Awl – Sumi Black / Honey Beige

The Warmth of Fine Wood, Held in Your Hand

Story

Tools that feel wonderfully natural in your hand, bringing a gentle sense of comfort with every use. 

Meet Cohana’s new Solid Wood Awl, carved from a single piece of fine hardwood.

Sumi Black is crafted from striped ebony, a rich and substantial hardwood of high quality, while Honey Beige is crafted from Japanese birch, a beautiful wood with a warm, deep-toned grain and a soft, delicate texture. 

Each hexagonal handle is carefully finished by a traditional craftsperson certified by Kagawa Prefecture, with expertise in ranma carving, a traditional form of decorative wood carving. The refined shape combines beautiful geometric lines with a soft, comfortable feel in the hand.

Carved from Solid Wood

Every piece of natural wood has its own character.

The grain, color, and subtle variations depend on which part of the wood is used. No two handles are exactly alike—making each tool uniquely yours.

With use, the wood develops a deeper luster and richer character over time, becoming even more beautiful as it ages.

A Hexagonal Handle, Designed for the Hand

The clean, hexagonal shape features beautiful geometric edges. While the handle has distinct corners, it feels surprisingly gentle in the hand, naturally conforming to your fingers. 

A gentle slope along the shaft allows the handle to sit naturally in the palm, providing a secure and comfortable grip. Even when working on delicate, detailed tasks, it helps keep your hand steady for precise and stable handling.

The thoughtful design also prevents the tool from rolling when placed on your work surface. With its beautiful, craft-inspired design and excellent practicality, this is a cherished companion that will stay by your side for years of creative work.

The Awl comes with a dark brown tassel accented with gold thread and a dark brown leather case.

The Role of an Awl: Shaping, Guiding, and Piercing

Shaping Corners: When turning out the corners of collars, pockets, bags, and other sewn pieces, use the sharp tip to gently push out the corners from the inside, creating clean, defined angles.

Guiding Fabric: Use the awl to guide and support fabric in tight spaces near the presser foot where your fingers cannot reach, helping prevent the fabric from shifting when sewing curves or other delicate sections. 

Piercing and Thread Cleanup: Use the sharp tip to make holes for rivets, snaps, or button placement, or to pick out loose thread ends left behind after unpicking stitches.

Producing Region

Kagawa

Producer

Handles | Asakura Chokokuten / Takamatsu City, Kagawa

Since its founding in 1868 (the first year of the Meiji era) as a miyadaiku—a master builder of traditional shrines and temples—Asakura Chokokuten has remained dedicated to working with wood with care and integrity, pursuing uncompromising craftsmanship throughout its history.

Their philosophy is to take beautiful wood and elevate its beauty even further before sending it out, creating pieces that people can appreciate both with their eyes and through touch. Guided by this belief, they continue to refine their skills and embrace new challenges, always striving to take their craft one step forward.

Handling Precautions

Intended Use
• This product is designed as an awl. Do not use for any purpose other than its intended use.

Leather Cover & Silk Tassel
• The genuine leather cover may stretch or shrink slightly over time. Exposure to water or perspiration may cause discoloration or staining.
• The silk tassel may fade or discolor due to friction, moisture, or direct sunlight.

Handling & Safety
• The tip of the awl is sharp. Handle with care.
• Wipe the tip dry if it becomes wet to help prevent rust.
• Always replace the cover after use.
• Avoid prolonged storage in direct sunlight or at high temperatures.
• Dropping or subjecting the product to strong impact may cause damage.
• Keep out of reach of infants and young children.