Reddit reviews Tandy Leather Eco-Flo Gum Tragacanth 4.4 fl. oz. (132 ml) 2620-01

Tools List:

Diamond Awl Chisel

Cutting Mat

Scratch Awl

Channel Groover and Beveler

Gum Tragacanth

Stitching Needles

Burnishing Tool

Rubber Mallet

Please note: These are all "bargain" options. They will get you started and will do its job.

I'm a big fan of Rocado's Whisky Shell. I've been using it for a few watch straps and wallets myself lately. The boots look great, but I'd really like to see a more dressed edge at the top of the boot. Shell Cordovan burnishes so nicely and so easily that it seems like a waste to leave it unfinished like that. If you're feeling up to it, order some Gum Tragacanth and burnish that edge yourself! Apply it all along the raw edge and then rub it with a piece of cloth until its smooth and polished. If you decide to give it a try, let me know if you need more help!

This is what that exact leather looks like after I gave it a quick burnish.

Nice job on the first try with some veg tan. You did a nice job on everything. One little suggestion that would improve the overall look on the edges would be to do some burnishing using a wood slicker like this and either gum tragacanth or tokonole as a burnishing agent. These burnishing agents really help matte down the fibers and give a nice and polished edge look. After the burnishing you can still add wax like you mentioned in the post. I'm sure your daughter will love it!

Yeah, no problem. The sandpaper is just from Home Depot. Just use one or two to work your way to about 1200 grit. Just try to get things as smooth as possible.

The edging iron is the most unique of the tools. I have a vintage one I bought off eBay for about 30 bucks. You heat it and rub it on the raw edge of a sole to close up the leather fibers and make them more waterproof.

Then I used my finger to apply some Gum Tragacanth that helps you slick the side of the leather to a burnish / polish.

This is the wooden edge slicker I use. I use the long flat side of the handle and rub very vigorously on the leather until it has a nice depth of shine. You can use the top curved part to polish the corner of the welt. Really, though, it's just a piece of wood. You can probably use a wooden spoon handle in a pinch (though it may discolor the spoon). The important part is that it's a hard, dense wood.

Oh, and this is the edge beveler I use to take off the corner.

After using the wooden slicker I then polish it up with a canvas glove, rubbed very vigorously. You can use any piece of canvas, but the glove was convenient for me.