What are they doing when they lick

[jay helfert]

The final step of installing a tip was always to moisten and burnish with leather or the back of sandpaper. It is said to harden the side of the tip. I've been doing it for about 45 years. I have no idea if it really works, but it makes me feel better.

You and me both Bobby. The moisture does make a difference in the side of the tip after a leather burnishing. Without it, the tip remains dull. With it the sides of the tip look cleaner and firmer. I still believe there is a good reason that we learned this from the older players. I first learned this trick from Danny D. when he was changing his tip in his hotel room.

P.S. When there was no leather handy, I would use the flap of a pack of matches to burnish my tip! After moistening it of course. :smile: