???

[jw517]

I am wondering why a case hardened file is not a good choice of material.

 

[stephanfowler]

because sometimes beauty that is only skin deep gets ugly.......

 

[rocketmann]

Case hardened steel is only hard on the outside. It does not contain carbon which is what makes a steel able to be heat treated into a blade. Once you grind or heat the case hardened steel it is no longer able to be rehardened.. Hope that helps !!

 

[jw517]

Ok! I have never tried a file and did not know! You dudes are smart!

 

[jw517]

How in the hell do ya harden the outside layer of steel! I know your laughing at me!

 

[JTknives]

you infuse carbon into the skin while the steel is red-white hot.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You cover it with a case hardening powder and heat it, or put it in a carbon rich atmosphere and heat it . The carbon penetrates the outer skin a small depth, creating a high carbon surface (hard) with a low carbon core (softer). Heat it up again, or grind into it, and it is all soft steel.
Stacy