Awl for All

[Grenadier]

Finally got around to teaching myself how to use this device. I have had one for 15 to 20 years and never used it.

Anyone here use one?

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I've used diamond stitch awls but am not sure what you mean. Do you have a photo of it?

[Grenadier]

[dwight55]

Aye, Matey, . . . shivver me timbers iff'n t'aint a box o' sail needles.

They're good for leather too.

May God bless,
Dwight

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks, Grenadier. Yes, I've used one of those. In my hands, it seems to be great for a quick repair but not for nice finish work. Of course, there are probably people who can do a beautiful job with one.

[Grenadier]

I have only stitched up a couple belts with this one to see if I like it. I still haven't made up my mind yet.  I am only 40 and starting to develop arthur in my hands, so I am looking for an alternative that does not cause as much pain.

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre]

I have only stitched up a couple belts with this one to see if I like it. I still haven't made up my mind yet.  I am only 40 and starting to develop arthur in my hands, so I am looking for an alternative that does not cause as much pain.

The easiest way to stitch I've found is to drill, not punch, your holes. I use a 3/32" bit in a dremel tool. A hand stitch needle just falls through the holes. I know it's not period correct, but it works and doesn't hurt.

[Grenadier]

Punching has never cause a lot of pain, its gripping the needles and pulling the thread taught. I found an even better way for punching holes in thick leather is to use a needle chucked up in my drill press and use the press to punch the needed holes. That way I am not loosing material by drilling. I just rub the needle with beeswax and punch 10 to 12 holes and reapply the beeswax. The holes have no trouble sealing up against the thread later. I have punched 3/4 inch thick layers of leather this way with no problem.

[Don Nix]

I stil believe that using a good really sharp awl and two needles is the easiest and fastest way to stitch this side of a machine. ANd I have and still do stitch some thick leather. Saddle skirting leather and welts up to an inch or more thick. The secret is to keep your tools sharp.

[dwight55]

I stil believe that using a good really sharp awl and two needles is the easiest and fastest way to stitch this side of a machine. ANd I have and still do stitch some thick leather. Saddle skirting leather and welts up to an inch or more thick. The secret is to keep your tools sharp.

Yessir, . . . I agree wholeheartedly.  Just finished up a scabbard for a gladius, . . . 5 layers of 7/8, . . . awl punched, . . . saddle stitched, . . . with 415 thread.

May God bless,
Dwight

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

I have one, but don't use it. not sure why, except I like my hand stitching...

tEN wOLVES 

[rickk]

I have one, I played with it briefly, and then put it away.

It doesn't make a double stitch to begin with.

I also recall breaking several needles in my brief experiment with it.

I rather quickly went back to a diamond awl and two needles.

It might work great on a canvas sail though, but it just didn't pan out for me on leather.

[St8LineLeatherSmith]

sewing awls are good for sewing up canvas but pretty much useless for sewing leather
the saddle stitch method with a diamond blade stitching awl and two harness needles is still the best way to hand stitch leather
I have one of these awl for all contraptions I will give away to anyone who would like to pay the postage to send it