Bluesman Report post Posted November 25, 2012 I'm doing some hand stitching and really need a good awl. I bought an Osborne and though its better than the Tandy I had, it's nothing to write home about. I found the Douglas Diamond Awl Blade at $27 and the recommended handle is $75. So, this puts it at about $110 with shipping. I have no problem spending this kind of money for a really sharp, no hassle tool. So, what's the verdict out there in leather land? I don't want something I have to continually sharpen, as sharpening and awl blade, to me is a royal PITA. Any and all comments are appreciated. Thanks, Jon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted November 25, 2012 The general consensus is that Bob Douglas makes some of the best awl blades on the market. If you want an option for the awl handle, contact "Bearman" (a member here). He turns wood for tools and makes a haft that will accept the Douglas awl blades. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluesman Report post Posted November 25, 2012 The general consensus is that Bob Douglas makes some of the best awl blades on the market. If you want an option for the awl handle, contact "Bearman" (a member here). He turns wood for tools and makes a haft that will accept the Douglas awl blades. Thanks TO Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BearMan Report post Posted November 25, 2012 I strongly suggest the Douglas blades. I use the slim blade for just about all my stitching. My "Stinger" awl handles are designed to fit in the palm, so that they feel like a natural extention of your hand. I have a few left from the Nashville show. They are $35.00 ea. & they will accept just about any blades,,, including the Douglas blades. Here are a couple pictures... Some of the ones pictured are gone. Thanks,, Ed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluesman Report post Posted November 25, 2012 (edited) I strongly suggest the Douglas blades. I use the slim blade for just about all my stitching. My "Stinger" awl handles are designed to fit in the palm, so that they feel like a natural extention of your hand. I have a few left from the Nashville show. They are $35.00 ea. & they will accept just about any blades,,, including the Douglas blades. Here are a couple pictures... Some of the ones pictured are gone. Thanks,, Ed Ed, will they fit the regular blade? http://www.sheridanl...-awl-blades.htm Or should I be using the slim. Let me know which handles are available and I'm in thanks, Jon Edited November 25, 2012 by Bluesman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Chee Report post Posted November 25, 2012 I strongly suggest the Douglas blades. I use the slim blade for just about all my stitching. My "Stinger" awl handles are designed to fit in the palm, so that they feel like a natural extention of your hand. I have a few left from the Nashville show. They are $35.00 ea. & they will accept just about any blades,,, including the Douglas blades. Here are a couple pictures... Some of the ones pictured are gone. Thanks,, Ed Hi BearMan. I'm interested in one of your handles. Are they designed for larger hands? I have medium sized hands and I find a lot of awls a little too long for me. Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spooky Report post Posted November 26, 2012 I strongly suggest the Douglas blades. I use the slim blade for just about all my stitching. My "Stinger" awl handles are designed to fit in the palm, so that they feel like a natural extention of your hand. I have a few left from the Nashville show. They are $35.00 ea. & they will accept just about any blades,,, including the Douglas blades. Here are a couple pictures... Some of the ones pictured are gone. Thanks,, Ed Okay, this is probably going to be the dumb question for the day... how does the blade go into the handle? And, (hopefully not so dumb!).... are these on your website, do you ship to Australia, and if you do, what is the postage? But, looks like I probably won't be getting a Douglas awl blade anytime soon.... postage of single awl blade from Sheridan to Australia is more than $30!!!!!!!!!! Which effectively doubles the price of the blade!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted November 26, 2012 The shank of the blade goes into a collett in the handle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spooky Report post Posted November 26, 2012 The shank of the blade goes into a collett in the handle. Ummm, okay... now, for the real dummies (me!), could you explain what a "collett" is, please? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David8386 Report post Posted November 26, 2012 The collet is the hole in the handle that tightens down on the shaft of the blade usually with a knurled nut to tighten it. Look at a drill, router or Dremel tool to see what I mean. David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spooky Report post Posted November 26, 2012 The collet is the hole in the handle that tightens down on the shaft of the blade usually with a knurled nut to tighten it. Look at a drill, router or Dremel tool to see what I mean. David Thank you - I'm very much a newbie. Still learning, but enjoying the learning process. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Josiah Report post Posted November 26, 2012 I just got one of Bearman's handles. I also have medium sized hands and it fits great. Very happy with it, and it is a work of art along with being a great tool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted November 29, 2012 bearman - do you take paypal? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Chee Report post Posted November 30, 2012 I just received bearman's handle today and I must say it's very nice work. I also ordered two of Douglas tool's awl blades. One regular and one slim. Does anyone have the dimensions of these blades? I think they sent me two of the same blades because they are only a few thousandths of an inch different in width. I had to use my digital calipers to tell the difference cause visually they looked exactly the same. Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CWR Report post Posted November 30, 2012 (edited) Andrew, These are made by hand so everyone is different. If you want a slimmer one call them and get them to pick out the slimmest one on hand. They are good folks to deal with and I'm sure will be glad to help you out. CW Edited November 30, 2012 by CWR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricIsaiah Report post Posted January 11, 2013 I just made the leap from my old Osborne diamond awl and purchased a Douglas blade. Here's hoping it was worth it, considering, with (Barry King) handle, this thing costs almost ten times what I paid for my Osborne. My Osborne leaves a pretty long hole, so I'm hoping this Douglas blade will leave a more diamond shaped hole, which I've noticed produces cleaner stitches. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SimpletonLeather Report post Posted April 2, 2013 (edited) I strongly suggest the Douglas blades. I use the slim blade for just about all my stitching. My "Stinger" awl handles are designed to fit in the palm, so that they feel like a natural extention of your hand. I have a few left from the Nashville show. They are $35.00 ea. & they will accept just about any blades,,, including the Douglas blades. Here are a couple pictures... Some of the ones pictured are gone. Thanks,, Ed Can I get one of these, BearMan? Edited April 2, 2013 by SimpletonLeather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Valleee Report post Posted April 2, 2013 Where can I buy a douglas diamond awl? and Bearman, how do I order the handle from you? How much to ship to Canada? Where can I buy a douglas diamond awl? and Bearman, how do I order the handle from you? How much to ship to Canada? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Chee Report post Posted April 2, 2013 You can get the Douglas awl at Sheridan leather. Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
