I have seen plenty of threads about axes in the woods, and I was wondering how many of you take a file in the woods with you, and if you do what your favorite file is. I always carry a file with me, as I have found it to be handy not only in keeping my cutting tools in good shape but also handy when improvising tools. I like nicholsons 8" handy file for such use. Joe
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File In the woods?
- Thread starter camo kid
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I personally dont think a file is the best tool for an Axe..I feel that it isnt the quality of edge I like. I recomend a good stone or even better..a diamond stone. I do think that a small rasp is a good tool to have. One that comes to mind is called a "4inhand" it has 2 different rasp blades..and 2 different shapes..flat and convex.
I have been thinking alot about your post..and I think that a good selection of tools is a great way to live comfortably in the wild. A file would be a good tool to aid in repairs..maybe you could fix a chipped axe or something.
I am currently looking for a good draw knife and some hook blades..these would make a big difference. Using the right tools for the job can make a big difference.
I have been thinking alot about your post..and I think that a good selection of tools is a great way to live comfortably in the wild. A file would be a good tool to aid in repairs..maybe you could fix a chipped axe or something.
I am currently looking for a good draw knife and some hook blades..these would make a big difference. Using the right tools for the job can make a big difference.
gunknifenut, I agree with you on much of what you said. At home I use a file to set the edge then I use a wood block with wet dry paper or a stone to polish, and a strop to finish it. In the woods the file gives me good working edge on my softer axes, that will shave hair with little effort.
The 4 in one hand rasp is a handy tool for replacing ax handles and such as well as for making slingshots, and walking sticks, the only problem is they clog fast on green wood. I also have a good collection of draw knives, and spoke shaves,but they can be cumbersome to cary, and you need two hands to use them. In the woods finding a make shift vice, or shaving horse is not allways easy. For long term living they would be allmost essintial. Joe
The 4 in one hand rasp is a handy tool for replacing ax handles and such as well as for making slingshots, and walking sticks, the only problem is they clog fast on green wood. I also have a good collection of draw knives, and spoke shaves,but they can be cumbersome to cary, and you need two hands to use them. In the woods finding a make shift vice, or shaving horse is not allways easy. For long term living they would be allmost essintial. Joe
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I keep a garden file handy most of the time. It's a single/double mill with an integral handle. Does good work and can make a pretty fine edge with a gentle touch.
i have a couple of big files that i use from time to time downstairs in the shop. for field sharpening a strop usually does it for me, and when it doesn't i have some 400 grit wet/dry that can take most small dings out.
i have found that even if you manage to chip or dull an axe, it will still cut enough for basic firewood and shelter duties. not as pleasant to use, but it will do...
i have found that even if you manage to chip or dull an axe, it will still cut enough for basic firewood and shelter duties. not as pleasant to use, but it will do...
I found a little metal file in the hardware store. It is for sharpening garden tools. It fits right in my nite ize pocket pouch along with s Smith's diamond sharpening rod. Great way to freshen up my hatchet and fixed blade in the field. It also works on my saw teeth. I use a Spydie Sharpmaker to put the edges of the knife and hatchet back on right when I get back home.
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- Jun 30, 2008
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I took a file and rasp with me from the shop once, and the file had a sharp metal handle. Didn't seem to matter how well I wrapped it up, because when I went to fetch it from my pack, I realized it had already made a hole in the pack and fallen out somewhere. Now I have a file with a wooden handle, heheh.
I like the rasp for constructing semi-permanent shelters in favorite spots, since you can really work a large log with it to get a nice tight-fitting joint. I want to be sure that the structure can hold up against a dump of snow, so I use the rasp to ensure where each log meets the other is very snug. It is just not as easy to do this with a knife or axe, but the rasp is fast and easy. :thumbup:
I like the rasp for constructing semi-permanent shelters in favorite spots, since you can really work a large log with it to get a nice tight-fitting joint. I want to be sure that the structure can hold up against a dump of snow, so I use the rasp to ensure where each log meets the other is very snug. It is just not as easy to do this with a knife or axe, but the rasp is fast and easy. :thumbup:
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- Jan 14, 2008
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- 1,576
I carry the file, that came with my Martindale paratrooper, which is at the moment my primary Wilderness blade.
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Peter
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Peter
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I had a Western brand sheath knife that had a file and whet stone with pockets in the sheath for each. There was also a pocket in the back of the sheath, I was told it was to carry a spare bow string. It was left to me by my dad, and I'm fairly certain it was all factory original. The knife was stolen from my back pack in Montana in the early seventies, and I've never seen another one since. It was a very handy little outfit, a file in the hands of an experienced user is a very versatile tool.