De-Galvanizing a punched-rivetted Hamata

[M. Demetrius]

I don't know. I didn't do it that way, as my edging wasn't leather covered until after it was de-zinked.

I'd think the leather would hold moisture against the rings too long, and give a place for rust to begin in a place where you couldn't find it easily. If it can be removed, that would probably be the better choice, then resew it when the links are dry and oiled. That would be my suggestion.