Rayban Report post Posted August 10, 2009 I bought a couple old stitching awls that need some sharpening.....I'd like to see/hear the correct way of doing so. They look to be very solid and there's still some work left in them....I just need to get them sharp....recommendations please! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
celticleather Report post Posted August 10, 2009 Take a look at http://www.bowstock.co.uk/saa.html. There's some useful advice here! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rawhide Report post Posted August 10, 2009 Don't know if this is correct, but here's how I do it and gives me great results... Step 1. I use a diamond hone (course), but an arkansas stone will work as well. An awl blade has four flat sides (diamond shaped). place one of the flat sides against the stone on a flat surface. Push and pull the blade back and forth on the stone (like a stabbing motion). Do this on all four sides. (this will take a while depending on the blade, it takes a little practice to know when enough is enough.) You should be able to feel a burr develop on the edge. the burr will be on the opposite side of the flat that's against the stone. It might be a good idea to put a black marker on the side you'll start with and work it until all the black is gone. Step 2. Stropping on a stone. Grab a finer stone/hone (I use extra fine) and place awl flat against stone at one end and drag that side across the stone (away from the cutting edge) several times. Do this to all four sides. Step 3. Some people do this, some don't. I do. Strop again using wet/dry paper. 1200 grit and 2000 grit (just repeating step 2 on the wet/dry). You'll only need several passes with this. Do this on all four sides. Step 4. Most important strop on a rouge card. I use green rouge, but white/red rouge is just as good. Rub the rouge on a long strip of manilla folder or illustration board. then strop several times on each side as in steps 2 and 3. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
