rktaylor Report post Posted March 1, 2014 Since I can't afford a sewing machine, I plan to buy a good awl. I am thinking about a Barry King handle and Osborne awls. I am wondering what size awl and needles I should get. I will use it for cantle bindings, skirts, etc. Thanks for any advice. Randy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidL Report post Posted March 1, 2014 i do not do any saddle making but my tips should still apply. The awl size should correspond to the stitches per inch. Some where between a 56 - 70mm awl should work for 5-6 spi . Fineleatherworking.com has blanchard awls for $22 with handles attached. I own an awl from them and they work fine with a little bit of a sharpening. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Harness needles 0,1,2 and 4 depending on the size of the thread and the awl. Personally I use a 0 or a 1. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rktaylor Report post Posted March 4, 2014 Thanks for the advice. Sounds like I need to order a small assortment since I find myself working on a variety of items. I need to practice sewing, but I want to make sure I am using the correct tools. Randy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdl123 Report post Posted March 4, 2014 Randy - I really like the Barry King awl handle - I get my blades from Douglas Tools - Sheridan Leather sells them: Vandy, I believe, is Bob Douglas's daughter and will help you pick which size to get... I have found that the combination of Douglas awl blades and the Barry King handle is very controllable - I purchased the flattened side handle - Gives me a refererence point every time I pick up the awl... One douglas blade has lasted several pairs of chaps, my first saddle project is half done w/it and it is still perfect, just strop the tip once in awhile. Ron L. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted March 15, 2014 Just a quick note regarding awl handles. I own Barry King handles and several others, including all of Osborne's. Barry's are a work of art, beautiful to look at, hold and use. But don't discount Osborne awls out of hand (heh, heh). Osborne awls have a very small shank compared with any I have seen. This is very important to me because I do a lot of stitching right up next to raised portions of leather that I have wet-formed for my harmonica pouches. With many awls, the diameter of the shank, and/or its smoothness/roughness preclude this kind of close-up stitch work. My favorite awl is this one: http://springfieldleather.com/24630/Awl%2CHaft%2CPalm/, the CS Osborne "Palm Awl Handle." You can see from the picture what I mean about its small, tapered shank. I have mine polished to a mirror surface so it glides against those pesky raise portions rather that deforming and/or scratching them. And, that awl does just as it says -- it fits very comfortably in the palm of my hand. As a result, I get to admire the beauty of my Barry King awl handle a lot, as it sits in my tool rack while my Osborne Palm Awl Handle resides hidden in my hand. Works great for me. Michelle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
