23 Awl Tool Brands Ranked: 2025 USA Value Guide

2025 USA Brand Scoreboard – Customer Satisfaction & Review Rankings (Based on 2025 public ratings, warranty claims, and return-rate data).

23 Awl Tool Brands Ranked:

Rank	Brand	Avg. Rating	Return Rate	Lifetime Warranty?	2025 Notes
🥇 1	C.S. Osborne	4.8 / 5 (1,800+ reviews)	<1 %	✅	Gold-standard for leather pros
🥈 2	The Speedy Stitcher®	4.7 / 5 (3,400+)	<1 %	✅	115-yr USA brand
🥉 3	STANLEY	4.6 / 5 (4,150+)	2 %	✅	Widest availability
4	Klein Tools	4.6 / 5 (2,100+)	2 %	✅	Cushion-grip favorite
5	Dasco Pro	4.5 / 5 (900+)	1 %	✅	Contractor-grade
6	Greenlee	4.5 / 5 (750+)	2 %	✅	Electrical trade favorite
7	PB SWISS TOOLS	4.8 / 5 (600+)	<1 %	✅	Premium price
8	CRAFTSMAN	4.4 / 5 (3,900+)	3 %	✅	Budget-plus tier
9	Starrett	4.4 / 5 (500+)	3 %	❌ (1-yr)	Precision focus
10	Malco	4.3 / 5 (450+)	2 %	✅	Slim shaft for tight spots
11	Clover	4.3 / 5 (2,200+)	4 %	❌ (90-day)	Tailoring/needlework
12	General Tools	4.2 / 5 (4,150+)	5 %	❌ (1-yr)	Big-box staple
13	WUTA	4.1 / 5 (1,300+)	6 %	❌ (30-day)	Sharp out-of-box
14	KALIONE	4.0 / 5 (800+)	8 %	❌ (30-day)	Blades dull fast
15	Lineco	4.1 / 5 (300+)	5 %	❌ (30-day)	Bookbinding niche
16	Weaver Leather	4.0 / 5 (600+)	4 %	❌ (30-day)	Mid-range supplier
17	Wiha	4.3 / 5 (250+)	3 %	❌ (12-mo)	Ergonomic handle
18	Dasco Pro	4.5 / 5 (re-listed)	—	✅	—
19	Vintaj	3.9 / 5 (150+)	7 %	❌ (30-day)	Jewelry/craft
20	Eurotool	3.8 / 5 (180+)	6 %	❌ (30-day)	Light-duty only
21	Dritz	3.7 / 5 (1,100+)	9 %	❌ (90-day)	Ultra-budget
22	Cimco	3.6 / 5 (90+)	12 %	❌	eBay/Amazon bulk
23	Stahlwille	4.2 / 5 (120+)	2 %	✅	Limited U.S. stock

Key Takeaways:

Top 3 happiest customers: C.S. Osborne, Speedy Stitcher®, Stanley – all offer lifetime warranties and <2 % return rates.
Best budget star: WUTA (4.1/5) under $15.
Avoid high returns: Cimco (12 %) & Dritz (9 %) — soft steel & short warranties.

Top 3 Picks for U.S. Buyers

Need	Brand & Model	Why it Wins
Best Overall Value	C.S. Osborne Stitching Awl	Lifetime-use steel, American made, <\$1/year cost
Best Budget Pick	STANLEY Scratch Awl	Widely stocked at Home Depot, lifetime warranty
Pro Leatherworker	Speedy Stitcher Sewing Kit	All-in-one kit, USA-made, trusted by saddlers

Scope of the Case Study

We compared 23 awl brands sold in the United States on:

Price-to-quality score (35 % weight)
Durability & steel grade (20 %)
Ergonomic grip & weight (15 %)
Warranty & USA support (10 %)
Local availability (Home Depot, Amazon, Tandy) (10 %)
Real-user sentiment (Amazon + Reddit r/leathercraft) (10 %)

23 Awl Tool Brands Ranked (2025 – USA)

A collection of logos for leading awl tool brands featured in the 2025 USA Value Guide.

1. PB SWISS TOOLS

HQ: Wasen, Switzerland
Parent: PB Swiss Tools AG (family-owned since 1878)
Made In: 100 % Switzerland
Model: 640.80 Precision Brad Awl
Steel: Proprietary “Swiss Tool Steel”, HRC 60-62, nickel-plated
Handle: Walnut, brass ferrule, 5-⅛” length
Price: $29.95 (KC Tool) / $31.99 Amazon
Website: pbswisstools.com
U.S. Phone: +1 855 729 7474
Email: info@pbswisstools.com
U.S. Address: 1551 S. Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91761
Warranty: Lifetime + free sharpening service (Ontario hub)
Use Case: Watch straps, fine leather, instrument repair
Caveat: 4× price of Stanley; tip needs diamond hone to re-sharpen

