Shoemakers Polishing Bone
Shoemakers Polishing Bone
Name/Title
Shoemakers Polishing BoneEntry/Object ID
2025.1.746Description
Short smoothed piece of bone, mostly likely cow bone. Also known as a 'burnisher', 'boner' or 'sleeking bone'. A very old and indispensable tool still used today.Context
"Bone-Smoothing: One of the most traditional and skilled techniques in the shoemaker’s toolkit is bone-smoothing, typically performed with a polished deer bone or similar tool. This step involves gently rubbing the bone across the leather surface to press down minor wrinkles and refine the wax layer into a continuous film. The unique texture of the bone allows it to glide over the surface without scratching. Especially effective on cordovan or heavily waxed calfskin, bone-smoothing creates a near-glass finish that machine tools cannot replicate" FEIT Shoemaking Techniques.Category
Saddlers, Shoemakers, Cobblers