Stitching awl?

[Joon1911]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and just getting started at leathercraft. Can anyone here suggest who makes the best stitching awl? I don't mind spending a few extra bucks to get one that doesn't need a bunch of time tuning up before using. I am a furnituremaker, so I know that good tools can make the difference.

Thanks for the suggestion, in advance.

[skip]

as far as stitching awls go I have used several of the CS Osborne ones with success but for a really nice sharp awl I would contact Bob and Lee Douglas in Sheridan Wyoming. they are very sharp and ready to go out of the box. they are a little pricey but are worth it if you consider the ammount of time it takes to sharpen the Osborne tools to the same standard that Bob keeps. hope this helps

[Joon1911]

as far as stitching awls go I have used several of the CS Osborne ones with success but for a really nice sharp awl I would contact Bob and Lee Douglas in Sheridan Wyoming. they are very sharp and ready to go out of the box. they are a little pricey but are worth it if you consider the ammount of time it takes to sharpen the Osborne tools to the same standard that Bob keeps. hope this helps

Thanks for the suggestion, do you have contact info for the Douglases?

[mulefool]

Bob Douglas. Best awl on the planet. it'll make you happy every time you use it. 46 Wakely Road Sheridan WY 82801 307-737-2222

[Tiffany]

Bob Douglass awls rock! (and I have the holes in my thumb to prove it!)

[tazzmann]

Does he have a web site or can someone post a pic of one? What do you consider pricey? I need a good stitching awl as I plan to do more work that requires stitching and not lacing which is my specialty.

Thanks!

[Randy Cornelius]

I bought 2 of his slim bladed awls while at Sheridan last year and I beleve they with 20.00 a piece. But they are worth every penny.

Randy

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Here's a picture of Bob's awl and handle... ignore the holes in the leather because they were done with a stitching chisel and not the awl. The handle is nice wood and well made but some may find the end a bit narrow if you are sewing a few layers of 15 oz leather. I'd prefer a handle that was wider with a flat side on it.

The stitch groover is also made by Bob Douglas' company.

Darc

[savage_here]

Here's a picture of Bob's awl and handle... ignore the holes in the leather because they were done with a stitching chisel and not the awl. The handle is nice wood and well made but some may find the end a bit narrow if you are sewing a few layers of 15 oz leather. I'd prefer a handle that was wider with a flat side on it.

The stitch groover is also made by Bob Douglas' company.

Darc

Does anyone have a source for quality awl handles that are reasonably priced? $65 seems like a lot for a handle like this. Is this the going rate amongst all the available options?

Thanks.

Savage

[whinewine]

Does anyone have a source for quality awl handles that are reasonably priced? $65 seems like a lot for a handle like this. Is this the going rate amongst all the available options?

Thanks.

Savage

Tandy, I believe, still stocks Osborne handles. Anywhere that stocks Osborne stuff- Springfield, Siegels, etc, should be able should be able to hook you up. Not quite as pretty, but certainly functional, and way, way, way cheaper than $65.

[rawhide1]

A person could just make thier own. A person could make one for each size awl blade they have and not have to worry about changing blades. Just my opinion. Mike

[mjhayesleather]

I purchased one of Bob Douglas' awls and blades a few years back and I love it. Bob's awls cost 3 - 4 times what others charge but they are worth every cent. All the handles are a little diffirent so if you can go to a show and try a few out you are more likely to get one that fits your hand perfectly. His awl is a copy of an old Osborne awl. A few times a year I see the Osbornes on *bay, so if price is a major concern and you can wait a while you may be able to save some cash. -Matt Hayes

[fasteddie]

This sounds like what I'm looking for. Does Douglas have a web site?

[Rawhide]

This sounds like what I'm looking for. Does Douglas have a web site?

He does not. His contact info is on the supplier's link on the main page.

Edited December 20, 2008 by Rawhide