TNIV Reference Bible Rebound by Mechling

Jeremie Wade sent me a detailed write-up and a host of pictures of his TNIV Reference Bible, rebound by Mechling Bookbindery. The fact that the TNIV Reference Bible features a Smyth-sewn binding makes it an ideal candidate for a rebinding, so Jeremie had the bonded leather cover stripped off in favor of Chocolate Katsina goatskin. Let's take a look at the results!

Jeremie writes: I'm a long time reader (but lurker!) of your blog. I wanted to share a rebind experience with you.

I'm a big fan of the TNIV but haven't found a good edition (I'm not alone in this). But the new single-column, cross-reference edition is great. It's not as compact as I'd like, but that isn't a show-stopper.

My plan all along when purchasing this edition of the TNIV was to have it rebound. With a lot of research and help (Matt Morales!) I mailed off my TNIV to Mechling Book Bindery for a nice new paint job.

Here's what I asked of Mechling:

1. Deluxe Package (includes goatskin, leather lined cover, raised bands). The deluxe package also comes with two ribbons. I asked for three and upon seeing the bill, I noticed he didn't charge me for the 3rd ribbon! Great guy, that Al Mechling...gotta love him.

2. I requested a brown leather goatskin. But instead of the standard goatskin, I also asked to upgrade the leather. Al advised that I should get a Chocolate Katsina goatskin. You can view the leathers here.

3. The original bible had a silver gilt to it. Silver + Brown = Not so good. Sooo I asked him to trim it off. I would have LOVED for Mechling to re-gilt it, but it was not an option.

4. I also asked for "TNIV" and "Mechling Bookbindery" on the side.

So, the final product can be seen in some photos below. The worst thing about the rebind is the lack of gilt and being able to see where the blade trimmed the page edges. You'll see the striations in some of the photos. I really tried to capture it in the pics.

Overall, I love the Bible, it is very flexible and very durable. I've handled a Mechling rebind with the standard goatskin, and I have to say this Katsina upgrade was the best choice I made. The photos do not do it justice. I'd recommend the leather to anyone.

And now the photos:

Thanks, Jeremie, for sharing the results of your project!

Comments

[Nathan Stitt]

Three ribbons!!! I am not sure if I am more jealous of that fabulous leather or the ribbons. Congratulations. And look at the length of those ribbons... Someone had mentioned the upcoming ESV from Allan will have three ribbons also and I hope they are correct. Thanks for the excellent photos.

[Jeremie Wade]

Thanks! The three ribbons are grrrreat. Really helps a lot. Before this, I was using some cheap add-on ribbons I found in a Berean store. :D

[Gary Zimmerli]

That's a beautiful Bible, even without the gilt edges! And the color of the leather is so unique! I get tired of black and burgundy all the time.

Interesting thought: How about dying the page edges a matching chocolate color? Just something to think about. I think I'd prefer the gold myself.

[Iyov]

I must say, the photos make this look like one of the best rebinding jobs featured on this blog: congratulations!

I think the book looks very handsome without gilting. The only thing I can find to criticize (and it is a very small point): why are the fonts so different on the spine? (look at the B in "Bible" versus the "B" in "BOOKBINDERY.")

However, the books looks very usable and luxurious. I am sure it will be something that you treasure for a long time.

[Michael Swoveland]

Looks like they did a very nice job on this one. Judging from your photos I would love the feel of that leather.

I have three ribbons in my Bible and could never go back to two or one.

The only thing I see that I do not like is the plain page edges, I would have to have something there. With much use I bet you'll start to see staining.

[Kevin Sam]

Yes, the lettering on the nice tan leather makes the TNIV look so classy. Very nice.

[TC]

Mechling Bookbindery is the best. I just had a Bible rebound for a church member is great time, and the finish so professional.

I had always seen the pictures here, but I got a firsthand look. I gladly recommend Mechling.

[Jeremie Wade]

Michael: Yea, the plain white definitely bothers me. For now it's livable, but I'm looking at my options.

That said, if anyone has any advice...I'll gladly listen!

[Rod Summers]

What a great looking Bible! I've been using that same TNIV dreaming of a Mechling rebind while maintaining the silver gilt. Not to be TOO personal but how much extra was the leather upgrade? I have the chocolate on a deluxe rebind of another Bible. The grain in yours is exquisite! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Jeremie Wade]

Rod: I had originally asked to upgrade to a Harmatan goatskin that I was recommended to me. Al Mechling pointed me to Harmatan's website and showed me their Katsina line of leathers.

Quote from Al Mechling:
"The Katsina has a light pigment finish which we find works best for hand Bibles. It is easy to care for since you can wipe it with a damp cloth. The other line, which is more expensive is hand rubbed and has no finish. It requires more care especially with water and dirt. The leather is the same."

He included a link and I went and looked at the brown leather and loved it. It fit what I was looking for perferctly. The best thing, and to answer your question, there was no extra cost! Instead he just substituted his normal line of goatskin with the Katsina from Harmatan.

[Rod Summers]

Ok. Thanks. Though I must say that hand-rubbed cover sounds inticing. I think Allan's does their Highland covers with a hand-rubbed finish. Anyone know?

[Kevin Womack]

Jeremie,

Can you tell me how much it cost to have this rebinding done and what the turnaround time was?

[Mike]

thanks to all the advice on here, i actually got a similar rebind done of just a tniv, but i want to re-gilt it. anyone have any advice on where to go for that?