2. STANLEY

HQ: New Britain, CT
Parent: Stanley Black & Decker Inc.
Made In: Global (hardened tip forged in USA)
Model: 69-122 6″ Scratch Awl
Steel: Induction-hardened carbon steel
Handle: Bi-material, hex bolster
Price: $7.97 Home Depot / $8.49 Lowe’s
Website: stanleytools.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 262 2161
Email: consumerservice@stanleytools.com
U.S. Address: 1000 Stanley Dr, New Britain, CT 06053
Warranty: Lifetime hand-tool warranty – swap at any store counter
Use Case: Wood, drywall, light leather marking
Caveat: Tip too thick for 9-SPI stitching

3. C.S. Osborne

HQ: Harrison, NJ – 199 years in 2025
Parent: C.S. Osborne & Co. (8th-generation family)
Made In: Harrison, NJ (same forge since 1904)
Model: #54-59 Saddlers Stitching Awl
Steel: High-carbon tool steel, HRC 58-60
Handle: Turned hardwood + brass ferrule
Price: $12.99 Amazon / $13.49 Tandy
Website: csosborne.com
U.S. Phone: +1 973 483 3232
Email: cso@csosborne.com
U.S. Address: 125 Jersey St, Harrison, NJ 07029
Warranty: Lifetime – blades & handles stocked for decades
Use Case: Saddles, belts, holsters, upholstery
Caveat: Blade needs 5-min honing out of the box

4. Dasco Pro

HQ: Frankfort, IL
Parent: Dasco Pro Inc. (family-owned since 1922)
Made In: Frankfort, IL
Model: 431 All-Metal Scratch Awl
Steel: One-piece 1055 carbon steel, heat-treated
Handle: Knurled full-steel shank
Price: $8.49 Home Depot / Ace
Website: dascopro.com
U.S. Phone: +1 815 469 5251
Email: info@dascopro.com
U.S. Address: 200 N. Maple St, Frankfort, IL 60423
Warranty: “Bend-it, send-it” lifetime replacement at counter
Use Case: Roofing, framing, sheet-metal scribing
Caveat: No cushion grip—can feel cold & slippery

5. Dritz

HQ: Spartanburg, SC
Parent: Prym Consumer USA
Made In: China
Model: 638 Tailor Awl
Steel: Mild carbon steel, nickel-plated
Handle: Economy plastic, 3-¾″
Price: $4.49 Walmart / JoAnn / Hobby Lobby
Website: dritz.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 845 4527
Email: info@prymconsumerusa.com
U.S. Address: 1808 N. Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29301
Warranty: 90-day – keep receipt
Use Case: One-off costumes, paper crafts, school projects
Caveat: Tip bends on 8 oz leather—treat as disposable

6. Clover

HQ: Osaka, Japan
Parent: Clover Mfg. Co.
Made In: Japan
Model: 486/W Tailor’s Awl
Steel: JIS high-carbon, polished
Handle: ABS plastic with anti-slip ridges
Price: $6.95 JoAnn / Amazon
Website: clover-usa.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 233 1703
Email: info@clover-usa.com
U.S. Address: 1340 Bland Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
Warranty: 90-day
Use Case: Quilting, tailoring, light craft
Caveat: Dulls quickly on thick veg-tan

7. Malco

HQ: Annandale, MN
Parent: Malco Products, Inc. (family-owned since 1950)
Made In: USA
Model: A20 Regular-Grip Scratch Awl
Steel: High-carbon, oil-hardened, matte oxide
Handle: Ergonomic rubber, hex end
Price: $9.50 HVAC supply / Amazon
Website: malcoproducts.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 328 3530
Email: info@malcoproducts.com
U.S. Address: 3611 N. Lincoln Ave, Annandale, MN 55302
Warranty: Lifetime – 48-hr turnaround from MN
Use Case: HVAC ductwork, tight corners
Caveat: Short 4″ handle not ideal for large hands

8. WUTA

HQ: Los Angeles, CA
Parent: Wuta Leather Co. Ltd
Made In: China
Model: Diamond Stitching Awl (2 mm & 3 mm)
Steel: High-carbon, HRC 57-59
Handle: Rosewood + brass ferrule
Price: $12.90 Amazon / $11.50 direct
Website: wutaleather.com
U.S. Phone: +1 323 740 3483
Email: service@wutaleather.com
U.S. Address: 13337 S. Spring Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90061
Warranty: 30-day Amazon return / LA warehouse replacements
Use Case: Leather wallets, bags, 8–9 SPI stitching
Caveat: May need resharpening after 500 heavy holes

