I'm in the process of making a sheath. The leather is about 3.5mm thick and I'm having problems getting the awl through it. I've gone through about six blades now and it's becoming expensive and extremely frustrating. When only the tip bends I've been re-sharpening to extend the life, but in most cases the blade bends significantly beyond repair. I'm onto my last blade and when this one goes I'm going to be stuck. Is there anyway to soften the leather a little to make the job easier? Will wetting it have any detrimental effects?