Gum Trag vs Tokonole 

Great video! I’d love to see another test with shorter burnishing times. I use tokonole because I find you get those results much faster than gum trag, and with less friction needed.

I find that if you can get enough friction to caramelise the sugars in gum trag it outperforms tokonole. However for large areas like fresh side the resins and pva in tokonole works better as it sets at a lower temperature. Top tip is to use a microfibre glass cloth for slicking, not the fluffy microfibre but the ones specifically for glass. They create loads of friction and burnish really well

I used to use daubers but I found that they were just too messy. I switched to using cotton swabs. I found that wetting the cotton swab first keeps the cotton under control.

The timing of this video is perfect as today I am getting ready to burnish the edges of the 6 pairs of Bandaleros I made for Christmas gifts. Glad I already have a 4 oz bottle of Gum Trag. Thanks for sharing.

I usually go over my edges with a 400 grid sandpaper before I apply the Tokonole. I got the best results when I rub it on to the edge with my finger until it's halfway dry before I use the slicker tool.

Great side by side comparison video, Daniel! Thanks for putting this together.

It's easy to polish edges on vegtan, I use sponge with water, after this slicker to shape up the edge, after that tokonole with cloth for finishing and sometimes wax and cloth again

Thank you for running this comparative test, Daniel. I have had the same question regrading which slicking agent is most effective and the differences between them. Like you, I have primarily used Tokonole but have no experience with Gum Trag. These test results will have me giving Gum Trag a try in the near future.

Love your videos Daniel! Many people also use Saddle Soap! Would love to see a close up of the edges! Happy Holidays!

The one you use is the first one you saw in a RU-vid video. Tragacanth is my go-to. Use my finger to apply.

Both Gum Trag and Tokonole are great for slicking edges and the back fuzzies. I always use Tokonole on my edges after first sanding with 400 grit. Once the edge is sanded I use a heavy application of Tokonole and burnish using scraps of denim. I let sit for just a bit then sand with 1000 grit and apply a thin layer of Tokonole and burnish again with denim. In most cases that is where I stop. Depending on the project and the clients desire I may sand a final time with 2000 grit, another application of Tokonole, and reburnish. I almost always use Gum Trag on the flesh side though and mainly because I don't presand or sand after with another application. Once and done. Most flesh sides depending on the project (such as shoulder straps, knife sheaths, etc.) are going to experience quite a bit of burnishing as they rub on whatever anyway. Just my 2 cents.

I got a jar of Tokono a few months ago for my last two projects to test out and found myself kept going back to gum especially on my edges 😂 glad to get a sanity check here haha. Thought I might be just too old school.

It’s so funny you guys posted this video. I used about 3/4 jar of tokonole because of the hype. But I just recently switch back to gum after noticing how much easier and quicker edges slick with it vs tokonole. Definitely gum for sure.

Not that I do it on the regular, but I have used egg whites in a pinch to slick leather. Learned it when I was starting out and it did the job. Couldn't tell you about durability though.

On edges I sand using 400 grit. I then use Martin’s Mix. I bought the small bottle and their applicator. The applicator really gives perfect control. Burnish with canvas in seconds. For a really glass finish I repeat with 600 grit and Martin’Mix then burnish again.

I love Tokonole for the flesh side of vegetable tanned leather. I have yet to find a better product. Especially loving the black Tokonole. Black just works with pretty much every dye color I have on my work desk. 👍 I also never encountered the problem of fibers sticking out. I use up to 1500 grid sandpaper and it has never let me down thus far. 🤔

I use Tokonole when I am in a hury, but for me I get the best result with water, then beeswax, linen cloth and elbow grease😊

For a slicker i use a cut off piece of plastic food cutting board it works very well.

I'm surprised you didn't compare the prices! Tokanal is 15.00 USD and Gum track is 10.00! Major price difference

I heard that Tokonole works best if you buff it when it's half dry, whatever that may mean.

How does Gum Trag hold up under damp conditions such as a dip-dyed belt that will be worn in summer?

Thank you so much!! One question, for which uses do you usually wax the leather like you did it?

nice comparison. Bottom line is no substitute for elbow grease. Try 1 part Titbond glue to 3 parts water. Cheap and works

What black or brown Tokonole on the flesh side supposed to look like ? The color of the paste is solid and dark, but for me it ends up gray or light brown after application.

Great video but i feel you didnt apply the tokonole right. I always rub the tokonole in with my finger until it goes from slippery to grippy. Then i use a burnishing tool. I find that going straight to the tool with wet tokonole doesnt let the tokonole do its job. Corter leather has a great video on tokonole.

The big difference I have learned between Gum Trag and Tokonole is that Gum Trag penetrates the fibers of the leather and Tokonle does not. Therefore, you would apply a couple of applications of Gum Trag to insure a good seal. Also, Gum Trag will not crack where Tokonole sits on top of the fibers of the leather. It would be compared to edge paint only applied differently. Remember, both products dry and harden with friction and not by simple air drying. I say use the product you like and be happy. 😎

Can you compare with water with being followed up by beeswax?

I just us my finger to apply gum trag and tokonole. And I know some of the old timers use saliva.

Rumor has it the company that makes tokonol is shutting down. Closing its doors.

I hate the hazy tokenole leaves behind on darker leather....im 100% gum trag

The gum trag I use smells like limes

I guess it comes down to price.

Where's Chuck? Is he on holiday?

You must be from the south. You say the word "oil" properly 😂