$100 Titanium Leather Stitching Awl: Worth it? *TOOL REVIEW* Leathercraft Masterclass

Join me for an in depth review of the titanium awl offered by Rocky Mountain Leather Supply:
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[@jholden0]

Im so happy to see that you love this hobby and are giving it your "awl".

[@MrFedericoFellini]

Thanks Philip! I just ordered my Jerome David Awl from Rocky Mt. Leather. I am gathering the tool John James #2 needles, tiger 0.8 thread, a new stitching Pony, sort of like your Clams vise. Oh, yes, a packet of leather scraps fro Rocky Mountain to practice on. I am delighted to have run across you site. Also I’m grateful for the d tip on this lovely Awl and the link you provided for its purchase. Thanks Philip!

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Fantastic to hear! You're welcome, glad you're finding the content helpful 👍

[@m.l.gleatheritems2598]

I always love to watch and I am in QLD Australia, Michael

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Great to hear! Thanks for tuning in Michael.

[@davidrizzardi2277]

On the third time I used my $100 awl, the tip broke. Snapped right in half. Really made me quite angry. When I found out that the replacement blade was $50. Yes FIFTY DOLLARS, I almost threw it across the room and forgot about but already being into this thing for $100; I figured oh well and bought the new one. Now it’s a $150 awl. Never again.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

That's a shame. What were you doing when it snapped? On another note, if you are so inclined, I have a blog on how to make an awl blade using high speed steel rods. From memory this awl takes a 2.5mm rod (check this). You'd need to cut a notch for the grub screw (set screw) to index on however. Check it out: www.leathercraftmasterclass.com/post/how-to-make-your-own-blade-for-an-awl

[@Marcusstratus]

I do the majority of my leatherwork with a set of Japanese stitching irons, punching through many layers. I find that I often work around this, even punching two adjoining layers of leather before stitching them together and I have my methods of ensuring both sides have the correct amount of holes, etc. After having seen a couple of your videos however, I realize that my awl is pretty rubbish. While the blade may be good, the handle is un-ergonomic and is awkward to hold in the hand while handsewing... Thanks for giving me encouragement to reconsider the value of an awl.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

You are very welcome! I sometimes punch through when needed but I do like using the awl and maintaining proficiency.

[@michael3573]

Earlier today I scoffed at this awl as a pricey gimmick. I’m glad to have watched your review in its entirety. You certainly changed my opinion.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Glad I could help Michael! Thanks for watching 👍

[@mikedeloach6849]

Phil, one possible reason to use Titanium is that neither it, nor wood, act as a heat sink. They are both poor conductors of heat, which is important because cold tools can cause fatigue or cramping. Hold a finger on the Ti for a moment and it no longer feels cold...which means that in cooler climates, the tool isn't drawing heat from one's hand. This leads to the tool being comfortably close to one's hand temperature in a very short amount of time....which means more enjoyable stitching.

[@nickwinters3657]

Nice tool " but I like the Vintage sheffield made in England 🇬🇧 leather tools to be great and sharp sturdy and strong and very good to work with at a reasonable price

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Thanks for sharing!

[@carollane8694]

You can refine a normal diamond awl by sanding it down on all sides to reduce the size of the hole it makes

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Technically yes, but it would be far easier to buy a smaller blade and swap it out.

[@kimballscarr]

Thank you...

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

You're welcome!

[@MaxKOdu]

Fantastic production mate. "So welcome to my lap" I love it. Quick question!: Would you polish such a blade the same as any other? The edge in the middle that opens into the flat tip looks like it could lose it's shape if you aren't careful.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Thank you! You could maintain the flat edge by periodically redefining it on a stone/diamond plate if you really wanted to. To be honest if it becomes rounded over time it won't really matter, same benefit really.

[@zefdin101]

The awl is all important!

