add filework?

J

Jason Fry

Joined
Jun 5, 2008
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I 'd like to hear some discussion on filework in general. Why do you choose to add or not to use filework on your knives? In your opinion, does it add or subtract from the overall piece? When you design a knife, does your initial design include the filework, or is it an afterthought?
 
IMO, I've seen file work added to knives with mediocre fit and finish, and to me it just makes the knife look that much worse. Then again, I've seen file work added to a masterpiece like those produced by T.A. Davison, and it just makes the knife pop that much more.

I think that if the finished work is sound, the file work, if tastefully done, can add a new dimension to the knife. You've got to be careful not to go overboard.

Then again, I've seen plenty of EDC's that would be ruined in my eyes if file work was added.

Very subjective topic, and everyone has an armpit....er....opinion.

--nathan
 
File work us usually used to dress up the looks of a knife. It can also be used as a means of adding a non slip area where the user's thumb rests on top of the blade. File work is done prior to heat treating, and can be worked into most knife designs. Some file work introduces more stress risers than others. For this reason, on blades used to pry, such as a combat knife, I usually don't apply file work forward of the guard.

Jim Arbuckle
ABS JS
 
Personally I like the file work. Here is one of Rusty Prestons'
Jim
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I think one of the very best places for file work is on the back of a pocket folder such as that pictured. Beautiful knife, Jim.

--nathan
 
Quality filework is gosh darn gorgeous, as J.T. shows above. Tha being siad...on a linerlock or backlock, "Go for it"....
On a slipjoint, it is frigging gorgeous, but "Does it compromise the strength and longevitiy of survival of the backspring?"

I know what I think, but that may not be a tested fact........
It is still Gorgeous!
And I would really appreciate responses.........
 
Here is one by WT Fuller, front lock, the file work is not cut as near as deep as the one by Rusty.

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It seems to me that file work is either a great thing or NOT. Not much in between... Wonderful examples above.:thumbup:
 
I like looking at good filework on a well done knife. I despise poor filework on a poorly made knife.

I don't like doing file work, I think that gunk tends to accumulate in it and since most of my knifes are "using" knives it's just another maintenance headache.

I know that as I make more "pretty" knives that I'll have to add filework but at the moment I'm working on other skills that seem more important to me. I do have some customers request filework and I do my best to accomodate them. I usually do some examples in mild steel and shoot them a picture for approval.
 
IMO, I've seen file work added to knives with mediocre fit and finish, and to me it just makes the knife look that much worse.
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I couldnt agree more , and the same can be said for engraving (or the latest crave "carving" ) , and other embellishments and use of high end materials to cover mediocre work.

If the knife is made right , file work can be used to accentuate the piece , as Mr Prestons work shows , it should not be used as the highlight of the piece.
 
I put filework on most of my knive because I believe that it enhances the over all appearance, it just something that I like doing. But not all of my knives have filework just on some series. I run a series of designs and add something unique about it. There is never a additional charge for the work it just a bonus on that knife. As a illustration here is one that I like, it reminds me of the crown that was placed on the head of Christ.:)

Terry


filework2.jpg
 
I think the overstated filework that a couple of really good slipjoint makers are well known for only looks nice until you see one of their knives with little or no filework. So basically, I think all filework is a substraction from otherwise well executed work.
 
I have just a couple of fixed blades, this is one with the G-11 that someone is selling over in the supplies for sale.:rolleyes: The file work adds to it, IMHO.
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I have done file work on my knives and now I do NOT. (I do file the inside of the spring on all my folders.)
When I started doing slip joints I had done so much file work, and liked it.
But I wanted to be taken serious as a knife maker. And some collectors THINK that you are trying to hide something or they just don't like it.
For like reasons mentioned above - that it takes away from the knife it self.

If you are going to do it - DO IT WELL!!

And like I said above, I have done my share of it, on guns and knives.
Here are some photos of my work, and I do not do the guns any more either.
Only did one rifle (A puma 38 - 357 stainless.) but I did a bunch of pistols.

Todd




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2 types of filework imo.

1. functional, as stated, to provide grip in certain areas, namely the thumb rest on top of a blade and the choil area. I'm a fan of good jimping. It really helps to get a good grip. Bad jimping stinks.

2. artistic. Like the slipjoints shown, it can be a stunning addition to a great piece. The examples given are outstanding. The knives in my price range don't usually have this kind heh.
 
Thanks for the input. Those folders, and the guns, are top of the line. I have been making fixed blade knives, and have done filework on many of them. As I progress, I'm finding that I don't really want filework on EVERY knife, like I did earlier. I usually fill in the filework within the handle, like the knife James posted, and I usually leave it open for grip/jimping on the blade itself. I think for myself, the filework fad is fading in favor of better fit and finish, particularly handle finishing and scratches in the curvy parts.
 
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