Speedy Awl

[J Hayes]

Anybody out there use a Speedy Awl? The one with the bobbin in the handel giving a machine type lockstitch? I have one lying around, but so far I have stuck with the 2 needle saddle stitch. I know the saddle stitch is stronger, I'm just wondering if anbody uses one.

Thanks

Jeremy

[Kevin]

My grandmother sent me one when I was a kid. When you sew canvas, the thread is too big and the lock shows, when I tried to sew leather, the needles broke.

We did have a luggage repair guy in the shop for a little while and he used one as an awl, but didn't actually sew with it.

Kevin

[steelhawk]

I have one. I last used it more years ago than I want to remember (or that I can remember?)

[dbusarow]

I have one in my saddle bag. Just in case I need to sew something while I'm on the trail.

Dan

[Tac]

I used one many years ago when I first started out tinkering with leather... it worked ok, and created a decent lock stitch, but I never liked the way the stitches layed and once I got practiced at a saddle stitch, I stopped using the speedy awl. I keep mine around as a tool for emergency repairs on thinner leather items that my sewing machine won't work on, or a saddle stitch isn't the best for, like my motorcycle chaps or jacket.... I also used it once to repair a felt cowboy hat..If you use it to repair a felt hat, use unwaxed thread... trust me on that one...

-Tac

[oldtimer]

In the book "The leathercrafters Bible" by John C. Simonds there is a note on speedy awls: "Take the needles out of that awl and put them on a shelf somewhere in case you ever find use for them. Pull the thread off the spool, then step out the back door and throw that awl as far as you can"

Why not use two needles ?

/ Knut

Edited April 14, 2012 by oldtimer