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Awlways! ;D

[@graemeyardley1043]

Hello. Great video review. Where is the best place to buy Jerome’s awl? I’ve been looking for a awl to progress to for sometime and this looks great. Does he supply the blades also?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Cheers. I got mine from RM Leather Supply in the States. Mando in Paris also sells them.

[@franklyfresh]

Hi - thanks so much for this video. Can you change the angle of the awl blade on thesse?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

You're welcome. Yes, loosen the rear locking nut, then rotate the ferrule (which contains the blade) to the desired angle. Re-tighten the rear locking nut when done. Hope this helps.

[@franklyfresh]

@@LeathercraftMasterclass ​ amazing! I just sent an email to Jerome to try and place an order for the 2.0mm and 2.5mm awls. Do you think these are the right sizes for 3.85mm and 2.7mm blanchard pricking irons? Or should I go down to a 1.5mm awl? (btw i've been binging so many of your videos, these are incredibly helpful, thank you!)

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

@@franklyfresh I think you'll be alright with those sizes. Remember the blade is slightly tapered, so for smaller irons you can limit the blade depth to prevent the awl from opening the holes wider. Glad you like the videos Frank!

[@legalsolutions07]

Good video. What would you use to hold a leather bag (15"x15"x6") if you needed to restitch some of the seams? Would a stitching pony hold it?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Fill it with something to firm it up, then hold it between your knees. You can also use a clam, french style is best.

[@philippstauffenberg]

Hi Philip, I really like the weekender bag in the background and I wanted to ask if you would sell the pattern for it. I would love to make it as a gift for my fiancée!

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

The bag was a prototype for a design that I sold to a London brand, so they own the design now I'm afraid.

[@richardichard4237]

Hi there, great video, thankyou. What pricking iron did you use for this video please, they seem to make a nice fine line.....Thanks.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Cheers. I prefer Wuta irons in general

[@alainlefrancois1941]

Hello, I am passionate about leather work for more than 30 years. I discovered this awl just 6 months ago and it was a revelation for me. What a difference with the tools I've used so far!The quality of the production is really perfect, the ideal handling and the ease of penetration in leather unknown until now even with a sharp and polished awl.On a forum in France this tool is called: "Rolls Royce des alênes" and I completely subscribe to this nickname.The only two defects are the price (but the object is well worth it, it's an investment) and it can not stand falling (I broke the blade two weeks ago!)To answer the question I do not find any disadvantages to sew with points marked with the claw to hit or with a claw on wheel.To finish on this awl, one says in France: "to try it is to adopt it".Alain.

[@bazlur-Vancouver]

I saw them in rm leather but felt expensive and I'm not professional, although I spent a lot money for leather craft, still not enough I think. just several days ago you are shown the Japanese handmade owl with brass chuck, which is also nice looking. you have both of them, how the Japanese one compare to this one?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

To be fair the 6T awl is a similar price. The construction is slightly different and changing the angle or the blade completely is much faster with the 6T. The titanium awl is tougher and slightly larger, so I would only use the 6T on small to mid sized projects. I have just started using the 6T awl, so once I have more practical experience with it I will be making an in depth video review. Cheers

[@johndally7994]

Thanks for another great video. The French clam is uncomfortable on my leg. What am I doing wrong?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Hello John, If you have particularly lean thighs, you may not find this method particularly comfortable. I would suggest applying some medium density adhesive backed neoprene foam onto the clams where it contacts your leg, or laying down a folded hand towel to add some padding during stitching.

[@johndally7994]

@@LeathercraftMasterclass Thank you for the very quick and helpful response. I have footballer's thighs, so that's not the problem. I think it is the angle I'm using. I have the long Blanchard clam so perhaps I need to shorten the length of it. Many thanks again. I signed up on your web site and look forward to taking your classes. Cheers

[@drewsaccucci7907]

Hi there, just getting into leather craft and I have a question. I am investing into Japanese style pricking irons, and only want to buy one set. I make mostly accessories for fashion and smaller goods but will make some medium sized stuff as well. I have been going over many videos, and have been thinking 3.5mm spacing seems the most attractive to me. 4mm seems too big for smaller goods to me, and 3mm seems like it would be too fine / weaken medium sized projects with how close the holes are. What do you think? I see 3.38 and 3.85 commonly, but for some reason, I'm feeling like 3.5mm might be just right for a (one size only) purchase. Any insights would be appreciated! Great channel!

