Vintage or antique scratch awl, a pointed tool used to make holes in materials leather or wood. Awls are versatile tools used to mark surfaces, create pilot holes for screws or nails, and guide stitching in various crafts.
The design features a tapered metal shaft with a sharp point and a dark, rounded wooden handle.
Historically, variations of this tool, such as a sailor's marlin spike or a stitching awl, have been used for tasks like separating rope fibers or hand-sewing heavy materials like canvas.
This type of tool is often found in vintage collections and can be a collectible item for woodworking or leatherworking enthusiasts.