Edge & Beveling
Glass Slicker
A polished glass rod that burnishes an edge to a hard, glossy shine.
Glass Slicker · schematic
| Material | Borosilicate glass |
|---|---|
| Length | 150 mm |
| Diameter | 12 mm |
| Groove | Single |
| Tip | Rounded |
| Weight | 90 g |
| Material | Borosilicate glass |
|---|---|
| Length | 150 mm |
| Groove profile | Round |
| Heat | Friction only |
| Suitable edge | 1 to 3 mm |
| Compatible processes | Burnishing |
Overview
A glass slicker is a smooth borosilicate rod used to burnish an edge to a very hard, glossy finish. Glass holds heat well and has no grain, so it polishes the waxed edge without dragging or marking it.
You use it after slicking and waxing, running the groove along the edge with quick strokes until friction melts the wax and the edge turns glassy. It works best on veg-tan, where the fibres will compress and take a shine. On chrome-tan it does much less.
Handle it carefully, since glass can chip if dropped. Inspect the rod before use and discard any piece with a crack or nick that could scratch the leather or your hand.
Safety
Hazard. Glass can chip if dropped; inspect the rod for cracks before use and discard any damaged piece.
How to use it well
- Use it after waxing so the friction has wax to melt into the edge.
- Rub quickly and lightly rather than pressing hard on the edge.
- Check the rod for chips before every use to avoid scratches.
- Store it in a sleeve so it does not knock against other tools.
Compatible leathers and materials
Glass Slicker is suited to the following leather types. Anything outside this list is worth testing on an offcut first.
At a glance
| Category | Edge & Beveling |
|---|---|
| Stage | Finish |
| Suitable leather | Veg-Tan, Oil-Tan |
| Beginner priority | Rank 21 of 28 |
Educational use only. Hide & Stitch is an independent, non-commercial reference. Nothing here is for sale and nothing here is a substitute for competent in-person instruction. Edged tools, dyes, solvents and adhesives can cause serious injury — read and follow the manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets, and work with ventilation and appropriate protection. Specifications are typical values for this class of tool and vary between makers.
Related
Works well with
Edge Slicker
A grooved stick rubbed along a dampened edge to compress and polish it.
Canvas Burnisher
A folded canvas strip used to friction-polish an edge after waxing.
Beeswax
Rubbed on an edge or a thread to add grip, seal fibres and help burnishing.