Help With Stitching Awl

[dcoll]

Ok, first let me say that this is my first post. I'm sure there are topics on this already, but seems that some of them get a little off topic. I am fairly new to leatherworking but am working every day at something and loving it. I bought a diamond stitching awl from tandy and have had to glue the blade in three times. I have polished and stropped the blade so it is sharp, just thinking that it is not the best quality. Tandy does have the awl that has the tightner at the end, but is there a better route. I hate buying tools two or three times before I get the right one.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

[electrathon]

The Tandy awls are not the best quality. Probably not an exaggeration to say that it is likely the lowest quality awl on the market. Look at the tools at goods japan.

[dcoll]

Ok, thank you. I don't mind spending a little more on a tool if it will last.

Thanks again

[dcoll]

Also, what size awl blade? Have been looking at different places, but don't know what size is best for hand stitching.

[Basically Bob]

I started off with an Osborne awl but have settled in with a vintage awl. Just feels good in my hands.

Overall length is about 5.5".

I really like the narrow brass tip which is just 3/16" wide (because it allows me to get very close to the stitching line).

The exposed blade length is approximately 1 1/2" long but I have 3 leather washers attached to the blade and this reduces the working portion to about 1 1/8". The leather washers help me control the depth of my strike.

The blade is 2.5mm wide.

I use Dixon pricking irons; 7 s.p.i. the chisels of the pricking irons are 3mm wide. I use 5/18 line thread.

Works for me.

Edited December 10, 2013 by Basically Bob

[DavidL]

I recommend the awls on goods japan as well they are made extremely sharp off the bat and last that way for a long time. But if you intend to do professional work I use a vergez blanchard awl and sharpened till it was sharp ( google fineleatherworking).

[Tex Shooter]

I like a awl with flats on the sides of the handle. It helps me keep the right angle. -- Tex

[dcoll]

Thanks for all the help. I have been looking at osbourne awls and ones from goods japan.

[Rawhide]

if you want to keep using the one you have, don't use glue to set the blade, use epoxy. and be sure to rough up the end good that's going into the wood. I would even try making some serrations on that end.

marlon.

[dcoll]

I have used gorilla glue. seems to be holding this time. I do like this awl, it's comfortable and I have spent alot of time sharpening and polishing it. Thanks for all the replies. Will upload some pictures on what I have been using it on.

[radar67]

I use the Tandy Deluxe Awl Haft with the diamond and the straigt round blade. This is the adjustable haft they sell. I have been using it for over three years and do not have any complaints about it. I really like that it will not roll around if I set it down on the bench.

[Tree Reaper]

The Tandy awls are not the best quality. Probably not an exaggeration to say that it is likely the lowest quality awl on the market. Look at the tools at goods japan.

Their prices look a little wacky.

[electrathon]

Their prices look a little wacky.

I think that is because of the free shipping. I agree, if someone in he USA has the same item, go ahead and buy from them. They have a number of items I do not see in the USA.