Who makes the finest diamond awls

[jcuk]

2 hours ago, William Bloke said:

Not sure if you mean finest as in thinest, or finest as in best.

However, here's an old picture (On the left.) of the awl I use for the fiddly stuff, anything over a no.10 iron really. It is also my favourite kind of sewing awl (with bigger blades) up to about 6 to the inch.

It's a John James blade in a small Blanchard handle.  I real like the small size, narrow ferrule, flats and bare wood of the Blanchard handles. John James blades are just pretty much standard around here.

I'd use these handles for everything, by really big blades won't fit in them.

 

The posh, handmade, polished, fancy wood handles look beautiful, but don't appeal to me. Unvarnished wood is more comfortable and grippy when using it all day. Also, I was taught to push a sticky needle through with the awl handle, rather that reaching for pliers or wax. Saves a lot of time but you wouldn't want to do that with a $20 handle. (Check the needle marks on these awls.)

 

Yes that's how i was taught to push the needle through would not want to do that wit nice fancy handle, even if i had one with nice handle just force of habit would make me do it still do it because saves time.

Hope this helps

JCUK

[SaraSmith]

On 12/27/2019 at 12:19 PM, Wykoni said:

Looking for a quality steel diamond awl.  Have used some Japanese stuff that’s been pretty good but just wondering who is the market leader for quality 

thanks

Hello, I am leather tools maker. We have diamond awl with rosewood, ebony handle.you could visit my Etsy shop: KemovanCraft 

[cgillock]

On 12/27/2019 at 6:13 PM, 480volt said:

As far as I know, Bob is still making tools. His awl blades come sharp and mirror polished.He also makes hafts but I find the size a little large for my preference. 

I've used Douglas blades for a long time & none of the others compare. And yes they come ready to use sharp & polished properly.

[paloma]

Latest production of Jerome David:

 

Edited January 29, 2020 by paloma

[Tugadude]

5 hours ago, paloma said:

Latest production of Jerome David:

 

Impressive and attractive tools.

[Tugadude]

On 1/5/2020 at 1:36 PM, SaraSmith said:

Hello, I am leather tools maker. We have diamond awl with rosewood, ebony handle.you could visit my Etsy shop: KemovanCraft 

I went to the Etsy store and there are some awesome photos of tools, but no real listing of what you offer nor pricing.  Not that I could find.  I'd be interested in seeing a list of what you sell along with costs please.

[Ananasdans]

I also got mine made with boxwood from Jerome David, years ago! Specially made for small hands. Came smoothly polished, waxed and sharpened. It is still beautiful and very sharp years later.

[KevinLN]

Bob Douglas is indeed still making tools! Just got a pair of his “slim” awl blades. Paired with the Barry King “medium” handle with the flat on it results in the classically fantastic combo. Goes right through leather and straight into my finger with frightening ease!

[tsunkasapa]

My favorite is a no name blade that is probably older than I am. I'm sure it HAD a name but........

[chrisash]

Are you talking about the fancy wood, the wood design or the steel blade