A gilding knife is a specialized tool used for cutting metal leaf to the
desired size during the gilding process. When working with loose leaf, the
knife is typically used on a gilders pad or cushion, allowing the gilder to
carefully trim and prepare the delicate leaf before transferring it to the
surface.
In addition to cutting leaf, a gilding knife can also be used to gently
lift leaf from the booklet and place it onto the gilders pad for preparation.
This tool is an essential part of the traditional gilding toolkit, allowing for
precise handling and control when working with extremely thin and fragile metal
leaf.
