My local guild is split on whether to use a bone folder or a teflon folder for smoothing leather.

I think the bone folder gives better control and a sharper crease, but half the members swear the teflon one prevents any chance of marking the leather, so which tool do you reach for first on a fine binding?

3 comments

3 Comments

olivia_rivera881mo ago

You mentioned the bone folder gives a sharper crease, but that's exactly the problem. On a fine binding, that sharpness is a huge risk for marking or even cutting delicate leather. The teflon folder gives a clean, smooth finish with zero chance of leaving a shiny line or dent. For real control, you just need to adjust your hand pressure.

jenny_coleman1mo agoTop Commenter

Teflon can leave a weird, greasy mark on some leathers though. That sharp bone crease is the whole point for a proper hinge. It's about skill, not the tool. A light touch with bone beats a heavy hand with plastic any day.

jones.anna1mo ago

Watch two pros argue over a fancy butter knife.