Question about using a bone folder for creasing vs. just a ruler edge

My old bookbinder buddy told me last month that you should never use the metal edge of a ruler to crease your paper. He said it crushes the fibers wrong and will make your text block look sloppy after a few years. I tried it his way with a proper bone folder on my last project, an 1880s novel I was rebinding. Honestly, the folds feel way cleaner and the paper didn't crack at all. Has anyone else noticed a real difference after waiting a while, or is this just one of those old timer things?

2 comments

2 Comments

jesse_fisher17d ago

Have you noticed the bone folder leaves a smoother surface on the paper too, less of that shiny crushed line? I started using one a few years back and my spines lay way flatter now, lol.

mark36117d ago

less of that shiny crushed line" - nah I've gotten cleaner creases with my ruler for years.