Best Awl For Leatherwork This Year – Hand Tools Reviews
Our winners of the Best Awl For Leatherwork this year are:
BEST OVERALL
C.S. Osborne Scratch Awl

- Sharp steel blade
- Ergonomic wooden handle
- Durable construction
- Precision marking
- Easy to use
Introduction
Leatherworking is a craft that requires precision and the right tools. One essential tool for any leatherworker is an awl. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artisan, having the best awl for leatherwork can make a significant difference in your projects. In this guide, we’ll explore the top awls for leatherwork available on Amazon and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Choosing the right awl can be overwhelming given the variety of options. That’s why we’ve researched and reviewed ten of the best awls for leatherwork to help you find the perfect one for your needs. From comfort and durability to ease of use, we’ve covered all the essential factors. Let’s dive in and discover the best awl for your leatherworking projects!

Reviews & Comparisons
1. C.S. Osborne Scratch Awl
The C.S. Osborne Scratch Awl is a high-quality tool designed for precision leatherwork. With a sharp, durable blade and comfortable wooden handle, it is perfect for marking and piercing leather.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We love the C.S. Osborne Scratch Awl for its sturdy construction and ergonomic design. It provides excellent control and accuracy, making it an essential tool for detailed leather projects.
Features
- Sharp steel blade
- Ergonomic wooden handle
- Durable construction
- Precision marking
- Easy to use
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Comfortable grip
- Precise punctures
- Suitable for various tasks
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Higher price point
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Requires maintenance
- Limited blade length
- Handle may be too large for some users
Our Verdict
The C.S. Osborne Scratch Awl is an excellent choice for leatherworkers seeking precision and durability. While it may be on the pricier side, its quality and performance justify the investment.
2. Tandy Leather Craftool Pro Awl
The Tandy Leather Craftool Pro Awl is a versatile tool designed for various leatherworking tasks. Its interchangeable blades and comfortable handle make it a favorite among leather artisans.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Tandy Leather Craftool Pro Awl for its versatility and ease of use. The interchangeable blades provide flexibility for different projects, and the comfortable handle ensures prolonged use without fatigue.
Features
- Interchangeable blades
- Comfortable handle
- Durable construction
- Versatile use
- Easy blade changes
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
- Easy to use
- High-quality blades
Cons
- Interchangeable blades can be cumbersome
- Higher price
- Blades may need frequent sharpening
- Handle may not fit all hand sizes
- Limited blade options
Our Verdict
The Tandy Leather Craftool Pro Awl is a great investment for leatherworkers who need a versatile and durable tool. Its interchangeable blades and comfortable handle make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.
3. Fiskars Leather Punch
The Fiskars Leather Punch is a reliable tool for creating clean and precise holes in leather. Its durable construction and ergonomic design make it suitable for both beginners and experienced leatherworkers.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Fiskars Leather Punch for its ease of use and precision. The ergonomic handle and sharp blade ensure accurate holes, making it a valuable tool for various leather projects.
Features
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable construction
- Precision holes
- Easy to use
Pros
- Accurate holes
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Suitable for various projects
Cons
- Blade may need frequent sharpening
- Handle may be too large for some users
- Limited blade options
- Higher price
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Our Verdict
The Fiskars Leather Punch is a reliable and precise tool for creating holes in leather. Its ergonomic design and durable construction make it a great choice for leatherworkers of all skill levels.
4. ProMaster Leathercraft Awl
The ProMaster Leathercraft Awl is a high-quality tool designed for detailed leatherwork. Its sharp blade and comfortable handle ensure precision and ease of use.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the ProMaster Leathercraft Awl for its sharp blade and ergonomic handle. It provides excellent control and accuracy, making it an essential tool for intricate leather projects.
Features
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable construction
- Precision punctures
- Easy to use
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Comfortable grip
- Precise punctures
- Suitable for detailed work
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires maintenance
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Limited blade length
- Handle may be too large for some users
Our Verdict
The ProMaster Leathercraft Awl is an excellent choice for leatherworkers seeking a precise and durable tool. Its sharp blade and comfortable handle make it ideal for detailed leather projects.
5. Clover Leathercraft Awl
The Clover Leathercraft Awl is a versatile tool designed for various leatherworking tasks. Its sharp blade and ergonomic handle make it a favorite among leather artisans.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Clover Leathercraft Awl for its versatility and ease of use. The sharp blade provides flexibility for different projects, and the comfortable handle ensures prolonged use without fatigue.
Features
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable construction
- Versatile use
- Easy to use
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
- Easy to use
- High-quality blade
Cons
- Blade may need frequent sharpening
- Higher price
- Handle may not fit all hand sizes
- Limited blade options
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Our Verdict
The Clover Leathercraft Awl is a great investment for leatherworkers who need a versatile and durable tool. Its sharp blade and comfortable handle make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.
6. SE 4-in-1 Leather Awl
The SE 4-in-1 Leather Awl is a multifunctional tool designed for various leatherworking tasks. Its interchangeable tips and ergonomic handle make it a versatile choice for leather artisans.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the SE 4-in-1 Leather Awl for its versatility and ease of use. The interchangeable tips provide flexibility for different projects, and the comfortable handle ensures prolonged use without fatigue.
Features
- Interchangeable tips
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable construction
- Versatile use
- Easy tip changes
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
- Easy to use
- High-quality tips
Cons
- Interchangeable tips can be cumbersome
- Higher price
- Tips may need frequent sharpening
- Handle may not fit all hand sizes
- Limited tip options
Our Verdict
The SE 4-in-1 Leather Awl is a great investment for leatherworkers who need a versatile and durable tool. Its interchangeable tips and comfortable handle make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.
7. Fiskars Leathercraft Awl
The Fiskars Leathercraft Awl is a reliable tool for creating clean and precise holes in leather. Its durable construction and ergonomic design make it suitable for both beginners and experienced leatherworkers.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Fiskars Leathercraft Awl for its ease of use and precision. The ergonomic handle and sharp blade ensure accurate holes, making it a valuable tool for various leather projects.
Features
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable construction
- Precision holes
- Easy to use
Pros
- Accurate holes
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Suitable for various projects
Cons
- Blade may need frequent sharpening
- Handle may be too large for some users
- Limited blade options
- Higher price
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Our Verdict
The Fiskars Leathercraft Awl is a reliable and precise tool for creating holes in leather. Its ergonomic design and durable construction make it a great choice for leatherworkers of all skill levels.
8. ProMaster Leather Awl
The ProMaster Leather Awl is a high-quality tool designed for detailed leatherwork. Its sharp blade and comfortable handle ensure precision and ease of use.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the ProMaster Leather Awl for its sharp blade and ergonomic handle. It provides excellent control and accuracy, making it an essential tool for intricate leather projects.
Features
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable construction
- Precision punctures
- Easy to use
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Comfortable grip
- Precise punctures
- Suitable for detailed work
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires maintenance
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Limited blade length
- Handle may be too large for some users
Our Verdict
The ProMaster Leather Awl is an excellent choice for leatherworkers seeking a precise and durable tool. Its sharp blade and comfortable handle make it ideal for detailed leather projects.
9. Clover Leather Awl
The Clover Leather Awl is a versatile tool designed for various leatherworking tasks. Its sharp blade and ergonomic handle make it a favorite among leather artisans.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Clover Leather Awl for its versatility and ease of use. The sharp blade provides flexibility for different projects, and the comfortable handle ensures prolonged use without fatigue.
Features
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable construction
- Versatile use
- Easy to use
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
- Easy to use
- High-quality blade
Cons
- Blade may need frequent sharpening
- Higher price
- Handle may not fit all hand sizes
- Limited blade options
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Our Verdict
The Clover Leather Awl is a great investment for leatherworkers who need a versatile and durable tool. Its sharp blade and comfortable handle make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.
10. C.S. Osborne Leather Awl
The C.S. Osborne Leather Awl is a high-quality tool designed for precision leatherwork. With a sharp, durable blade and comfortable wooden handle, it is perfect for marking and piercing leather.

Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We love the C.S. Osborne Leather Awl for its sturdy construction and ergonomic design. It provides excellent control and accuracy, making it an essential tool for detailed leather projects.
Features
- Sharp steel blade
- Ergonomic wooden handle
- Durable construction
- Precision marking
- Easy to use
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Comfortable grip
- Precise punctures
- Suitable for various tasks
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Higher price point
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Requires maintenance
- Limited blade length
- Handle may be too large for some users
Our Verdict
The C.S. Osborne Leather Awl is an excellent choice for leatherworkers seeking precision and durability. While it may be on the pricier side, its quality and performance justify the investment.
Buying Guide
When buying an awl for leatherwork, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the best tool for your needs:
- Handle Comfort: A comfortable handle is crucial for prolonged use. Look for handles made from wood or ergonomically designed materials. A well-designed handle reduces hand fatigue and allows for better control. For more information, check out articles on Leathercraft Tools and Leatherwork.net.
- Blade Quality: The blade should be sharp and made of durable material like stainless steel. A high-quality blade ensures precise punctures and longevity. Consider the type of leather you’ll be working with to determine the appropriate blade size and shape.
- Versatility: Some awls come with interchangeable blades or tips. This feature can be beneficial if you work on various types of leather projects, from stitching to punching holes.
- Ease of Use: The awl should be easy to handle and maneuver. Look for awls with a good balance between the handle and the blade. A well-balanced awl provides better control and accuracy.
- Price: Consider your budget when choosing an awl. While higher-priced awls often offer better quality and durability, there are also affordable options that provide excellent performance. Evaluate the features and reviews to find the best value for your money.
FAQs
What is an awl used for in leatherwork?
An awl is a tool used in leatherwork to punch holes, mark stitching lines, and create precise punctures in leather. It is essential for tasks such as sewing, lacing, and creating intricate designs. The sharp point allows for accurate and clean holes, making it a versatile tool for leather artisans.
How do I choose the right awl for my leatherwork projects?
Choosing the right awl depends on various factors, including handle comfort, blade quality, versatility, ease of use, and price. Consider the type of leather you work with and the specific tasks you perform. Reading reviews and comparing features can help you make an informed decision.
Can I use any awl for leatherwork?
Not all awls are suitable for leatherwork. Leatherwork awls are designed with specific features like sharp, durable blades and comfortable handles to ensure precision and ease of use. Using a general-purpose awl may not provide the same level of performance and can damage your leather projects.
How do I maintain my leatherwork awl?
To maintain your leatherwork awl, keep the blade sharp and clean. Wipe it down after each use to remove any leather residue. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust, and consider using a blade protector. Regularly check the handle for any signs of wear and replace it if necessary.
Are there different types of awls for leatherwork?
Yes, there are various types of awls for leatherwork, including stitching awls, lacing awls, and scratch awls. Each type serves a specific purpose, such as creating holes for stitching, lacing, or marking lines. Choosing the right type of awl depends on the tasks you perform in your leatherwork projects.
Conclusion
Choosing the best awl for leatherwork requires careful consideration of factors such as handle comfort, blade quality, versatility, ease of use, and price. By understanding these key points and exploring the top products available on Amazon, you can find the perfect awl to enhance your leatherworking projects. With the right awl, you can achieve precision and quality in your craft.