I used it as it came, do you sharpen them more when you get them ?, I got two blades from Abbey they are heavier gauge than the ones they stock at the local shop
I've made a few pouches, and leads, tried to make a start on some thick bridle and the tip of a new awl blade folded after less than ten holes, I've heard it is sometimes better to use a thin drill bit for the bridle, might give that a try
There was a seedy sex case type called porter back in the early 90's, one morning walking across the tall rape stubbles one of the lads declared it porters paradise