Members PsychoSmart Posted January 4, 2014 Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 I wanted to work on some hand stitching today, went to the Tandy's, bought what I thought was the right tool for poking holes, an awl of sorts, item 3209-00, it isn't the right one. This is my second awl and neither of them are sharp enough to get through the leather and make the clean cuts like in everyone else's work... Help please... Quote
Chief31794 Posted January 4, 2014 Report Posted January 4, 2014 Most awls need to be sharpened before using them, particularly Tandy Awls, they are notoriously dull and not very well made. Chief Quote "Life's too short to carry ugly leather"
Members Cyberthrasher Posted January 4, 2014 Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 It's not a high quality one, but you can sharpen it up to get the job done. Here's a video from Nigel Armitage on how to sharpen your awl blade. Quote hellhoundkustoms.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/hellhoundkustoms www.etsy.com/shop/HellhoundKustoms
Members camano ridge Posted January 4, 2014 Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 The set you got is the one with the lacing fid, scratch awl and two awl blades. The two awl blades are bigger then what I would use. If you are going to stay with Tandy then I would go with Awl Halft 3318-01 and diamond awl blade 3319-05. Like mentioned above you will need to sharpen it. Once sharpened it will work reasonably well. Quote https://www.facebook.com/CamanoRidgeCustomLeather?fref=ts
Members r lenna Posted January 4, 2014 Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 I would check out this place first http://springfieldleather.com/store/search.asp they have better tools and prices than Tandy. I have a couple of the Osbourne awlsthey are very nice. If you want to get theCadilliac of awls this would be the place http://www.sheridanleather.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=awls&Submit=Search but thats $27 for just the blade. Rob Quote
Members thekid77 Posted January 4, 2014 Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 +1 to Nigel's video Quote
Members PsychoSmart Posted January 4, 2014 Author Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 After 4 run throughs of the video and about an hour trying, all I made was a pointy piece of metal, draws blood; does not pierce leather... Quote
Members Troy Burch Posted January 4, 2014 Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 After 4 run throughs of the video and about an hour trying, all I made was a pointy piece of metal, draws blood; does not pierce leather... lol, yes sir. I'm whet stone incapable as well. Quote
Members PsychoSmart Posted January 4, 2014 Author Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 lol, yes sir. I'm whet stone incapable as well. Lol then how do you poke holes for stitching!? Quote
Members groovytech Posted January 4, 2014 Members Report Posted January 4, 2014 After 4 run throughs of the video and about an hour trying, all I made was a pointy piece of metal, draws blood; does not pierce leather... Go get a Tetnus shot, call Springfield and get a real awl. You will still need to sharpen it, but the quality of the steel is better and holds the point and edges longer. ask any knifemaker. Quote Be Nice. Do Good. Have Fun.
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