I've just gotten started in making my own books, and this awl is just what I need for punching holes. I had an awl with a plastic handle, but I know this one with it's metal-reinforced handle will be just what I should have had all along. One small note - the handle on the awl I received is a darker wood and matte-finished, not light and glossy like the one pictured, but that makes absolutely no difference to performance.