Barry King Awl Blades

[rlkey]

I recently received a new Barry King awl blade and I'm not having much luck with using it. It looks like the awl blade was received already sharpened and polished, as he states on his website, but I cant get the blade to pierce through fairly thin leather (5-6oz) without difficulties. I tried sharpening the blade, per Nigel's tutorial video, but it doesnt seem to help. The awl blade appears to be extremely hardened steel and my sharpening stone hasn't changed it much at all.

I've gone back to using my previous Osborne awl, which goes through thicker leather with no problems, but I am hoping another member might have some advice. I hate not being able to use this new awl handle and blade. Any suggestions or comments?

[DavidL]

you may need a different sharpening stone. Silicon carbide stone, oil stone or small fine pocket size diamond stone (wont deform or dish) . http://www.dmtsharp.com/sharpeners/pocket-models/dia-sharp/

There could be a burr on the tip, an issue with the tip or the awl might not be tapered among other things.

[Tramps Leatherworking]

You might want to contact Barry King Tools directly, all the tools I have bought from them have been excellent quality...

[King's X]

Ditto on contacting Barry......without out a doubt. He will take care of it quick and fast!

[leathertoolz]

please go check out my sharpening awl videos

this might help you.

Part 1:

Part 2 :

my youtube channel : youtube.com/user/leathertoolz

Edited January 27, 2015 by leathertoolz