Axe Files?

B

Bushrat

Joined
Jun 21, 2006
Messages
37
I have some old axe files around the shop. I have anneled & shaped them. What is the best way to heat treat? Should I treat them like 01-TS, or something else?
Thanks in advance.
 
You should treat them as files and get some good (known) steel to file on with them.
 
Welcome to you, Bushrat. Try searching this forum for "file steel". You should find plenty of info with that. Sometimes the search function is a pain here, so I'll give a quick rundown of what I know about file steel.

Somebody (I think it was Ed Caffrey) had a bunch of files tested a couple of years ago. All Nicholsen files came back as 1095, old Black Diamond files came back as 1.23-1.27% C and basicly a 10xx. None of the other brands were consistent as to content. I have used files quite a bit, and here is how I test them. Before I do anything else, I put the tip of each file on my anvil (not flat, at a slight angle) and give it a good whack. I haven't had one that wouldn't break, yet, but this ensures that I'm not wasting my time with case hardened material. Then I normalize it to make grinding easier and grind all of the teeth off the edges. Then I forge/grind just like I would 10xx steel. I quench just like I would 1095, but start tempering at lower temps and adjust according to the brass rod.

I think everyone would agree that it's best to use a known steel to achieve a known result, but I enjoy working with salvaged material from time to time. Just make sure your customers know where it came from.

Good Luck!
Todd
 
I have many friends and co-workers who have talked about the use of a file for a knife.

I have been thinking about a try with one this winter.
I would like you to give it a try and then come back to this forum and post what you think of a file/knife.
 
OK, I apologize for such a terse answer.It was meant to be tongue in cheek.
The point is that there is little way to know what to treat them as.
I can't send Bushrat a PM,so I hope he sees this and understands.
Stacy
 
Todd's got some good advice.... certain files make very good knives.. ..
--just test your heat treatment and temper further if its chippy...

actually... the quality of steel in files is pretty good... not dirty like some leafs can occasionally be..

G
 
Hi Bushrat , I don't have any experience with files but I do have a little experience with that Bladsmth character :D Don't mind him,he means no harm :) Really & truly probably one of the most helpful guys around here,you'll learn when he's just poking fun at you ( I'm sure that was the case here). He did bring up a point that I think is valid though,(about not being able to PM Bushrat). I REALLY wish guys would fill out at least a small portion of their profiles. Its like we're talking to "mystery men" here sometimes.It is just much more personable when you know who you're talking to. Back to files. I have seen some really great looking Rasps that were made into Blades, some with remnants of the teeth still remaining.Do a search like Todd said...you'll come up with quite a bit of info.BTW,welcome to Blade Forums Bushrat :)
 
Hi again. Thanks for all the replys and feed back. Not to worry, no offence taken, and all valid points. I use mostly tool steel and some SS. The file thing I thought I would try, just for fun.
Thanks for the welcome, I will try to modify my profile to allow for PM,s.:)
 
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