Beautiful traditional wooden handled awl, hand-made by Swedish woodworking tool makers S. Djarv Hantverk AB.

This awl is conventionally used to make a small starter hole for a screw, but it is also an excellent tool to help pole lathe metal centers get a good start, reducing the chance of a billet being thrown off the lathe.

To use, simply find the center at each end of your rounded billet, locate the awl, and turn it a few times backwards and forwards. Remember to add some wax to the starter hole for best results.

• Iron length: 60mm (2 3/8")
• Total length: 150mm (6")
• Turned and ribbed handle in lightly oiled Swedish elm

Once you own an awl, you will be amazed at how many uses it has. This tool feels lovely in the hand and is a must-have.