I produce a lot of work on paper. It’s my go to choice for 80 percent of my work. One of the things that in my opinion often sets a work on paper apart is the way the edge of the paper is treated. Smooth cut versus deckled edge.

Deckled edge paper comes at a premium cost. I’m not sure why exactly unless the paper is being torn by hand, which is the case with some print shops doing oversized prints. In addition some paper that isn’t available with a deckled edge might have an ideal surface that I like to work on. So what’s a person going to do?

Well I finally broke down and bought “The Dual Edge Ripper” from Red River Paper, and I’ve been playing around with it this morning on some cast away prints that were going to be discarded.

There is something about the deckled edge that seems to elevate works on paper. Especially if you float them above the matte when framed. In my opinion it simply looks better with a more natural and organic edge to it.

I’ve been practicing ripping, getting ripped, ripping one… (yes I have the mind of a 12 year old sometimes). So far I like the results of the more subdued edge. The “Dual Edge Ripper” is 24 inches long so I’ll be able to use it even on the larger works that are bigger than 24×26 inches in size.

I have a feeling this is going to get a lot of use.