Multitool.org Forum
+-

Hello Lurker! Remove this ad and much more by logging in.


How to sharpen the Pioneer's awl

Brock O Lee · 4 · 143
« previous next »
Pages: 1   Go Down

au Offline Brock O Lee

  • *
  • Hero Member
  • *****
    • Posts: 632
How to sharpen the Pioneer's awl
on: April 29, 2026, 10:52:38 AM
This might be useful to Tormek users...

This week I found an effective way to sharpen the inline awl on the 93mm alox models, like the Pioneer.

I've mangled my fair share of inline awls over the last 25+ years. Both while using them, and while attempting to resharpen them, freehand and with jigs... So this feels like a long overdue victory.  :woohoo:

I use a Tormek T8 with
- multibase (to run the wheel edge trailing)
- extended universal support (to get the steep angle)
- small knife holder jig (to clamp the SAK's body)
- SG-250 grinding wheel, of which I rounded the corners with a cheap diamond plate (rounded corners to match the round termination of the awl's cutting edge near the pivot)



How:
- adjust the grinding angle to match the existing angle of the awl's cutting edge
- run the wheel away from the edge (edge trailing)
- cut a new edge
- I deburred with a Spyderco Ultrafine triangle stone
- finish with a light stropping (I did not use the Tormek here)

The result looks pretty much exactly like the factory edge, in the eye of this beholder...



I've now fixed the awls on several old cross alox's, and old standard issue Soldiers. So satisfying!



« Last Edit: April 29, 2026, 11:36:19 AM by Brock O Lee »
Hans
Merit Badges Must post a step by step pictorial of a knife or multitool modification (scale swap not included) Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Victorinox Cadet and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Alox SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo  of 84 and 85 mm Swiss Army Knives (and Wengers) for 30 days Start a thread with photos of at least five different colored ALOX models in your collection Start a new thread and post a photo of the minimal sak (2 layers or fewer) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of at least 5 different 111mm models in your collection Start a new thread with a photo of custom or non standard SAK scales in your collection Start a new thread with photos of your titanium gear with a multitool or sak Start a new thread and post a picture of fire making kit or fire with a multitool Must start a thread with a photo of at least three (3) of your watches Start a new thread with a photo showing the Hook in use Start a new thread and post a photo of a flashlight as part of your EDC Start a new thread with a photo showing the axe in use

fi Offline Antti Lammi

  • Global Moderator
  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *
    • Posts: 7,877
  • Only Tools Matters
Re: How to sharpen the Pioneer's awl
Reply #1 on: April 29, 2026, 12:16:50 PM
I have used my Wave diamond file to sharpen my PX awl, its not perfect but it does job.
Merit Badges Start a new thread with photos of at least 12 different Wenger models in your collection Must start a thread with a photo of at least five (5) of your watches Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Vic Spirit MT for sixty (60) consecutive days. Participate in a challenge thread and post a photo of a SAK Cybertool (any variant), Swisschamp, Champion or Toolchest for sixty (60) consecutive days. ? Must put something in order and provide link to the post. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one black edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one red edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a SAK-alike, aka multi-layered, knife-based pocket tools for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of at least 12 SAKs of different frame lengths and/or shapes in your collection. Eg 58mm, 74mm, 84mm regular, 84mm slim, 85mm etc Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. For 30 consecutive days carry a SAK with a magnifying glass, and post a picture every day in the designated thread. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a SAK, duct tape, and paperclip, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a challenge by carrying  a Combo Edged knife or Multitool and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Find him! Start a new thread with photos of at least 3 different 130mm models in your collection Start a new thread with photos of at least 5 different 111mm models in your collection Must start a thread with a photo of your camo SAK Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Alox SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of at least 8 different Wenger models in your collection Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Explorer SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days.

au Offline Brock O Lee

  • *
  • Hero Member
  • *****
    • Posts: 632
Re: How to sharpen the Pioneer's awl
Reply #2 on: April 29, 2026, 01:02:21 PM
Yup, there are many ways to skin a cat...

I also did a fair few freehand jobs in the past. They were functionally ok, but never turned out quite as well as had I planned.
Hans
Merit Badges Must post a step by step pictorial of a knife or multitool modification (scale swap not included) Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Victorinox Cadet and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Alox SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo  of 84 and 85 mm Swiss Army Knives (and Wengers) for 30 days Start a thread with photos of at least five different colored ALOX models in your collection Start a new thread and post a photo of the minimal sak (2 layers or fewer) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of at least 5 different 111mm models in your collection Start a new thread with a photo of custom or non standard SAK scales in your collection Start a new thread with photos of your titanium gear with a multitool or sak Start a new thread and post a picture of fire making kit or fire with a multitool Must start a thread with a photo of at least three (3) of your watches Start a new thread with a photo showing the Hook in use Start a new thread and post a photo of a flashlight as part of your EDC Start a new thread with a photo showing the axe in use

us Offline AzteCypher

  • *
  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,341
Re: How to sharpen the Pioneer's awl
Reply #3 on: April 29, 2026, 11:16:23 PM
This is good info.  Thank you!

 :cheers:
May the best of your past, be the worst of your future.

Merit Badges Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Victorinox Cadet and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days.  Carry tools with single functions only. No multi-tools, no multi-layer Swiss Army Knives, no combo one-piece tools and post a photo for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of a fixed blade for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of at least 12 SAKs of different frame lengths and/or shapes in your collection. Eg 58mm, 74mm, 84mm regular, 84mm slim, 85mm etc Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a keychain tool with pliers, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days Take part in the christmas pool or a rak type giveaway. Those wanting to say thank you for a rak may also nominate for the santa. Start a new thread and post a photo of a traditional folder for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one green edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a SAK, duct tape, and paperclip, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. ? Build your own version of an MRE using off-the-shelf components, post a photo of the completed MRE and store at room temperature for 6 days or more. Consume the MRE after the storage period and post pictures and descriptions of the contents. Participate in a challenge by carrying  a Combo Edged knife or Multitool and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Find him! Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Buck knife or tool, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Utility Knife for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo daily of any SAK 74mm or smaller ( you can switch it up daily ) for thirty (30) consecutive days.  Post a pic for Halloween of your pumpkin (or turnip or gourd or whatever you traditionally carve for Halloween!) being carved by any SAK, multitool, pocket or woods knife you may own!  Only available once a year Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Delemont SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Complete a 30 day challenge for carrying a different Multi tool each day of the week based on one of the daily carry threads Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Traditional Scout Knife (No SAK's Allowed) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of any gear for thirty (30) consecutive days during the MTo anniversary month.

Pages: 1   Go Up
 

Donations
Operational Funds

Help us keep the Unworkable working!
Donate with PayPal!
April Goal: $300.00
Due Date: Apr 30
Total Receipts: $135.65
PayPal Fees: $8.11
Net Balance: $127.54
Below Goal: $172.46
Site Currency: USD
43% 
April Donations

Community Links
Multitool.org
Multitool Gallery
Multitool Encyclopedia
SAKWiki
Swiss Army Knights

Powered by EzPortal