The awls in the picture have a point that quickly gets fat - this is for working
between sailcloth fibers and spreading open a hole. Rope awls (fids) are
traditionally wood.  The skinny metal spikes with the little flat at the  ip are
for working wire rope, but they do a good job on fiber rope too.

Ed Minch




On Apr 23, 2015, at 5:14 PM, John Ruth  wrote:

> Tony,
> 
> How does one distinguish " a metal sail maker's awl" from other types of metal
awl?
> 
> Are there distinguishing characteristics? 
> 
> Is that a setscrew protruding from the side?
> 
> Yet another thing to add to my coll.... err accumulation of seafarer's tools.
> 
> John Ruth