Question on file work

[Rusty Snuffers]

I'm making a handle for this Helle blade I bought and was thinking of doing a little file work on the top of the blade.  Would doing so hurt the blade in any way?  This is one of the triple laminated blades from Helle, the Harding.  I figured I'd ask before messing something up since I wasn't sure if this was typically done before or after hardening the blade.

Thanks,
Rusty

[gudspelr]

Some of the smart guys on here will hopefully come along, but my 2 cents says it won't hurt the blade.  I think most guys do file work before hardening simply because it's easier on the guy doing it as well as the files   .  Good luck and be sure to post pics.


Jeremy

[Ragnarok Forge]

It should not hurt it at all when done properly.  Keep the file work from cutting all the way across the spine.  I do all my main file work on annealed blades, and then finish work them after hardening.

[Bodork]

I've done a little file work on helle blades before with no ill effect.

[Rusty Snuffers]

Thanks guys.