Bone folder

A bone folder is a tool used in the fields of leatherworking and bookbinding to help create clean, crisp folds in materials such as paper, leather, and other soft fabrics. It is typically made from animal bones, usually the leg bones of cows or other large animals, which have been polished and shaped to a smooth finish.

In leatherworking, a bone folder can be used to create clean folds and creases in leather, which is particularly useful when making items such as wallets, belts, and purses. It can also be used to help shape and mold leather, as well as to score and mark it prior to stitching.

In bookbinding, a bone folder is an essential tool for folding pages, creating hinges, and scoring and creasing paper to create tailored book covers. By using a bone folder, bookbinders are able to create neat, even creases that result in a professional-looking finished product.

One of the main advantages of using a bone folder in both leatherworking and bookbinding is that it can be used to create precise, crisp folds without damaging the material being worked on. Because the tool is smooth and blunt, it can be used to apply pressure without tearing or scratching the material, resulting in a clean, professional finish.

Additionally, bone folders are often favored over other tools such as rulers or scoring tools because they are easy to grip and manipulate with one hand, leaving the other hand free to hold the material being worked on. They are also more versatile than other creasing tools, as they can be used on a wider range of materials and can create a variety of folds and creases.

In conclusion, a bone folder is a versatile tool that is essential in the fields of leatherworking and bookbinding, offering precise and clean results when working with materials such as paper and leather. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a go-to tool in the toolbox of any professional or hobbyist in these industries.