I bind quilts professionally and let me tell you, the binding needles from Primitive Gatherings are a game-changer. I won't use any other needle. For thread, I usually use Bottom Line, it's strong but very fine and nobody can see my stitches.
Regarding your description of "putting a nail spike through the fabric"... I have actually used a needle so much I wore the coating off of it. I realized I was getting drag on the needle, swapped it out for a new one, what a difference! Like a hot knife through butter.
And seriously - treat yourself and buy the binding needles.