Handle wrap finish

[DC]

I wrapped this handle with the wrapping from an old tennis racquet. I like the old look but I was left with the raw leather on the ends. I built up and wrapped it with upholstery thread soaked in CA and it looks, well, OK but there must be a better way of finishing a rough edge like this. Any suggestions? Examples?

[PatM]

Typically an edge is skived if you want  the finished side of the leather to taper to the wood smoothly.

[DC]

Thanks Pat. This wrap was pretty poor quality leather and I didn't think I could skive it but after you mentioned it I went back and tried it on a piece of scrap and it went OK. Now all I have to do is find another old tennis racquet that doesn't say "Spalding" on it.

[Pat B]

If you wet the leather a little you can probably burnish those edges smooth. Once dry a good hand rub with leather treatment like Montana Pitch Blend or Mink Oil will refresh the leather.

[mikekeswick]

Yes you should burnish it for a tidy edge. Use a spot of leather finish or a similar dye and rub the edge back and forth with a piece of antler or similar. A skieved edge would look a mess after time and use. It would be too thin to withstand any 'abuse'.