Hi every1. I've got a leatherman Wave, but i think one of the things it lacks is an awl. i have an idea of grinding down one of the screwdrivers and then just hope it looks like and does something similar to an awl. but 1) i have no metalworking expirience 2) i dont know which screwdriver i wont really need and 3) i dont want to mess up my favourite toy. ideas would be appreated. cheers.

Hi WOFT,<br>I vote you leave it alone. The small screwdriver should be good enough to poke holes in things and the fine tip on the main blade can be used to enlarge the hole.<br><br>Alternatively, you can carry something else as well, that has an awl, like an SAK Soldier, for instance. Or get a small pocket knife and grind the small blade even smaller and use it for an awl. Or you can buy a different multitool.

thanks hoodoo. i suppose that is the best bet.

As an alternative, one could just go get a dedicated awl! A web search or visit to a ship's chandlery, upholstery shop, shoe repair or saddlers will provide a nice array of large needles.

I agree with "don't do it" Folly to wreck one tool to gain a second. The minute you do, you'll find need for the first. Awls are cheap, easy to find and light. Besides there's stuff all over the ground that will do what an awl does but won't do what a screwdriver does. Just my opinion . . .

Its very easy to midify your wave to work better for you. I ground down the next to smallest blade to make an awl and use it frequently. Just take your time and don't over heat it. Then I slightly slimmed down the next largest one to make it the medium size between the smallest and the largest. Its really very easy and useful. Why carry an extra tool or not have what you need when it is right there. akraven@alaska.net

I like a small machinists scribe, found at 'most any hardware store for about $6 US. A nice knurled metal handle that the shaft fits in when not in use, making is safe to carry and shorter...

The small screwdriver blade works fairly well as an awl, just as it is. I wouldn't modify this blade any further because it is the right size to fit my eyeglass screws, a real essential item these days. Any nail can become a very decent awl if needed. Or, come to think of it, almost any bone fragment that might come to hand is awl you need - a split deer ulna is perfect, and endorsed by countless prehistoric generations around the world. In short, an awl is so easy to improvise/substitue for, that carrying one is not a big deal for me.