i have seen many videos about how to do awl sharpening, in all video teach you how to smooth out awl blade and reshape diamond shape to a oval shape. here in china, when you buy awl and mention french pricking iron awl, you will receive a Hexagonal shaped awl with six facets, instead of 4 facets like blanchard's awl) exactly match to hole shape of french pricking iron. i think if you use oval shape awl to penetrate leather, backside of leather will be oval shape hole and not same as the front side. so heagonal shape awl should be better. is it true?
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@ronnieli The best method is to test it an see what works for you and gives you the results you desire.
In soft leather you are unlikely to notice a difference. Maybe a little difference in firmer leathers.
Personally, I would not use a square end awl (chisel tip) as it's very easy to cut a wider slit by accident. A tapered awl like a sword, easily follows the hole made by the pricking iron.