fistfullofnails Report post Posted January 26, 2019 I've been doing this for about 3 weeks, starting with the Simpzia scratch awl that came with their cheap 24 dollar kit. I was to ignorant to realize it really wasn't for punching holes, but that's what I used it for and bent it. I then got the Tandy 4 in 1 awl and a Wuta diamond awl. The needle on the Wuta awl was broken when it got here so they sent me another one free of charge. Unfortunately, I dropped the second Wuta after about 2 hours of use and snapped it's tip off. So then I went to the Tandy diamond awl and noticed how much harder it is to punch holes with as compared to the Wuta. I've tried sharpening and stropping both, but I couldn't seem to improve them much. The question I'm getting at, is the Tandy that bad of an awl, or are my mechanics or sharpening skills that bad? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted January 27, 2019 I have always like the craftool pro awl. It took a bit to get it sharp, but after that it was good to go. Recently, in the last few projects I have used my newer Wuta awls. I overloaded the large one and pulled it from the handle. But, that was my fault. The leather was too stiff and thick. And, I didn't spend enough time sharpening that awl before use. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted January 27, 2019 Tandy 4 in 1 is garbage. - Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted January 27, 2019 The Tandy 4-in-1 awl isn't very good, but you can't do much wrong with a round awl, so just keep it for that Instead look for a fixed blade awl. Tandy's stitching awl #31218-01 looks reasonable enough, though I haven't used it myself - perhaps someone else can comment Traditionally you bought the blade & haft separately, then mounted & sharpened them yourself. This is a right tedious job; so see if you can find an awl that's ready made up. Shop around for something like an Osborne, which is a reasonable price Even though an awl is ready mounted you will still probably have to do some final sharpening & stropping yourself I do most of my sewing with a stitching chisel, and only use a diamond awl for opening up holes sometimes, or if the thickness is too much for the prongs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
