Anyone Using A Barry King Awl Handle With Bob Douglas Blade?

[mrtreat32]

I ordered the Barry King awl handle and a bob douglas awl blade. The Barry King awl handle comes with 2 awl nuts with 4 size holes total (2 on each side).

The one that my blade fits into properly the blade only goes in about 1/2 inch or less leaving a lot of blade exposed. I believe the bob douglas blades are 2.5". Im thinking it would be easier to control the angle of the holes Im stabbing if the blade was shorter. Any suggestions? Is my best bet to just cut a small amount of the blade off so its shorter? I noticed the blade isnt pointed on the handle end but still tapers and has 4 sides..if I was to cut it I can just cut it straight across correct?

brand new to leatherworking so still learning thanks

[King's X]

I have a fellow leather worker friend who has this exact set up.

[DavidL]

The awl blade only tapers at the tip, the rest of the blade is the same diameter. So you only need to stab the first 3/4th to one inch to get the proper sized hole. As you sharpen the awl over time the blade will be an inch long.

[BearMan]

Hi David, The Douglas blades fit my "Stinger" awl handles perfectly. Also my handles fit very nicely in the palm of your hand. If you happen to be going to the Sheridan show stop by & try them out.

[DavidL]

I would love to try one of your blades out but i won't be attending the show unfortunately. Id like to see if it is on par with bob douglas blades. That would be better for me since sheridanleather is charging 30 dollars to ship to Canada even though it cost only 3 dollars to ship anything under 3 oz.

[mrtreat32]

The awl blade only tapers at the tip, the rest of the blade is the same diameter. So you only need to stab the first 3/4th to one inch to get the proper sized hole. As you sharpen the awl over time the blade will be an inch long.

Yeah I am only stabbing it about a inch through but with the blade sticking out so far Im afraid I could snap it. The longer it is the more bend it allows.

If it was set further into the awl handle I feel that it will be a bit more sturdy when I have to apply a decent amount of pressure. Is it common to cut blades off to make it a bit shorter?

You mentioned that it will eventually be a inch long but in the meantime doesn't feel super sturdy.

thanks

[DavidL]

Its hard to snap a solid piece of metal or bend it. I may have slightly bent a blade while rigorously sharpening it on a stone, so i know what you're concerned about. If your careful it shouldn't be a problem. If you can make it fit to the handle after you cut it then I don't see why not.

How many mm wide is your blade? and which type is it(slim or regular)? Im experimenting with different size blades and I have an awl thats 56mm and its too large for 7spi. Also can anyone shed light on why bob douglas awl blades cost 30 dollars to ship to canada for such a small item.

Yeah I am only stabbing it about a inch through but with the blade sticking out so far Im afraid I could snap it. The longer it is the more bend it allows.

If it was set further into the awl handle I feel that it will be a bit more sturdy when I have to apply a decent amount of pressure. Is it common to cut blades off to make it a bit shorter?

You mentioned that it will eventually be a inch long but in the meantime doesn't feel super sturdy.

thanks

[mrtreat32]

Its hard to snap a solid piece of metal or bend it. I may have slightly bent a blade while rigorously sharpening it on a stone, so i know what you're concerned about. If your careful it shouldn't be a problem. If you can make it fit to the handle after you cut it then I don't see why not.

How many mm wide is your blade? and which type is it(slim or regular)? Im experimenting with different size blades and I have an awl thats 56mm and its too large for 7spi. Also can anyone shed light on why bob douglas awl blades cost 30 dollars to ship to canada for such a small item.

Sewing last night through 2 pieces of 4oz leather and I had to apply a decent amount of pressure and it felt like a few times I might bend it.

Im not sure how many mm wide it is. I just looked at the website but don't see the info. I have the slim which they recommend for doing more than 6spi.

Its my only awl blade but I guess its longer than most others from what Ive read. Listed as 2.5" long. So with it only going about 3/4 inch into my handle I have about 2and 1/4 sticking out which makes it feel more delicate.

[LTC]

every time i see ridiculously high shipping charges like that, i automatically chalk it up to "well i guess they just want to pocket an extra $28 on the sale" because i happen to know it only costs a couple of bucks to send something that small/light to Canada.

.......but that's just me.

[mrtreat32]

You don't have any contacts in the US that can order one for you and send it your way?