Serious question, is a bone folder really that much better than a smooth metal spoon?

I used a spoon from my kitchen for a week and got cleaner, sharper creases on my endpapers than I ever did with the folder. Has anyone else found a tool they're not supposed to use that actually works better?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_gray1mo ago

Ever used a butter knife as a screwdriver?

kellyj231mo agoTop Commenter

My dad used to do that all the time, @the_gray. Kinda works until you strip the screw head.

the_leo5d ago

I read a bookbinding forum post years ago where a guy swore by using the rounded end of a guitar slide for creasing leather. Said the weight and curve gave him more control than any traditional tool. Honestly, most of this stuff is about what feels right in your hand. If a spoon gives you a cleaner line, that's your tool now. The fancy gear is just a suggestion.