I got a small stitching awl, with a size 1 blade.
Cuts right through even a double layer of 8-9 oz leather. I love that.
BUT.....I've got this thick 4 oz Nyltec waxed nylon thread, and I have to use pliers to get the needles and thread through the holes made by the awl. I mean, I have to push the needle in from one side, and then pull it out from the other. When I'm finished sewing, it looks like there's a puckered area around each hole.
Is this because the awl is too small, or because the thread is too thick, or because I'm pulling the thread too tight, or some combination of those, or something I haven't thought of?