My $18 awl was a dud until I sanded the handle down
Picked up a cheap awl from the craft store last month because my old one kept slipping in my grip. Cost me 18 bucks and the handle was way too slick, my hand was cramping after two signatures. Took some 120 grit sandpaper and roughed up the whole grip, now it feels like a totally different tool. Anyone else had to modify budget tools just to make them usable for long stitching sessions?