Awl Recommendation - Fixed Or Interchangeable Blades?

[SouthernCross]

What kind of awl do you use? I need a new new one for hand-stitching 6-7 oz. (doubled) leather for holsters and such.

[FlHobbyist]

Douglas blades are expensive at 27 a pop, but one should last you a long, long time: They are expensive, but so is replacing crap awls.

http://www.sheridanl...e=DT-awl-blades

I got a Barry King haft with mine, but there are several other alternatives: http://www.barrykingtools.com/handtools.htm

Edited September 12, 2013 by FlHobbyist

[FlHobbyist]

One piece of advice about the Douglas awl blades is that they are very sharp. Even the sides of the blade are sharp, I've cut myself twice forgetting this piece of advice.

Edited September 12, 2013 by FlHobbyist

[SouthernCross]

Thanks for the recommendation.

[Ski]

I use a cheap handle with interchangeable diamond shaped awl blades. maybe 4000 stitches later and its still good, still same blade. Ive dulled the (top) edges so the last final push stretches the leather and not cut it, and ofc strop it every now and then.

So far it works fine for me and I don't have a need to buy a expensive one, especially when there are other tools I still need (like a head knife for example, which is important to buy a expensive one).