Awl help

[jrmysell]

Hey everybody. I've been a member here for a little bit, but haven't posted much (once in the new members section). I am currently in St. Kitts (from Texas) for vet school. I make knives as a hobby and make sheaths for them. So far they have been very poor quality, but I'm improving on each one so I'm happy with them. I have been using a punch to make the stitching holes with this: https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/stitching-hole-spring-leather-punch

I want to improve on my stitching and want to get an awl. From all the searches I've done, they say a Douglas is the best, but I'm not sure where to get one. If anybody could help or recommend a different one, I would greatly appreciate it. I have most basic tools and plan on upgrading gradually, but want to upgrade on that punch first. 

Also, sorry if this is in the wrong place, mods could you please move it where it belongs. 

Thanks, 

Jeremy

Edited June 22, 2016 by jrmysell
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[zuludog]

For sewing leather you need an awl with a diamond shaped cross - section, often called a saddler's awl or a harness awl; and to learn how to sharpen it and keep it sharp

But before you part with any money search YouTube for things like saddle stitch, using an awl, and most other things you want to know about leatherwork, there is loads of information on it. You have found Ian Atkinson but also look at Nigel Armitage. He has produced a video on making a hand made leather wallet, which is in fact a good introduction to leatherwork.

Also look through past threads on this forum

Don't be tempted to buy Tandy's 4-in-1 awl; it's not very good and is expensive, you're better with a fixed blade one. However I've tried Tandy's Craftool Pro Stitching Awl and it seems pretty good

No doubt others will come along with their suggestions, that's all part of the fun!

You'll probably like this website & forum if you don't already know it. http://www.britishblades.com Although it says 'British' there are members of the forum from all over the world. It also has a section on sheaths & leatherwork

[jrmysell]

Thanks for the reply. I have read that the Tandy one is bad. I have starter level equipment and am trying to upgrade now so I definitely don't want to make a lateral move (better tool for the job, but a bad tool). I have no problem sharpening, as I sharpen the knives I make, so I'm good there. also, I think the site is down that you linked to. It comes up as a database error. I tried to search for it and get into it that way and got the same error. They may just be updating it now. I'll try later. 

[jrmysell]

Anybody have a recommendation on which awl (brand) to get and where?

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

I have bought many awl blades through the years, starting with Tandy's back in the mid '80's. Before that I had the "Awl for all" or whatever it's called. I was disappointed in every one up until the point I had the chance to buy an OLD awl blade. The difference was unbelievable. It cut through the thick layers of leather on a cantle binding easily and had no drag. I broke that old awl blade in the middle of the night one time, right in the middle of sewing a cantle binding. That's the worst possible scenario. I dug around and found an old blade that was much larger than the one I'd been using, ground it down to be at least similar in size, and finished the binding. Afterwards, I bought some Douglas blades, and while some of the other Douglas tools are great, I didn't think the awl blades were worth a damn. And at $25 a pop, it was very disappointing. I don't like the shape and no matter how much polishing I'd do, the blades still dragged.  The old blade that I'd ground down, while still larger than I liked,  worked far better.  My best advice to you is to haunt flea markets and auctions and try to find some old ones. I got lucky last weekend (ha ha, no crude comments, guys) and bought a cupful of old blades for a couple bucks. They are all different sizes and lengths and most haven't ever been used. I shouldn't ever have to look for awl blades again for the rest of my life. Sometimes on Ebay there will be a grouping of old tools, most of which are of little value, but there might be one good awl in the group. From what I've seen, they don't bring much. so I'd start there and watch the auctions and flea markets.  I've found that the flea markets that set up at an outdoor show are your best bet, as opposed to a storefront type.  Best of luck to you!

[bikermutt07]

I have the craftool pro diamond awl. I haven't used any others but this one seems pretty great. I haven't even sharpened it much. It feels very comfy in my hand and doesn't seem to drag much. Also, you may want to.check out amazon and get a set of co link diamond chisels. At 15 bucks a set you can't go wrong.

This is the set up I have been using. I like it just fine.

Keep having fun.

[Boriqua]

I have 2 Tandy awl blades I got about 25 years ago and they are awesome. Nice sharply defined diamond shape and after sharpening they glide through leather. I love em ... Recently I have started using flat thread and the holes created with the tandy's were a little large for that and I bought some siewa awls among others to try and I have been very happy with the siewa awls. I don’t like the feel of their handles but I use a separate handle, a leather burnishers stinger. A little sand paper and maybe some tung oil on the handles would have also been fine too. I have a Verquez Blanchard and tried some craftsha but have settled on the Seiwa 1 and 2 and my Tandy's. I use them every day.

The siewa awl blades are straight side and not tapered which I think makes it a bit easier to make a controlled consistent stitch with. I like them so much I am ordering two more to have as backup.

 

http://goodsjapan.com/seiwa-leathercraft-stitching-awl-for-sewing-leather-diamond-point-size-2-849-p.asp

Edited June 24, 2016 by Boriqua