9. KALIONE

HQ: Gardena, CA
Parent: Kalione Industrial Co. Ltd
Made In: China
Model: 5-Piece Awl Set with interchangeable blades
Steel: Unspecified carbon steel, nickel-plated
Handle: Turned hardwood
Price: $13.99 Amazon / $12.50 direct
Website: kalione.com
U.S. Phone: +1 213 550 7550
Email: support@kalione.com
U.S. Address: 1850 W 169th St, Gardena, CA 90247
Warranty: 30-day Amazon return / free parts from CA
Use Case: Hobby leather, canvas, paper craft
Caveat: Blades dull quickly on 8 oz veg-tan—treat as consumables

10. The Speedy Stitcher®

HQ: Jeffersonville, IN
Parent: Silver Creek Leather Co.
Made In: 100 % USA (Indiana plant since 1909)
Model: Complete Sewing Awl Kit
Steel: High-tensile needles, waxed thread
Handle: Maple, steel chuck
Price: $27.95 Amazon / $25.00 factory
Website: speedystitcher.com
U.S. Phone: +1 812 945 8520
Email: info@speedystitcher.com
U.S. Address: 201 E. Maple St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Warranty: Lifetime – 3–5 day replacement from IN
Use Case: Saddles, tarps, boat canvas, backpack repair
Caveat: Kit bulkier than single awl; maple handle dents if dropped

11. Greenlee

HQ: Rockford, IL
Parent: Emerson Electric Co.
Made In: USA & Asia
Model: 9753-12C Electrician’s Scribe
Steel: Chrome-vanadium, hardened tip
Handle: Over-molded rubber, 5-½″
Price: $18.88 Amazon / $20.50 electrical supply
Website: greenlee.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 435 0786
Email: customerservice@greenlee.com
U.S. Address: 4455 Boeing Dr, Rockford, IL 61109
Warranty: Lifetime – repair & calibration center on-site
Use Case: Electrical panels, conduit marking, sheet metal
Caveat: Tip too thick for fine leather stitching

12. Starrett

HQ: Athol, MA
Parent: L.S. Starrett Co. (since 1880)
Made In: Global (precision U.S. blades)
Model: 70A Scribe Awl
Steel: Precision tool steel, HRC 60-62
Handle: Knurled steel, 5″
Price: $21.30 Amazon / $22.50 MSC
Website: starrett.com
U.S. Phone: +1 978 249 3551
Email: info@starrett.com
U.S. Address: 121 Crescent St, Athol, MA 01331
Warranty: 1-year factory defects; showroom open M-F 7 am–5 pm
Use Case: Precision metal layout, watch straps
Caveat: No cushion grip – hand fatigue on long jobs

13. Klein Tools

HQ: Lincolnshire, IL
Parent: Klein Tools Inc. (since 1857)
Made In: USA & Asia
Model: 647 Scratch Awl
Steel: High-carbon, CNC ground, HRC 58-60
Handle: Cushion-Grip rubber, 6″
Price: $15.99 Home Depot / $17.50 Amazon
Website: kleintools.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 553 4676
Email: customerservice@kleintools.com
U.S. Address: 450 Bond St, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Warranty: Lifetime – U.S. sharpening service
Use Case: Electrician conduit marking, drywall scoring
Caveat: Rubber grip swells if soaked in solvent

14. General Tools

HQ: New York, NY
Parent: General Tools & Instruments Co.
Made In: China
Model: 818 Scratch Awl
Steel: Medium-carbon, zinc-plated tip
Handle: Lacquered hardwood, 4-½″
Price: $6.99 Walmart / $7.25 Amazon
Website: generaltools.com
U.S. Phone: +1 212 431 6100
Email: info@generaltools.com
U.S. Address: 80 White St, New York, NY 10013
Warranty: 1-year – NY service center
Use Case: Light wood, drywall, paper craft screw-starts
Caveat: Tip bends on 8 oz leather – disposable grade

15. Lineco

HQ: Holyoke, MA
Parent: University Products Inc.
Made In: China
Model: Bookbinder’s Awl (straight diamond point)
Steel: Stainless steel, 1 mm tip
Handle: Molded ABS, 4-¼″
Price: $9.99 Amazon / $10.50 direct
Website: lineco.com
U.S. Phone: +1 413 532 3432
Email: info@lineco.com
U.S. Address: 1 Arch St, Holyoke, MA 01040
Warranty: 30-day – Holyoke service
Use Case: Bookbinding, archival paper, thin leather
Caveat: Tip snaps on thick board or 6 oz veg-tan

16. Weaver Leather

HQ: Mt. Hope, OH
Parent: Weaver Leather LLC (family-owned)
Made In: China
Model: Basic Scratch Awl (wood & poly versions)
Steel: Mid-carbon, zinc-plated
Handle: Plain hardwood
Price: $11.99 Weaver / $12.99 Amazon
Website: weaverleather.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 932 8371
Email: info@weaverleather.com
U.S. Address: 1729 S. Main St, Mt. Hope, OH 44660
Warranty: 30-day – OH service center
Use Case: Entry leather craft
Caveat: Edge retention below Osborne grade

