#opening a fullleather case

[zhalfirin-binds]

Opening the case of a full leather binding with groove on the inside for the first time.

I learned to open those bindings carefully to get a more even crease on the pivot point on the outisde of the binding.

The first thing I do is using a clean cloth or wad of cotton and prepare some clean, soft water. You'd want soft water to avoid water stains which are thing with leather.

Then I dampen the cased in and dried book lightly around the hinge area. As this book is small 'a bit around the hinge area' was almost half the cover. This avoids the next step to cause harsh water stains.

Then I used a brush to moisten the hinge line. If the case got too dry again I just dampen it some more. Then I tease the cover open, which needs nothing but a bit patience. I just lift the cover and wiggle it up until the ip opens easier. That way I open the book gradually. The moisture softens the leather at the pivot point and makes it easier for the leather to crease there instead of getting wrinkles somewhere along that line. Depending on the leather and the glue used that might take a bit, but as I said this is the part to be patient.