A question on the cut on a file

Talesin

Talesin

Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
139
I have searched the forums and found a lot of good information but, I was not able to find what type of cut I should look for on a file.

When looking to buy files do you go with a single cut or a double cut.

The files I have found have the grate surface either all \ or they have \ and / on the same side.
 
Typically, files come in Bastard cut, 2nd cut, and smooth... those three terms refer to the aggressiveness of the teeth. Single cut and double cut refer to what you are calling grate surface (double cut), and / (single cut). You will also find hand files (typically double cut), and mill files (single cut). As the length of the file gets shorter, the teeth get finer as well. A 12" bastard cut mill file will have coarser teeth than an 8" bastard cut mill file. There are also what are known as low or long angle lathe files, but they are more of a specialty tool. Many more types, but the aforementioned are the most common. I would suggest a larger bastard double cut file for hogging material, then a set of medium length mill files in all three cuts to progressively finish up to where you will need a bunch of wet/dry sandpaper as a start. Much better control of the angle/shape of finished project will be possible when used to "draw file" rather than a sawing action. Hope this helps some,

Brian
 
Thanks guys. This question has been driving me a little batty. So I'll need approximately 4 files then correct? Also, I'll do the initial shaping with the big bastard mill file, followed by the second-cut, then move to the smooth, and finally I'll draw file using the smooth correct?

Why is it called draw-filing when the files all cut on the push? Would it be better to file with the point towards me or away for this part?

I read that article and it was pretty informative. Thanks bladsmth.
 
Draw filing can be done with a pushing motion or pulling motion. The key is that the file is held more or less 90 degrees across the blade, but the motion is lengthwise along the blade. It is a sideways scraping motion rather than a back and forth sawing motion. IMO this technique works best with single cut files, but it can be done at any stage in shaping, it is not only for the finishing stages. Once you get the technique it produces a much flatter surface than cross-cut filing.

I would use the double cut (second cut?) for roughing and heavy removal, use a single cut to clean up and refine, then maybe use a smooth to remove as many heavy scratches as possible. Truth be told I would probably skip the last and go to sandpaper at that point.
 
If you are going to be doing a bunch of hand filed knives you might want to consider making a sen. They are great for hogging off steel by hand.

Wayne S
 
As a minimum you need one large bastard file and one fine singe cut file to finish off with by draw filing.
If you like a nice round ricasso line, that can be done with a round file (like a chain saw file)
But once you get going you'll find that you'll never have to many files and want to try out all the files you gan get :)
 
Thanks guys. The sen seems kinda neat, but it's a little above my ability level and I don't have a forge made yet to make one. I'll be building a forge eventually, but I am going to start with Stock Removal Blades first. I'm going to start on my first knife probably next week once I get my materials and workshop area in order. My buddy and I just finished building a 2'x4'x8' work bench for this.

I have a general purpose mill file right now that is 8' long and single cut on one side and double cut on the other. I'm pretty sure that being a "General Purpose" that is is going to be the "second-cut" coarseness, so I'll have to buy a single cut bastard for the initial shaping. I'm also going to get myself a round file for filing the ricasso area and the plunge line.

I'll make another thread sometime this week with pics of potential knife designs to see what you guys think.
 
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