanks for your leathercraft wisdom,,,,, God Speed,,, Semper Fi,,,

[@richardkatzman1215]

Don, I bought a set of Weaver Edgers awhile ago. I cut a circle of leather to fit a Dremel disc attachment with sharpening compound on the leather. The leather of course must fit the blade of each edger. The Dremel is variable speed so you can adjust the speed you need. I found this process to work great for sharpening the edgers and it’s a fast way to sharpen the edgers and get back to work. Best regards, Richard

[@christopherwilliams1927]

Great video! I'm still learning leather working, but I worked at a metal shop for years and you want to go in one direction only. Flip and take off the bur, then repeat as needed.

[@fredpfeiljr6450]

Great video Don ! Sometimes it seems that's all I do is sharpen tools. Guess I need to set aside some time, and just have a "sharpening day' in the shop ! But that may cut into my nap time !! haha

[@FrontierLegacy]

just ordered a pair this morning. Glad I stumbled on to this video.

[@cavtroopermunoz]

Good tips, sharp tools make the work easier.

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

Great tip. Also some great ideas from the commenters!

[@duramaxpete5200]

You can get some different sizes tig welding rods, they come in 1/16, 1/8, etc.

[@TexHoss1]

LOL, I actually had some of those Tandy edger's that got dull quick. I used the edge of a diamond stone to sharpen them & it worked pretty good. I don't know if I would do that on some of those high dollar edger's though.

[@VestaLouise]

I learned a lot!

[@dperisty1]

Where can you get that Emory cloth? Is there different kinds to look out for?

[@sonsofliberty1062]

Derek, Hardware stores usually stock it, I've got an assortment of grits. I've used a sanding block and 600-2000 grit to sharpen axes. Same concept as Ron demonstrated, you can start out course but end up fine, then strop or paper / polishing compound. Good question, keep on leather working, and God Speed,,,, Semper Fi,,,

[@cavtroopermunoz]

I bought the fine grit at the auto parts store in the body work section.

[@johnmabry9728]

I wonder if you couldn’t use a dollar bill for the paper.

[@barebackjackbarebackjack2966]

I find on the polish paper to only drag it one one way.

[@stanleymckinney8916]

What grit emery cloth are you using ? Thanks

[@grimtt]

Using a really high grit like 3000 or more ensures that you won’t take off much steel. If it’s too low then it ends up widening the channel of your edger.

[@pipewrenchlynch937]

Love Rons edgers . Do you ever use a old fasioned draw knife ? Just curious if you have any vlogs on use of ? I got a NICE left handed one from Weaver . the wood Tandy ones with razor blades are great . It seems like the old head Saddle makers prefer the old draw knives . thanks for the videos . Be Safe Stay Well

[@lond2835]

You can use a black permanent marker to show you exactly what has been honed. EZ

[@minerblue9641]

A drill bit of the right size might work also.

[@grimtt]

I’ve done that, making sure to use the chuck (smooth) end of course! Hobby shops also carry rods of varying widths as well.