Pro tip: Stop using that damp sponge for edge paring

I used to always wet a sponge and run it along the edge of my text block before paring the leather. Figured that was just how you did it since I saw it in a few old videos. Then about 6 months ago I picked up a cheap misting bottle from a dollar store for 2 bucks. Game changer right there. With the spray bottle I can control exactly how much moisture hits the leather without over soaking it. The sponge always left uneven wet spots that made the paring knife skip in some places. Now I give it two quick spritzes and wait 30 seconds before cutting. Has anyone else switched from the old sponge method to something better?

2 comments

2 Comments

morganj811mo ago

Paring comes out just fine" is doing a lot of heavy lifting there saraho48. I bet your edges look like a zigzag road map if you're still using a sponge that's been sitting in your sink for three days. But hey, you do you, I'll keep my $2 spray bottle and not having to fight my knife through soggy spots. Some of us like our leather to look like we actually tried.

saraho481mo ago

Oh come on, it's really not that serious... I still use a damp sponge half the time and my paring comes out just fine. Maybe if you're working with super thin leathers or doing something super precise but for most edge paring a quick swipe with a barely damp sponge is plenty. Sounds like you might be overthinking this whole thing honestly.