OWDEN Professional Leather Tool, awl Tool Set for leathercraft

Let’s be honest. Leatherworking sounds cooler than it actually is—until you’re elbow-deep trying to punch a hole through 8oz veg-tan with a bent nail you’re calling an awl. That’s when you start looking around for something… better. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably typed “leather awl that doesn’t suck” into Amazon at some point.

We present the OWDEN Professional Leather Tool 4-in-1 Awl Set.

Is it good? Can it survive your stubborn belt straps and thick wallet layers? More importantly, is it worth replacing that $3 scratch awl you’ve been babying since 2012?

Let’s get into it.

What’s in the Box?

Here’s the loadout:

• 1 hardwood handle (ebony, because apparently plastic is out this year)
• 1 brass ferrule (sounds fancy, and looks it too)
• 4 interchangeable blades:
  • Scratch awl
  • Lacing fid
  • 2 different stitching awls

Nothing wild here, but the devil’s in the details—and OWDEN didn’t skip the small stuff. The handle feels like it was made to last longer than most people’s hobbies.

First Impressions

The packaging won’t win any design awards, but who buys tools for the box? Once it’s in your hand, you’ll notice two things: this handle is heavier than expected, and those blades aren’t toys. Alloy steel, dark ebony wood, and enough brass to make it feel expensive.

This thing looks like it belongs on a craftsman’s bench, not buried in your junk drawer next to a rusted seam ripper and 14 Allen wrenches you’ve never used.

The Blades: What You Get

Scratch Awl

Great for marking stitch lines or even scoring patterns. It’s sharp enough to do the job, not so pointy that it’ll punch through your hand if you sneeze while using it.

Lacing Fid

I didn’t think I needed one until I had one. It opens up pre-punched holes when you’re lacing, and honestly, it just makes life easier. No more fighting with thick lace and tight holes.

Stitching Awls (x2)

Same style, different gauges. One’s thinner and more precise, the other’s thicker and more forceful. You’ll probably end up favoring one over the other, depending on how chunky your leather projects are.

They screw in snug, and don’t loosen mid-use—unless you didn’t tighten them right in the first place. So if something goes flying, that’s probably on you.

Performance

Let’s break it down based on the jobs you’ll actually use this thing for:

Punching Through Thick Leather

Tried it on a double layer of 7oz. No split wood, no blade bending, and I didn’t have to press with Hulk-level force. That’s a win.

Making Marking Lines

It glides like a butter knife across slightly chilled toast. Not hot toast. Slightly chilled.

Lacing Belts

The fid saved me a ton of frustration. If you’ve ever tried cramming thick lace through a tight hole, this thing makes it bearable. No more stabbing blindly and hoping for the best.

Handling & Grip

The handle is polished and smooth, but not slippery. It’s thick enough to grip with confidence, but not so bulky that it feels like you’re swinging a bat.

For bigger hands, it’s a comfortable fit. If you’ve got tiny hands, you might find it a tad chunky, but still usable.

Weight-wise, it’s on the heavier end. That actually helps with control when punching or twisting. It doesn’t bounce or flex like lighter tools.

Build Quality

Let’s not sugarcoat it. This thing is built better than it needs to be for the price.

The blades are legit steel. The handle isn’t some pressboard knockoff. The brass collar feels solid and actually works to keep everything tight.

The only weak point? Maybe the threading. If you cross-thread the blade insert, you’ll mess it up. So slow down, line it up, and give it a second of care.

How It Compares

Vs. C.S. Osborne

Osborne’s a tank. But single-function. And pricey. If you love collecting tools, go for it. But for most people, OWDEN’s multi-tool setup makes more sense.

Vs. Cheap Amazon Awls

I’ve used plenty of $5 scratch awls. Some worked. Most didn’t. This one’s definitely a step up. Not elite-craftsman level, but far more solid than the throwaway stuff.

Vs. Sewing Awl Kits

This isn’t your Speedy Stitcher type. No thread spools, no heavy plastic. This is leaner, more focused. If you’re hand-sewing with thread and need an all-in-one awl system, you’re in the wrong aisle.

Final Verdict

If you work with leather even semi-regularly, the OWDEN 4-in-1 Awl Tool is worth keeping in your kit. It’s sharp, sturdy, and actually fun to use. You won’t dread reaching for it.

Could you spend more on boutique, one-job-only tools? Sure. But if you’re after a practical, good-looking, no-nonsense multi-awl setup, this thing checks the boxes.