What is a Scratch Awl or Round Awl Used for in Leathercraft?

What is a Scratch Awl or Round Awl Used for in Leathercraft?

If you've just started exploring the world of leathercraft, you may have come across the term scratch awl or round awl and wondered what it's actually for. It's one of those humble tools that experienced leatherworkers reach for constantly — yet it's often overlooked by beginners in favour of more glamorous kit. In this post, we'll take a proper look at what a scratch awl is, how it differs from other awls, and why it deserves a place on every leatherworker's bench.

What is a Scratch Awl?

A scratch awl (sometimes called a round awl or scribe awl) is a hand tool with a slender, pointed metal spike set into a wooden or composite handle. Unlike a stitching awl or saddler's awl — which are designed to pierce leather cleanly for thread to pass through — a scratch awl has a round, tapered point that is primarily used for marking, scribing, and light piercing work.

The tip is smooth and round in cross-section, tapering to a sharp point. This shape makes it ideal for scoring lines into leather without cutting or tearing the fibres, giving you a clean, visible guide for cutting or stitching.

Scratch Awl vs. Stitching Awl: What's the Difference?

It's easy to confuse a scratch awl with a stitching awl, but they serve quite different purposes:

A stitching awl creates a slit-like hole shaped to accept thread, while a scratch awl creates a round hole or a scribed line. Trying to use a scratch awl for stitching will leave untidy, round holes — and using a stitching awl to scribe lines risks cutting your leather rather than simply marking it.

What is a Scratch Awl Used for in Leathercraft?

Here are the most common uses you'll find for a scratch awl in day-to-day leatherworking:

1. Scribing Lines and Borders

One of the most frequent uses is scribing a stitch line or border onto the flesh side (back) of the leather. Rather than using ink or pencil — which can bleed or smudge — a scratch awl leaves a fine, indented groove that remains visible throughout the project without marking the finished face of the piece.

2. Marking Hole Positions

Before using a pricking iron, punch, or drill to make stitch holes, many leatherworkers use a scratch awl to mark the exact position of each hole. This is especially useful when working to a pattern or transferring measurements from a template onto leather.

3. Transferring Patterns

When cutting pieces from a paper or card template, a scratch awl can be used to scribe around the edges of the template directly onto the leather, leaving a precise cutting line without the need for a pen or chalk.

4. Piercing Thin or Soft Leather

For lighter leathers, a scratch awl can be used to pierce small holes — for example, to create starter holes before inserting rivets, eyelets, or snap fasteners. The round point stretches the fibres apart rather than cutting them, which can actually make a cleaner, more secure hole in soft or fine-grain leathers.

5. General Workshop Scribing

Beyond leather itself, a scratch awl is a handy general bench tool. It can be used to scribe marks on card, board, or paper patterns, hold pieces in place temporarily, or pick out small components. Seasoned leatherworkers often say it's the tool they use without even thinking about it.

Choosing a Good Scratch Awl

When selecting a scratch awl, look for a few key qualities:

• Point quality — the tip should be smooth, symmetrical, and consistently tapered. A poorly finished tip can drag or tear rather than scribe cleanly.
• Handle comfort — you'll be using this tool repeatedly, so a well-balanced handle that sits comfortably in the hand makes a real difference over a long session.
• Steel hardness — a harder steel point holds its sharpness longer, though it can be more brittle. Most quality awls strike a sensible balance.
• Replaceable tips — some scratch awls come with interchangeable tips, which is a practical feature if you work across a variety of leather types and thicknesses.

A good scratch awl needn't be expensive, but it's worth investing in a quality tool that will last rather than buying the cheapest option and finding the tip bends or dulls quickly.

Caring for Your Scratch Awl

A scratch awl requires very little maintenance, but a few habits will keep it in excellent condition:

• Keep the point sharp — a blunt tip will drag and distort your leather rather than leaving a clean line. A fine sharpening stone or leather strop can be used to maintain the point.
• Avoid rust — wipe the metal tip with a lightly oiled cloth after use, particularly if you work in a damp environment or handle the awl frequently.
• Store safely — always store your scratch awl with the tip protected. A bench roll, tool pouch, or simple cork pushed over the tip will do the job and protect both the tool and your hands.

Where to Buy a Scratch Awl in the UK

If you're looking to add a quality scratch awl or round awl to your leathercraft toolkit, British Leather Supplies stocks a curated selection of awls suited to hobbyists and professional leatherworkers alike. Their range includes traditional wooden-handled scratch awls as well as modern options, all chosen with quality and longevity in mind.

Browse the full collection here: https://www.britishleathersupplies.co.uk/collections/scratch-awls

Final Thoughts

The scratch awl may not be the most exciting tool in your leathercraft kit, but it is one of the most useful. From scribing clean stitch lines to transferring patterns and marking hole positions, it's a tool you'll reach for on almost every project. If you haven't already got one on your bench, it's well worth adding one — you'll quickly wonder how you managed without it.

Happy crafting!

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Post authored by Becky Cocker, leather artisan and owner of British Leather Supplies. If you'd like to explore a curated selection of quality leather tools and sewing supplies, check out our collection at British Leather Supplies. We’re here to help you take your leatherworking skills to the next level.