Setting An Awl Blade - Alternative Method - Leathercraft Masterclass

In this video I show the technique I use to set an awl blade so that it doesn't set crooked in the awl haft. An offset blade can often occur due to the pilot hole in the haft not being true. So the coin and vice method doesn't give great results even with the best of intentions.
Buying a pre-set blade is no better as most factory workers don't care that they have set a blade slightly crooked, so a straight blade is often down to luck unfortunately.
I also discuss an easy method to remove a broken or damaged blade meaning that a switch out is quite simple.
Interested in learning how to re profile and sharpen your awl into a leather slicing machine? Check out 'Details Make Perfection: Awl Sharpening'.
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[@geoffreyboyling615]

Great minds think alike!
About a year ago I came to the same conclusion, as I was fed up of trying to fit a new blade & haft, and get it straight. I use Araldite 5min/rapid set
I make up enough glue to smear a thick layer over the front end of the haft, then I sand it back to give a smooth, rounded finish which is less likely to mark the leather

[@bazlur-Vancouver]

The best way straight hole can be made while you are turning on a lathe using a microdrill and it will drill just in the middle

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

The hole that comes as standard in the haft was already made on a lathe. The issue is that awl blades are not cylindrical, so just because the hole is true, doesn't mean that the blade will follow it. Most of the time they don't, hence this trick.