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Personally I'd buy some cheap eBay stitching chisels in 2 or 3 sizes and see what you prefer. You may end up not needing to upgrade. Eventually you'll likely end up lusting over more expensive European pricking irons after seeing the light. By then you'll know which size you regularly reach for and make a wise investment. We all follow the same journey it seems :D

[@andrewa140]

I know this video is 4 years old but I'm hoping you can let me know how far you would push the awl through the backside of the leather. Like should I push the awl only to open the smallest hole possible in the backside of the leather? Thank you for the great video!

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

If you are using thick thread, you may want to push the awl further through the leather to open up the hole. However if you are using a small stitch spacing and delicate thread, then yes, you only need to break through just enough to allow your needles to pass through.

[@andrewa140]

@@LeathercraftMasterclass Thank you very much!

[@gerardb285]

Thank you for the tool review! What is the length of the awl blade?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Glad you enjoyed it. I believe it is 25mm

[@patriciajackson3883]

So the Awl is just to make holes in leather because I got it in a Bias tape maker kit

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

The awl you got in your kit is a round awl, it is not designed to go through leather as the tip lacks any sharp blade to cut the fibres.

[@4apples]

He uses it "awl" the time... okay its late.... Great video !!

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Haha, trust you Daniel! :D

[@jametheresareale2897]

Great video. I like the tool but was wondering if it would work with an overstitch wheel instead of a pricking iron? Have you tried it this way?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Good question. No I don't own an overstitch wheel as this is used for a different kind of leatherwork, mostly American/western. The blade of this awl is squared off at the end like a chisel, so it is designed to fit into the slit created by a pricking iron or pricking wheel. That's not to say an over stitch wheel wouldn't work, it's just not the ideal partner to this particular awl.

[@jametheresareale2897]

@@LeathercraftMasterclass Thank you.

[@jameswinterbottom245]

How would you sharpen this awl? it has a unique shape to it? Any tips?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Do you own one?

[@bamegokreatif1980]

Good luck ya from Indonesian Bamego kreatif Chanel 🙏 sucses

[@fhng]

is this a good size for smaller leather goods? wallets and watch straps?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Oh absolutely!

[@seemoore]

Thanks for this review but can I purchase one of these awls in the UK do you know? I dont really want to pay £40 postage from USA.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Not in the UK as far as I know.

[@dryadbob]

I looked at the titanium awl you spoke about in the video and found that the blades are offered in three widths. Which do you use, and how does one determine the proper width to use? It’s also worthwhile to mention that the blade widths are specific to the awl… you can’t use different width blades in the same haft.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

When I got this awl 4 years ago there was only one size. You'll need to contact the seller and ask about that. Mine is tapered, so it depends on where you measure it.

[@johnbravo7542]

Spring steel

[@user-gp4jd1ph2x]

What needel brand are you using here?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Probably John James, but it could have been Wuta back then

[@doctorwoodbr]

Just don't leave it near acid hydrofluoric and not hydrochloric.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Too late... it's dissolved.

[@orion7741]

"$100 stitching awl, is it worth it?" I can tell right now, 100% NO. of course it is not worth it. it does not take a rocket scientist to tell you that. There is literally NO scenario that you would ever need a $100 stitching awl. that is just a huge waste of money. I can stitch just as good with a old sharpened nail stuck into a piece of wood.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Some very strong views there! I think it depends on what you like. If you appreciate craftsmanship, hand made items and a tool designed by one of the best in the industry, then it's a nice little luxury. Whether you feel it's worth it or not, you're 100% right. Simply comes down to personal taste.