Re: cutting gold leaf

RE: "do I need a gilders knife?"

Norman,

A slightly dull blade actually works better than a razor-sharp one if you
are cutting on a gilder's chamois or leather cushion (something with with
a bit of give to it for a cutting surface works better than a hard
cutting surface).  
I have made a knife out of a stainless steel kitchen spatula (as used for
cake icing) by sharpening one edge and after honing, I run the edge
lightly over some 600 or 1200 grit paper to take the razor edge away.

Another method I use is to cut  the leaf into small pieces between the
leaves of tissue with shears.

Good Carving to You,

Don



www.dondougan.com