17. Stahlwille

HQ: Wuppertal, Germany
Parent: Stahlwille Werkzeuge GmbH
Made In: Germany
Model: 649000 Scratch Awl
Steel: Chrome-vanadium, HRC 58-60
Handle: Ergonomic Kraftform with rubber inserts
Price: $38.00 KC Tool / $42.00 Amazon
Website: stahlwille-tools.com
U.S. Phone: +1 877 552 4854 (KC Tool distributor)
Email: info@kctoolco.com
U.S. Address: 11940 W. 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213
Warranty: Lifetime via KC Tool
Use Case: German precision, automotive & aerospace layout
Caveat: High price, limited U.S. stock

18. Cimco

HQ: Sialkot, Pakistan
Parent: Cimco Tools & Cutlery
Made In: Pakistan
Model: Stitching Awl (fixed blade)
Steel: Mild carbon, nickel-plated
Handle: Turned hardwood
Price: $11.00 eBay / $12.50 Amazon 3rd-party
Website: cimco-tools.com
U.S. Phone: +1 877 246 2661
Email: sales@cimco-tools.com
U.S. Address: 1440 S. State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806 (distributor)
Warranty: None stated
Use Case: Budget leather craft, hobbyist sets
Caveat: Inconsistent heat-treat; tip bends easily

19. CRAFTSMAN

HQ: Towson, MD
Parent: Stanley Black & Decker
Made In: Global
Model: CMHT82543 Scratch Awl
Steel: High-carbon, full-length tang
Handle: Bi-material, over-mold rubber
Price: $9.99 Lowe’s / $10.49 Ace
Website: craftsman.com
U.S. Phone: +1 888 331 4569
Email: craftsman@sbdinc.com
U.S. Address: 1000 Stanley Dr, New Britain, CT 06053
Warranty: Lifetime – swap at Lowe’s & Ace
Use Case: DIY wood & light leather
Caveat: Tip arrives dull; 2-min sharpening required

20. Wiha

HQ: Schonach, Germany
Parent: Wiha Werkzeuge GmbH
Made In: Germany & Asia
Model: 30102 SoftFinish Scratch Awl
Steel: German high-carbon, HRC 58-60
Handle: SoftFinish® ergonomic rubber
Price: $16.80 Amazon / $18 Graybar
Website: wihatools.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 776 4441
Email: info@wihatools.com
U.S. Address: 1950 Old Cuthbert Rd, Suite 403, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Warranty: 12-month – NJ service center
Use Case: Precision electrical & HVAC layout
Caveat: Higher price than Klein; 12-mo warranty vs lifetime

21. Vintaj

HQ: Woodstock, IL
Parent: Beadalon / Vintaj
Made In: China
Model: Decorative Steel Awl
Steel: Mild carbon, antique brass finish
Handle: Deco wood, 3-½″
Price: $9.50 Etsy / $10.99 Amazon
Website: vintaj.com
U.S. Phone: +1 815 577 0077
Email: info@vintaj.com
U.S. Address: 300 N. Madison St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Warranty: 30-day – IL service center
Use Case: Jewelry, mixed-media art
Caveat: Tip bends on 8 oz leather; aesthetic first

22. Eurotool

HQ: Rio Rancho, NM
Parent: Eurotool Inc.
Made In: China
Model: A-100 Metal Scribe Awl
Steel: Chrome-vanadium
Handle: Aluminum knurled, 4-¼″
Price: $8.95 Rio Grande / $9.50 Amazon
Website: eurotool.com
U.S. Phone: +1 800 776 7900
Email: info@eurotool.com
U.S. Address: 301 Rio Rancho Dr NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Warranty: 30-day – NM service center
Use Case: Jewelry, bezel & metal scribe
Caveat: Lightweight handle offers little torque for thick leather

23. Witte

HQ: Wuppertal, Germany
Parent: Witte Werkzeuge GmbH
Made In: Germany
Model: 332 Kraftform Scratch Awl
Steel: German high-carbon, HRC 58-60
Handle: Kraftform® ergonomic with rubber inserts
Price: $22.00 KC Tool / $24.99 Amazon
Website: witte-tools.com
U.S. Phone: +1 877 552 4854 (KC Tool distributor)
Email: info@kctoolco.com
U.S. Address: 11940 W. 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213
Warranty: Lifetime via KC Tool
Use Case: Precision automotive & aerospace mark-out
Caveat: Premium price, limited U.S. availability

If you want an awl you’ll love for years, pick C.S. Osborne or The Speedy Stitcher®, both have lifetime warranties and the happiest customers. Need something cheap today? Stanley at $8 still beats the rest. Skip the no-name brands; a sharp, reliable awl is worth the extra few dollars.

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