Quality Stitching Awl

[LeatherWerks]

Recently, I had a project where I had to hand stitch because I just couldn't do it with a sewing machine. I don't like hand stitching, not because it doesn't look good, it just takes too much time. Anyway, not owning a stitching awl, I bought one from Tandy Leather. It lasted about two hours and the awl pulled out of the wood handle. You get what you pay for I guess.

Anyway, now I need another one, and this time I'm willing to buy a quality tool, not because I plan on doing a lot of hand stitching, but because if I do, I want my awl to last through the entire job.

Looking around at my current tools, many came from Douglas Tools, that is after the original ones I bought from Tandy Leather broke. I could spend 75.00 for an awl handle and 27.00 for an awl from Douglas, but was hoping there was a less expensive route out there. I know the Douglas set-up would be the last time I ever had to buy an awl, but it just seem a bit expensive for a tool I rarely use.

Anyone know of a quality stitching awl on the market?

Thanks,

Steve

[TXAG]

Here's the one I have...

http://www.barrykingtools.com/handtools.htm

It is VERY nice and well-made. Mine came with several awl blades too...diamond, straight point...and I think a different diamond size. Well worth what he's charging for them.

Edited January 22, 2014 by TXAG

[dbusarow]

Get the Douglas awl blade. They fit in the Osborne handles with a collet.

Dan

[r lenna]

You can get the best. That would be the douglas http://www.sheridanleather.com/Awl_Blades_p/dt-awl-blades.htm. That's about $30 just for the blade. I would get the handle at Springfield leatherhttp://springfieldleather.com/24633/Awl%2CHaft%2CStitching%2C%23145/. At Sheridan the handle will run $75. I think that is a little much for a handle. I have a Osbourne awl http://springfieldleather.com/24641/Blade%2CStabbing-Awl-Eye%2C3-3-4%22/ that might need a little sharpening, but It's only $8 and it will get the job done.

[TXAG]

You all got some kind of problem with the Barry King awl or something? What makes the Osborne awl handle so much better than the BK one???

[dbusarow]

$10 vs $30

Dan

[TXAG]

You get what you pay for. You want junk, go with the cheapie one then.

[dbusarow]

I wouldn't call the Osborne junk. It's perfectly functional. And with a Douglas blade the combination is a dream.

The Douglas handle is a piece of art. If I had one I'd probably leave it on my desk, just to admire.

BTW, every time I use the awl, I do stop for a moment to admire the blade. It's sweet.

Dan

[TXAG]

Well, I would say the BK awl handle is a whole hell of a lot nicer than that Osborne one, but whatever...I really don't care what you use. I know mine works great and is very well made.

[Birdman]

I bought one from Tandy Leather. It lasted about two hours and the awl pulled out of the wood handle. You get what you pay for I guess.

Anyone know of a quality stitching awl on the market?

If you still have the 'broken' awl, and is the wooden type with a brass collar to stop the wood splitting, just reseat the blade. This is done by using two copper/brass coins either side of the blade ( stops damage to blade) and placing the lot in a small vice so that the part of the blade that enters the wood is exposed. Then place the handle on top of the blade and tap with a mallet. A touch of epoxy will often cure a persistent offender. If used, allow to set overnight!

Abbey Saddlery and Crafts sell very good handmade blades in varioius sizes for insertion into handle of your choice. (I think they have a US agent?)

I have a blade that is now well over 20yrs old and is about 1/2" shorter than new and the 'diamond' shape is now oval. With this in mind, be aware that an awl blade 'works in' with regular use and will 'blend' to its user. So the more you use it the better it gets until you drop it on the floor! Hint.