My friend who runs a print shop said he'd rather I use a bone folder than any metal tool for scoring, which got me thinking about my whole process.

He mentioned that the bone folder gives a more consistent, gentle crease on the paper grain (especially with the 120 gsm stock I use for covers) and now I'm wondering if I've been too rough with my scoring technique this whole time.

4 comments

4 Comments

jade_king1mo ago

Right? The simple tool is always the best.

kevint4727d ago

That 120 gsm cover stock is a good example. The bone folder works because it compresses the paper fibers along the grain instead of cutting them. A metal tool, especially if it's sharp, can actually weaken that fold line by severing those long fibers. It's not about being gentle, it's about working with the material's structure. Your friend is right that it gives a more durable fold for book covers.

casey2681mo ago

Oh man, that's so true. It's wild how often the right simple tool beats a heavy duty one.

david1341mo ago

Totally agree, it happens all the time. I spent way too long trying to fix a squeaky hinge with fancy lubricants before a buddy just told me to rub a bar of soap on it (sounds weird, I know). Worked perfectly in two seconds. Sometimes you just need the dumb, obvious thing that's been sitting there the whole time.