The 9 Best Awl Tool Sets for Leatherworking 2025 (USA)

Finding the Best Awl Tool Sets for Leatherworking is key, but it can be confusing with so many choices. I’ve used dozens of them. Here are my honest picks to help my fellow New Mexico artisans find the perfect tools.

9 Best Awl Tool Sets for Leatherworking

I’ve tested these tools on projects big and small. Here are the ones that have earned a permanent place on my workbench.

1. WILLBOND 12 Pieces Leather Sewing Awl Hand Stitcher Set

• Brand: WILLBOND
• Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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This kit is perfect if you’re just starting out in Rio Rancho or Las Cruces and don’t want to spend a fortune. It reminds me of that first set I bought years ago. It gives you everything you need the awl handle, different needles, and thread to get a feel for hand-stitching. It’s versatile enough for your first wallet, a journal cover, or repairing a favorite bag.

2. OWDEN Professional Leathercraft Stitch Awl Tool

• Brand: Weher Craft (OWDEN)
• Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
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When you’re ready to get serious, this OWDEN awl is a fantastic step up. It feels solid and professional in your hand. This is a lockstitch awl, meaning it creates stitches that are incredibly strong, just like a sewing machine. I use a tool just like this for making durable belts and straps that I know will last for years. It’s a true workhorse for any dedicated crafter.

3. Heavy Duty Repair Stitch Tool

• Brand: Repair Stitch Tool
• Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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This tool is pure power. It’s made for the toughest jobs. Living in New Mexico, we often need to repair rugged gear horse tack, heavy canvas covers, or thick work boots. This awl punches through thick materials without breaking a sweat. It’s not for delicate work, but for heavy-duty repairs, this thing is an absolute lifesaver. It’s a problem-solver.

4. Professional Sewing Awl Hand Stitcher Repair Tool Kit

• Brand: Generic
• Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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This is a classic, no-frills sewing awl at a great price. It’s the kind of reliable tool you see in workshops all over the state because it just plain works. It’s perfect for practical, everyday repairs around the house or ranch. The wooden handle feels comfortable, and it’s simple to use. For under $20, you’re getting a tool that will handle dozens of repair jobs.

5. Speedy Stitcher® Deluxe Sewing Awl Kit

• Brand: Speedy Stitcher
• Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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The Speedy Stitcher is an icon. This is the original brand, and the quality shows. I’ve had one for over a decade, and it’s never failed me. This deluxe kit gives you the famous awl and multiple needles and thread. It’s an investment, but you’re buying a tool for life. If you believe in buying once and buying right, this is the kit for you.

6. Crain 6.25-Inch Carpet Awl

• Brand: Crain
• Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
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I know, a carpet awl seems strange for leatherwork. But a friend at a workshop in Taos showed me this trick. When you’re working with extra-thick bullhide or multiple layers of leather, this awl’s strength is a game-changer.

It creates a clean, wide hole for setting rivets or snaps where other awls might struggle. It’s a specialty tool that solves a very specific problem.

7. Gundlach 4-1/2″ Carpet Awl

• Brand: Gundlach
• Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Similar to the Crain, this Gundlach awl is another secret weapon for tough jobs. The handle shape is a little different, which some crafters might prefer. Its job is to power through dense material without hesitation. When you need raw piercing power for a project, this is an excellent, high-quality choice that won’t let you down.

8. Klein Tools 650 Scratch Awl

• Brand: Klein Tools
• Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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Klein makes tools for hardworking professionals, and this scratch awl is no exception. The soft grip is comfortable even after a long day of tracing patterns in my Albuquerque workshop. The steel point is tough and precise. I use this for marking out almost every project before I make a single cut. It’s a high-quality, reliable scribe that’s worth every penny.

9. General Tools Scratch Awl Tool with Hardwood Handle

• Brand: General Tools
• Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
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This is the classic wooden-handle scratch awl. It’s simple, timeless, and does its job perfectly. For marking sharp, clean lines on leather, it’s all you need. The beauty of this tool is its simplicity and its price. There’s no reason for any crafter in New Mexico not to have one of these hanging on their tool board. It’s a fundamental tool for good leatherwork.

A Quick Word on Top Awl Brands

When you’re shopping for craft supplies in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, you’ll see a few names over and over.

These are popular brands for a reason.

