If you are pressing a long seam open, if you hold the fabric to press up off the ironing surface, those seam allowances will open right up and you can easily press them open, down the whole length. I also suggest to try the little iron sleeve that fits on your finger (try Clotilde or Nancy's Notions) and protects you from the heat. Mine is black knit.

I have to admit I don't use a wooden iron. I just stole a polycarbonate shank out of an old pointe shoe from my daughter. I really think anything that is about 1 inch wide and fairly thin can be used to "finger press" seams open. Then I use my iron. Saves wear and tear on my nails.

I made some wooden iron/stilettoes that I use when I am paper piecing The other tool is one I use a lot when making solt sculptures, toys, pincushions, etc. The stiletto is a finishing nail that I ground smoother and also sometimes cut 2 sided knitting needles in half.

I don't use a steam iron, I use a small spray bottle which gives a fine mist over the area I want to press, I stared doing this years ago when I was sewing and have just kept on with it, works for me, I guess I am just used to it now.

Gal

Normally all mine go to one side, very seldom, open, just try not to pull when presing, keeps most of it straight, :)
Good Luck Happy Quilting :)

Turn off the steam and turn down the iron.
It really doesn't have to be THAT HOT when working with a seam.

I use an iron on medium low no steam (but with the ability to steam if I need it) - my hands aren't warm enough to finger press anything open :)
I'll Starch and Press with a hot iron when the block is put together and before I square it up for the last time. Works well for me.

REMEMBER you're PRESSING (up/down) not IRONING (left/right) the seam.
IMHO I would have to rub hard when finger pressing or using another object to press the seam. People should use what works best for them.

I have not used steam for at least 2 years. I either spritz the fabric with water or use Best Press and a tool of some sort. I agree with Ricky Tims - steam irons eventually leak!

Meh....I press to the dark side. Because I don't like steamed fingers, lol!

I bought Kool Fingers, 2 in a package for about $7.00. They are these little knit thingys that go over your fingers, I use them on my left index finger and my left thumb, iron in my right hand, and away I go! No burns or steam ouchies! k

That's what I use. I press the seam open with my wooden presser/point turner (same as your bone folder) and then I spray starch/steam the seam in place. Haven't burned my fingers since I began doing it this way.