Old bookbinder told me to always wet my bone folder before use

Ignored him for six months until I snapped two folders in a row on a dry day and that was the fastest I ever learned a lesson, anyone else had that happen?

3 comments

3 Comments

harper9141mo ago

Yeah, wetting it does make a difference. I ignored it too until I broke one on a cold, dry morning and learned real fast. Sucks to learn the hard way but sometimes that's the only way it sticks.

nguyen.angela1mo ago

Wait did you really snap TWO bone folders in a row? That's wild, I would have given up after the first one. I mean, I get it, we all think we know better than the old timers but this hobby has a way of humbling you real quick. It's almost scary how fast a dry bone folder can just give out, like your whole project is just toast in a second. Glad you figured it out though, even if it cost you a couple of folders to learn.

diana_kim661mo ago

Is it REALLY necessary though? I've used bone folders bone dry for years and never had one snap on me. Maybe you're just pressing way too hard or using a cheap folder that was gonna break anyway. I work with heavy book board and thick leather all the time and I honestly think wetting it makes the paper or leather warp weird. A dry folder gives you more control and a crisp fold. Sounds like you just got unlucky with two bad folders in a row.