Hi everyone,
A couple of days ago, I asked Phil about polishing the flat surfaces of the blade on my new titanium awl—for $100, I’d have thought that would not have been necessary. He suggested bringing the issue to the forum. Here are my reply to Phil and some related pics. The unpolished blade is just a Tandy spare I had lying about.
Meanwhile, I decided to strike out on my own. I worked the flat surfaces with successively finer grits of wet/dry sand paper, starting with 1800 and working up to 7000. I also used the 3M lapping system strips, starting at 1800 grit, going up to 70K. I was careful to keep the surfaces flat and to draw the blade away from the edges, as in stropping. I think it turned out pretty well. For $100, I’d have thought the blade would have come already polished. I must say, however, that the tip came razor sharp, and the piece worked like a charm right out of the box—I know you value function over form.
I’ll post this description, along with photos on the forum and am eager to see what folks have to say.
Regards, Lloyd
I
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 23, 2022, at 1:59 AM, Philip <77e86df4-166d-47f7-86ff-51071de49291@crm.wix.com> wrote:
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Hey Lloyd, This would be a great topic for the forum! Especially if you take a photo of the blade so we can all take a look at what we're working with. Phil -- Online Leathercraft Courses www.leathercraftmasterclass.com
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I've come to not have great expectations from brand new tools. I think it's also important to keep in mind that highly polished does not always equate to high quality, nor does high priced equate to refined finishes (just take a look at Blanchard). Just about every tool will need to be tuned up before it's really ready for use...and to be maintained. You can't really maintain a tool that has not been properly sharpened. IMHO, you are using some ultra fine grits that are unnecessary. If you watch Phil's course about techniques of the blade, I think your eyes may be opened. But, there are many ways to skin a cat.
Very nicely done Lloyd!
Much like you I finished the awl facets on abrasive paper. I think I touched it on 2k paper then polished on the strop.
Have you noticed an improvement in how it slips through leather when stitching?