Translation guide
A small pointed tool used for piercing holes in leather, wood, or other materials. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 千枚通し (senmaidōshi), but other terms exist depending on the specific type and context.
awl (general)
A tool for making holes in materials like leather, paper, or wood, often used in crafting or bookbinding.
The most common and general term for an awl. Literally 'piercing a thousand sheets', it is used for leather, paper, and similar materials.
I make a hole in the leather with an awl.
Often used in sewing and crafts for making holes or marking fabric. Can refer to a stiletto or awl.
I mark the fabric with an awl.
A traditional Japanese awl, often used in woodworking or bamboo crafts. Less common in everyday contexts.
The craftsman makes a hole in the bamboo with a tsukigiri.
A specific awl used in shoemaking or heavy leatherwork, often with a curved blade.
An awl used in woodworking for marking or starting holes.
A descriptive term for a woodworking awl. Often used to distinguish from leather awls.
I make a pilot hole with a woodworking awl.
A loanword for 'bradawl', a specific type of woodworking awl with a flat tip. Used in technical contexts.
A bradawl is used in woodworking.
In Japanese, the specific term for 'awl' depends on the material and craft. 千枚通し is the safest general term, but in leathercraft, レザーアウル is common, and in woodworking, 木工用千枚通し may be used.
The leather awl has a curved tip.