1. As nouns the difference between Awl and icepick is that Awl is a pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc the blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad Awl, saddler's Awl, shoemaker's Awl, etc while icepick is a pointed tool, rather like an Awl, used for breaking ice.