Double-Ended Steel Awl ("O" pattern)
Double-Ended Steel Awl ("O" pattern)
The awl is handy for punching holes into signatures and binders board, the ball end pulls stitches, marks with a dimple (I use it on paper and leather when I don't want to mark with a pencil). Printmakers also use the awl for intaglio since it is heat treated and can scribe into metal and burnish with the ball end.
I patterned this awl with dots and "O"s made with hand cut steel stamps.
A little product information...
Steel Tools: The steel tools are made from high carbon steel and have been heat treated for strength and durability. The steel tools are patterned by hammer blows or embellished with hand-cut steel stamps.
The awl is used for hole punching into signatures and binders board, the ball end pulls stitches, marks with a dimple (I use it on paper and leather when I don't want to mark with a pencil). Printmakers also use the awl for intaglio since it is heat treated and can scribe into metal and burnish with the ball end.
The micro-chisel can be used on paper, leather, binder's board and wood. I made it originally for making consistently even slits into leather for weaving thin parchment strips for the decorative work on Late Coptic book binding work I do and in classes I teach.
The steel tools may be stropped and sharpened.
Please dry steel tools before storing, since they are made from high carbon steel they may rust if left damp.
NONE OF THESE TOOLS SHOULD BE HIT WITH A HAMMER OR BE USED FOR PRYING OR SCREWDRIVER-LIKE PURPOSES.
Carved Elk Bone Tools: The shape, size, and feel of the bone tools are in part determined by the bone it comes from. Each is unique.
All of the folders I make are from elk bone, an exceptionally dense, white bone that carves wonderfully and polishes well.
I receive clean, whole leg bones (an otherwise unused by-product of hunting) and spend a lot of time working it to shape with a band saw, sander and numerous hand tools (see photo).
The shaped bone is then ornamented with hand carving, either a pattern made up with lines and dots, or carved flower. Hand sanding and buffing polish and complete the tools.
A unique design that I've made is the Carved Elk Bone awl, which has a dull point on one end and a dull angle blade-like end. This I made this for blind tooling work on leather. The point end marks stops and the blade-like end is very maneuverable for easily tooling straights and curves.
Each tool is individually made by hand, therefore not two are exactly the same.