Diamond Awl problems

[goody2shoes]

Hi guys and gals,

I'm having some awl problems, my trusty perfectly honed awl that was passed down to me snapped whilst making a cartridge bag, since then I have tried a few new blades but they all seem soooo sharp and no matter how much polishing each edge it doesn't feel right,and I can feel it just slicing through the leather.  I'm using a Blanchard at the mo, any suggestions? 

Thanks

[alpha2]

If the blade is polished enough, it will feel like it's "melting" or "flowing" through the leather. They can be sharp, but not polished enough. At least that's what I recently learned when I bought this one on the forum. I use this one as a baseline of sharp and smooth for the rest of my awls.

[goody2shoes]

That looks like a really lovely smooth one, the blades I have got recently are almost razor sharp and brittle. Please could you send me a link for this awl? I hope they ship to the uk  

[alpha2]

I got it from "Geargarcon" of the forum here. It's a Bob Douglas blade, and he's now out of business. The haft is a medium Barry King. It looks fatter than most, but the fit in the hand is amazing! 

I was hoping to get some Bob Douglas blades when I discovered that he closed his business. His awls were famous. Now I know why.

I know none of this helps you, sorry! Good luck in your search.

[Fowlingpiece]

Just talked with Lee Douglas last night and their awl are still available.  Look for Douglas Saddle Co. On Facebook

[zuludog]

I have a spare, new, 2 3/4" John James awl blade & haft which you can have for the price of a pint.  PM me if you're interested

Same offer goes for anyone else in Britain if goody2shoes doesn't want it

[pat h]

I have been using Barry King awls  they have been fantastic.  Have heard nothing but good things about god things about Douglas blades

[480volt]

Bob makes two sizes of awl, slim and regular. I've only used the slim, in the haft that he also makes. If you have small hands, you may need a shorter handle, such as the one made by Barry King. Bob's awl blades are works of art, sharp and mirror polished right out of the tube. 

[immiketoo]

Ive used Douglas awl blades.  I have three of them and they are great but really thick.  I recently switched to awls by Lederlouis and they're excellent for half the cost of a douglas awl and haft.  They are smaller and have small hafts that fit in the hand nicely.

[alpha2]

20 hours ago, Fowlingpiece said:

Just talked with Lee Douglas last night and their awl are still available.  Look for Douglas Saddle Co. On Facebook

that is great news! I don't do Facebook, though, is there another way to contact them?