This type of decoration for book edges has been used for centuries to protect the book block from dust and staining. Bibles, hymnbooks, encyclopedias or first editions have been finished with gold edges partially in combination with a hallmarking or a type of embossing. Today, there is a wide range of different metal foils from copper to metallic blue, violet and red tones that can be applied to book blocks. As each of the three pages of a book block requires an extra work process and produces therefore extra costs, the foil can also just be applied to the top edge on the front side that is particularly stressed or used a lot. Currently, this type of book cut is once again very popular, especially among designers. The effect of this metallic book cut in combination with a modern design seems anything but out-dated. Metallic foils are available in 42 colours – in addition, the metallic of gold, silver, bronze and copper tones are available in different matte, shiny and colour variations.