Grobett - Vallarobe escapement files are superb for miniature work, as they are made specifically for watchmakers.
They are smaller and thinner than needle files. Most major brands of escapement files are good,too.
Escapement files cut size runs from #00 to #6 The #0 is great for rough filing of slots and plunges, and then #2 and #4 for finishing up.If you only buy one cut, get #2. Be aware that espacement files are not cheap. A set of 12 runs about $150, sets of six are $70-80. They are sold individually for $10-15 each.The barrette shape is the one you will use most of the time.
My other favorite file type/Brand is the Valtitan needle file. These are special made and Rockwell at Rc72. They are a bit larger than the escapement files. They sell for about the same price - $10-15 each, and $70-80 a six file set. Needle files come in cut size 0,2,4,6. #6 will leave a finish about the same as 180 grit paper. The #2 is the most useful, with #0 being really good for rough filing.
Be aware that any abuse or overflexing of these types of super hard and super thin files will snap off the blade in a heart-beat. This is about the same as tearing up a $10 bill and tossing it in the trash can. When I break one, I keep the broken piece and use a pin vise to hold it . That sometimes works better than the small handle did. Using a metal file handle on escapement and needle files is always a good idea, anyway.
Not everybody needs or wants such expensive files. The Chinese needle file and escapement sets sell for $10-15 a set. They are certainly not going to last like the top grade ones....but they are less than 1/10th the cost. I keep several sets and use them for the jobs that don't require extreme hardness, or the tasks that easily snap a file. When worn down or damaged, I use them as stock to make mini knives and swords. They are often listed as "Economy Files".
Here is a link to a seller showing both side-by-side.
http://www.asapwoodworking.com/inde... Pattern Needle File Sets For Template Making
The search words for on-line searches are Escapement files. Needle Files, Watchmakers files. Brand searches are Vallarobe, Grobett, and Valtitan.
Needle files can be re-shaped and ground down for specific mini knife making tasks. Use your belt grinder and a 120 grit belt to carefully ( avoid heating the file) grind a file thinner and smaller. Only make these files about 1" long. This makes for easy filing of guard slots. Often a set will have shapes that you don't need....or you break a file....use these to re-shape into special files. Remember that the thinner and smaller the tip, the easier it breaks. Use mini files with as little pressure as possible. If you bend it it
will break.
