District Leather Supply Supplies Seiwa Tokonole Burnishing Agent

Tokonole is a water-based alternative to gum tragacanth, and it’s popular with leatherworkers around the world.  This is what District Leather uses for all of its edge work – including its “candy edges.”  If you’re burnishing with canvas, cut the tokonole with just a little bit of water and be careful about how much pressure you apply while burnishing.

Why use this instead of water?  Tokonole helps reduce the heat generated while burnishing, helping to prevent discoloration and darkening of edges.  Combined with very fine sandpaper, canvas, and the right technique, you will be able to polish edges to a high shine.

In addition to edge burnishing, tokonole can also be used to “paste” the flesh side of most leather using a slicker made from wood, or the glass slicker plates we sell in our shop.