The objective was to create a line of leather working tools that resemble the older traditional looking ones, but still feel and look new and modern for the newer generations now getting into leather working. Able to redesign existing leather hand tools with curves that contour with one hand, and that gives it a soft feel while still having a harder material and by giving it slight edges it is able to enhance the curves showing.
What is a Burnisher?
Burnishing in leather working means burning the edges of a rough piece of leather to make it cleaner and have a nicer finish. This is done by placing the edges of the leather inside the grooves of a burnished and then applying pressure on the edges while moving the burnished back and forth to create friction continuing until the edges become shiny.
When making the concept functional models testing was important, some improvements to be made were to make the whole burnished thinner for better grip, round out the bottom to better contour one's hand, and have a smoother transition between the handle and the grooves.
Study Model I
Study Model II
Study Model III
Study Model IV
Study Model V
This Burnisher is made of walnut wood and able to burn leather edges with ease with its combined variations of the existing tool, a curved and straight side. The handle is curved which helps ergonimics and ease to be held in different ways because the handle is away from the grooves so fingers do not get caught by the friction created. This tool resembles the traditional tool with a modern look and feels to promote to the younger generations who have taken an interest in craft leather working.
Groove Detail
Fading Edge Detail
Logo Detail
Collaboration with Jassiel Sprecher, Sarah Tim & Jakob Thomas
