NewYorkerInSydney Report post Posted November 16, 2009 Hi friends, I want to purchase an awl today and am looking at the following: CS Osborne haft # 142, 143 and 145. I am learning to make 20-24mm wide watch straps and am using fairly thick leather (5-6oz) and waxed linen thread (4-6 ply). I am doing about 6 stitches per inch. Which do you fine people suggest would be a good one for me of the ones I mention. And PLEASE do not suggest I buy a Bob Douglas or some other expensive brand. I want to purchase one of those or another type within the same price range. Also, what size diamond blade would I need for my holes? Thanks so very much. I appreciate your help and look forward to your replies. Warm regards, New Yorker in Sydney Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewYorkerInSydney Report post Posted November 17, 2009 Anybody? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iwannabeacowboy Report post Posted November 17, 2009 http://www.campbell-bosworth.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1_2_122 charlie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewYorkerInSydney Report post Posted November 17, 2009 http://www.campbell-...p/cPath/1_2_122 charlie HI Charlie, thanks for the link, I alrady know where to buy the stuff, I just need to know which of the three would be a better choice for my needs. Cheers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewYorkerInSydney Report post Posted November 18, 2009 Anyone else? Pretty please? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hilly Report post Posted November 18, 2009 Anyone else? Pretty please? My suggestion to you would be to order C.S.Osborne diamond point awl from Tandy. This awl is a one piece deal and the blade is fixed, so no need to choose hafts/blades combos. Cost: $17.99 USD for the whole thing. It's cheap enough, simple to choose which haft and blade , needs a bit of a tune up, but will work well for quite some time if treated properly. I bought one 2 years ago, and it still works fine for me, and I've used the heck out of it. Once it's sharp enough, a good stropping once in a while, and a small cake of beeswax to stick the tip of the blade into between stitches, and you're good to go. Hope this helps you some. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CampbellRandall Report post Posted November 18, 2009 Anyone else? Pretty please? NewYorkerInSydney, They style really depends on what you are comfortable with and how you want to use it. OS-142 The palm awl haft is shaped to that you can grip it in the palm of your hand and push. This is probably the most comfortable to use. OS-143 The peg awl haft has a large handle to grip. I would say its the least common of the three. OS-145 This haft is commonly used by shoemakers. The knobbed end is easy to grip, especially when pulling. This would be good to use with a jerk needle. - Hope this helps! Dan Naegle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbusarow Report post Posted November 19, 2009 I have 2 of the 142's and 1 145. I only use the 142's now. I bought 1 of each to see which I'd like better and it was no contest as far as I was concerned. But which haft to use has to be a fairly personal choice. The chances of my fingers and palm being the same size as yours is pretty slim. Dan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
