Hand Engraved Bookbinders' Finishing Tool Making

This video demonstrates the process I use to create custom finishing tools, which are decorative metal stamps used by bookbinders to impress designs into leather book covers. I make these both for my own binding work on on commission for other binders.

Depending on the effect the binder is going for, these tools can be used in conjunction with gold leaf for gilt covers (gold tooling), or simply heated and tooled into dampened leather, leaving a darkened -but not burned- impression (blind tooling).

Beginning with brass stock, I cut, file, and polish the blank so it's all one piece rather than two soldered together. After that, I engrave the outline of the tool and file to that outline. I then go back and engrave all the details by hand and eye (with the aid of a microscope). Many folks ask about this process, so hopefully it sheds some light on my methods.

Thanks to Jon Dahlin for creating and editing the film, and to Luke Mitchell of Out There Studios (www.outthererecording.com) for the music.