Awl makers

[Retswerb]

22 hours ago, Matt S said:

We truly are two nations divided by a common language! 

I'm sure you guys use the same stuff -- it's a silicone rubber tape that comes in rolls with a peel off layer between layers. Not sticky, just grabby, but magically it sticks and fuses to itself when you wrap something. Used in repairs a lot. You could get a similar effect with a bit of bicycle inner tube or if you make a few turns with some rubber bands but I'm sure you get the idea -- clamp the needle against the grippy stuff with your thumb and give it a tug.

Yep, that’s the stuff. Also heard it called centerline tape as it usually has a guide stripe down the middle. It’s like magic for some repairs, I’ll bet it works great as you say for a little extra grip!

[BridleButt]

I remember reading about a guy who made his awl blades out of umbrella spokes and sandpaper. 

 

[FrenchMich]

More one with Paloma. Now, I only use Jérôme David awls.

He's a good friend of mine and he just live beside. If somebody is interested, I can send his Awl with verygood prices.

 

It's not necessary to add sharpening or polishing or any finishing. It's ready for utilisation. It just need to scrub some time on sharpening strop with lapping paste.

Mich'

 

Edited August 28, 2020 by FrenchMich

[paloma]

hi Mich'

it's a new line? new manufacture? I didn't know this striped version...

[HondoMan]

Like @mike02130 I prefer the blanchard.  They are consistent and affordable and the blades are hand forged and easily polished.  More importantly for me is the handle....tiny.  I don't want to pressure push the awl with me palm, but simply holding it with me fingers. 

[FrenchMich]

Yes Paloma, It's the new design. 

HondoMan, I don't have any action on the Jerome sales, I don't proselytize and everyone makes their own choices.
However, if a steel is easy to polish, it's because it's soft.
Moreover, Blanchard is the old Brand, today it's Vergez Blanchard and steels are not the same. That they are hand forged has become a legend.

Here in France, we are looking for old Blanchard tools which are not the same quality.
I just found some old real Blanchards tools I have restored.

To finish, if a day you have occasion to try a Jerome's awl, you will anderstand, the leather becomes butter.

Mich'

Edited August 28, 2020 by FrenchMich

[paloma]

16 minutes ago, FrenchMich said:

Yes Paloma, It's the new design. 

HondoMan, I don't have any action on the Jerome sales, I don't proselytize and everyone makes their own choices.
However, if a steel is easy to polish, it's because it's soft.
Moreover, Blanchard is the old Brand, today it's Vergez Blanchard and steels are not the same. That they are hand forged has become a legend.

Here in France, we are looking for old Blanchard tools which are not the same quality.
I just found some old real Blanchards tools I have restored.

To finish, if a day you have occasion to try a Jerome's awl, you will anderstand, the leather becomes butter.

Mich'

it is also for this reason that we can hardly find or have astronomical prices of the old tools blanchard, the new production is poor in quality and I know what I'm talking about I have old and new tools from home.

[Spyros]

Prices don't seem to reflect poor quality though.

[chuck123wapati]

5 hours ago, FrenchMich said:

More one with Paloma. Now, I only use Jérôme David awls.

He's a good friend of mine and he just live beside. If somebody is interested, I can send his Awl with verygood prices.

 

It's not necessary to add sharpening or polishing or any finishing. It's ready for utilisation. It just need to scrub some time on sharpening strop with lapping paste.

Mich'

 

beautiful awls

[FrenchMich]

Beautiful, but above all good, It work perfectly and there several wood species (ebony, royal ebony, olive tree, macassar ebony, snakewood, boxwood, amourette, yew wood and a lot of others)