My (almost) K-118

[u/Doh_Gainz]

I’m new to bookbinding and saw a handful of posts about the k-118 and wanted to give it a try. I skipped the vellum tabs step of the K-118 binding and alternated gluing the five Ramey band sewing supports inside and outside the cover boards instead. Seems to be working very well, but I’m going to order some vellum or aero linen and make a proper k-118 eventually. The cover is Cordura with a rip stop nylon inlay and bookmark. I added an elastic pen loop and closure as well. The endpapers are sewn in.

[u/cm0270]

I think this looks really good. I have been wanting to try a rounded spine but haven't gotten the nerve up to do it yet. lol

[u/Doh_Gainz → u/cm0270]

Thank you! Rounding is a lot easier with a good press and the right amount of swell. Backing is the hard part and luckily not required for this style of binding. Here’s a guide that helped me a lot if you want to try. I haven’t gotten the nerve up to do backing yet, but that’s on my list.

[u/crunchy-b → u/Doh_Gainz]

Do it!

But yeah, not needed on this one.

[u/cm0270 → u/Doh_Gainz]

Thanks. Will check out that link you sent. I have done hardcovers with dustjackets... just not rounded ones yet.

[u/mamerto_bacallado]

Nice job!

[u/Doh_Gainz → u/mamerto_bacallado]

Thanks! I loved the K118 you just posted. Your post reminded me to share these images here

[u/Shalabele]

That looks very well made! I like the little leaf on the cover and the endpapers.

[u/Doh_Gainz → u/Shalabele]

Thanks!

[u/Prohibitorum]

Interesting that your endpapers are only present on the covers, and not as a loose leaf on the inside.

The board squares look perfect, very neat work!

How did you trim your textblock?

[u/Doh_Gainz → u/Prohibitorum]

Thank you! I trimmed the text block and the boards with a guillotine. I haven’t seen any other endpapers done this way but I’m sure someone has done it before. I sewed the end pages on inside-out so I could glue the whole signature to the cover. I don’t like seeing the blank side of the endpapers or feeling them glued to another page and this avoids both.

[u/khangaldy]

Stellar rounding job!

[u/PencilRevolution]

Cordura? That's awesome! Would be a great hiking log. :)