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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: bjansen on April 19, 2013, 08:44:00 AM

Title: File recommendation
Post by: bjansen on April 19, 2013, 08:44:00 AM

I am in need of some decent files and I wanted to ask for advice on the types/cut of metal files that you use most in your knifemaking (specifically for working on the blade/squaring shoulders, etc.)  I was looking at the grobet 3 sided files but given the many options of length/cut I was curious what works best for you.  

I would appreciate any insight.  Thanks

Title: Re: File recommendation
Post by: Bladepeek on April 19, 2013, 10:40:00 AM

I'm sure you will get some recommendations from a lot of good bladesmiths on which files to buy first. One recommendation I have is that you create a "safe edge" on several of your files.

I use the flat platten on my bench grinder and a fresh belt to grind one side of a 3-corner file and one edge of a flat file flat and smooth. One pass on the grinder and into the cooling water - those teeth are quite small and heat quickly. I then polish the smooth edge/side on progressively finer grits on a glass plate to a mirror polish.

Really helps when you have one surface just right and don't want to enlarge it while working on an adjacent area.