Observation

This question was quite popular among the candidates, majority of whom scored average marks. The question required candidates to mention any two sharpening tools used in leather works in the (a) part of the question and differentiate between scratch awl and stitching awl in the (b) part of the question. Candidates were expected to describe any three of the tools listed above in the (c) part of the question. Most candidates were unable to state the tools used for sharpening in the (a) part of the question, however, the differences between scratch awl and stitching awl was limited to their functions while the dissimilarities in their physical features was omitted in the (b) part. Majority of the candidates were able to describe swivel knife, stamps and punches in the (c) part of the question.
           
            Candidates were expected to answer thus to obtain maximum marks:

(a)      (i)       Oil stone.
(ii)      Sharpening strop.
(iii)     Emery paper.
(iv)     Sharpening stone.
(v)      File (metal file).
(vi)     Carborundum.
(vii)    Emery cloth.
(viii)   Emery wheel.

(b)      Scratch awl is a tool used to stab location marks on leather pieces when cutting out Pattern. Stitching awl has a diamond shaped blade to pierce holes in leather so that a blunt needle can pass through.

(c)      (i)       Swivel knife: This is a small knife with replaceable blades used in very specific way when            carving leather. It is a device that requires artistic flair and manual dexterity when in use.

(ii)      Stamps: These are steel tools comprising a shank and a head with an inscribed design on its            surface, to be held horizontally and used for creating designs on damp leather.

(iii)     Punches: These are variously shaped steel tools used for cutting out a particular shape from               a piece of leather. The cutting part is fixed to a shank and the shank is struck with a hammer so that the metal slices or perforates the leather.
(iv)     Skiving knife: This is a flat piece of metal angled at one end. The angled side is beveled to a sharp edge that is kept razor-sharp and used for reducing the thickness of a piece of            leather edge to facilitate folding.

           (v)      Lacing fid: This is a hand-held tool for enlarging holes when lacing. It is a tool with a            wooden handle, a round and long metal that tapers at an end.