cleaning up file work after hardening and tempering

[440-c]

a question about file work: How do you clean up file work after heat treating and tempering? I spent alot of time on the file work only to have it turn gray after treating. I should have thought about it before hand but that is beside the point now. What is the procedure? The blade is way to hard to file after the harding and tempering. I think a wire brush will round the corners maybe. Any suggestions. Thanks

 

[Nathan L]

if it helps you any i wrap sand paper around the files and go back like i was filling it to clean it up.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Just my opinion but, filework should be polished to look finished. Sand to at least 600 grit using your files as guides. Rubber abrasive wheels can also be used. Polish with rouge on felt wheels.

 

[insanity]

Diamond files are good. A lot of the time I will get the cuts to 600 grit and then polish the spine.

Wayne Suhrbier

 

[440-c]

Thanks guys.