Shortening leather, and what to do with the cut edge

[cauda equina]

I'm just about to cut a bit off a flash strap to make a chinstrap for a bitless bridle.

Is there any way to neaten the cut surface, and make it look less raw?
Thanks

 

[ycbm]

I use shoe dye they sell in Timpsons. Boot polish might work if you don't want to spend that much.

.

 

[cauda equina]

Thanks for that

 

[pansymouse]

A saddler would do a professional job for a few pounds.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Send it to me, if you pay ther postage I'll do it for nothing, glad to help, 2 minutes of my time, Oz

 

[Cortez]

You need the proper tools to do a professional looking job, but it is possible to bevel the edges with a stanley knife and shoe polish will darken the cut edge.

 

[cauda equina]

Send it to me, if you pay ther postage I'll do it for nothing, glad to help, 2 minutes of my time, Oz

Thank you very much for your kind offer.
I'm sorry to say I've already hacked it off with a kitchen knife, but if the horse likes the bridle I might take you up on it with another flash, if I may?

 

[scruffyponies]

Bevel the edges with a stanley knive, as Cortez says, then dye it with a bit of shoe polish, then rub beeswax (or an old candle) on the edge, and give it a good rub with something hard and smooth - a bit of bone is traditional, but plastic would work. Job done.

 

[ester]

Thank you very much for your kind offer.
I'm sorry to say I've already hacked it off with a kitchen knife, but if the horse likes the bridle I might take you up on it with another flash, if I may?

I'm currently imagining cremedemonthe with his head in his hands, rocking

 

[cremedemonthe]

Yes Ester!
Needs cutting, edging, staining and creasing to do it properly