1. C.S. Osborne: An American legend. Their tools are high-quality and built to be passed down.
2. STANLEY: A household name known for reliable, hardworking hand tools.
3. Dasco Pro: Another USA-made brand that makes tough, no-nonsense striking and marking tools.
4. Clover: Often known for sewing and fabric crafts, their awls are sharp and precise, great for finer work.
5. WUTA: They make beautifully crafted tools, often with handsome wood handles, that are a joy to use.
6. Klein Tools: A top choice for professionals who need tools that can withstand daily heavy use.
7. General Tools: They offer a huge range of affordable, practical tools that are perfect for hobbyists and pros alike.
8. The Speedy Stitcher®: The go-to brand for lockstitch sewing awls. A must-have for heavy repairs.
9. CRAFTSMAN: A trusted brand for durable tools that you can find in garages and workshops everywhere.

How I Chose the Best Awl Tool Sets for Leatherworking

I didn’t just pull these tools out of a hat. Each one on this list was chosen based on the criteria I’ve developed over 20 years in my workshop.

1. Steel Quality: The point must be sharp and stay sharp. High-carbon or alloy steel is a must for durability. There’s nothing more frustrating than an awl that dulls or bends mid-project.
2. Handle Comfort: You’ll be holding this tool for hours. The handle needs to fit comfortably in your palm without causing fatigue. I have a soft spot for traditional wooden handles, like the ones on the C.S. Osborne tools I started with, but modern ergonomic grips are fantastic, too.
3. Functionality & Versatility: Does it do its job well? Is it a one-trick pony, or can it serve multiple purposes in your craft? I love tools that can grow with you.
4. Value for Money: Crafting shouldn’t break the bank. I’ve included options for every budget, from starter kits to professional-grade tools. The price has to be justified by the performance and longevity.

Now, let’s get to the tools themselves.

Safety First! A Tip From My Workshop

A sharp awl demands respect. My #1 safety tip is to always punch away from your body and keep your other hand clear. When I was starting out, I poked my fingers more times than I can count!

A simple leather palm guard or a thick thimble can be a real finger-saver. Work slowly, pay attention, and let the tool do the work.

Why Trust a Local? My 20-Year New Mexico Journey

It began in 2005 at the Santa Fe Artisan Market, where the smell of leather from a local vendor’s stall pulled me in. I was hooked. I drove back to Albuquerque and went straight to the Tandy Leather on Menaul Blvd and bought my first beginner’s kit. My hands have been busy ever since.

For two decades, I’ve drawn inspiration from our beautiful state: the color of the Sandia Mountains at sunset, the texture of a dried cactus, and the resilient spirit of our local communities. I’ve sold my work at the Albuquerque Rail Yards Market and learned from artisans in Taos and Silver City. 

This isn’t just a job for me; it’s a passion rooted deep in New Mexico soil. When I recommend a tool, it’s because I’ve personally used it in my workshop to create pieces that reflect our unique culture. I’m not some faceless reviewer; I’m your neighbor.

What’s an Awl, Anyway? A Simple Guide for Beginners

Let’s keep it simple. An awl is a tool with a sharp point. You’ll mainly use two kinds for leatherwork:

• Scratch Awl: Think of this as your pencil. You use its fine, sharp point to draw or scratch your pattern onto the leather before you cut. It gives you a clear line to follow.
• Stitching Awl: Think of this as your needle. It punches the holes for your thread. Some, like the Speedy Stitcher, even hold the thread and help you make very strong stitches by hand.

Choosing the right one is the first step to making your project look clean and professional.

Best Awls for Specific Tasks

While the list above covers my main recommendations, your needs might be more specific. Here are my top picks for woodworking, bookbinding, and other specialized crafts.

Best Awls for Woodworking: When I started diving into woodworking around 2010, I quickly learned that an awl is just as crucial on a workbench as it is on a leather-cutting mat.

Best Awls for Bookbinding: Bookbinding, which I fell in love with around 2015, is a delicate art. It requires a slender, sharp awl that can pierce paper and cardstock without tearing it.

Best Diamond and Stitching Awls: For that professional saddle stitch, a diamond-point awl is non-negotiable.

FAQs: Best Awl Tool Sets for Leatherworking

What is the Main Purpose of an Awl?

An awl is a slender, pointed tool used to create clean, accurate holes in materials like leather, wood, and canvas. It’s also great for marking, stitching, and various other tasks. To learn more about this topic, please read our full article.

My Final Thoughts

From the busy stalls at the Rail Yards Market to the quiet solitude of your own workbench, having the right tool makes all the difference. I truly hope this guide, written from one New Mexico artisan to another, helps you find the perfect awl to bring your creative ideas to life.