file knife -1st attempt

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willp58

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Mar 2, 2001
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I am going to attempt my first knife and it will be out of a file. I have carbide drills so the holes should be no problem. My question is should the file be drawn back to reduce the brittleness? If so, at what temperature? Thanks! bill P
 
Yes. Before you do anything else you should anneal it and normalize it. Otherwise you will make a very small knife.
 
Thanks for the reply, would you know the temp I should use? Also would you know what kind of steel files are made of? This is a common 6 inch bastard. Thanks Bill P
 
I don't know the kind of steel. It is different depending on age, brand Etc.

Bring the steel to Non-magnatic and allow to cool on it's own. Bring it to the same heat and push it in a pile of vermiculite.

Do this from time to time to reduce stress in the steel.
 
Ok, I guess I'll start at about 700 deg, then
rockwell it. If I get aroung 56-58 I'll quit. Thanks.

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It's not what is said, it's who says it.
 
You are sure to get more knowledgeable advice than this but here goes. As I understand it, many newer files are not compatible with knifemaking i.e. cheaper asian one etc. Older files, in particular, Black Diamond brand are of superior material but do need to be annealed prior to forging. To anneal, you must bring the file to a non-magnetic state - 1550 degrees or so, and cool slowly - bury it in vermiculite for example. Also, normalizing is highly recommended. Do this prior to the anneal by bringing it to non-magnetic and allow it to air cool to room temp. hope this helps and good luck.
 
Ok, so a full anneal is necessary first , I was thinking just draw it back some to maybe 56-58 RC. After the shaping is done then I'd have to reharden it? This sounds like files are not such a good idea after all. Thanks for the info, Bill P

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It's not what is said, it's who says it.
 
Bill, Anneal first, heat to non-magnetic,cool slowly in ash or vermiculite, profile, grind, shape, drill etc. Then normalize, non-magnetic, air cool. Take back up to non-mag, quench in water or oil. Temper at 450 in oil and you should be in the ball park. good luck. It will depend on the file composition. The process described above will work on W-1 type steels. Terry
 
Bill, go for it. A file is a good idea. Don't be intimidated by the heat treat process, its fairly simple - just use a magnet. Give it a try, even if it doesn't work out you will enjoy the effort and learn mass quanities! Keep us informed of how it goes and what you learn, I plan on doing a file soon. Les

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Who is John Galt?
 
Storyville, excellent reference, I now have the actual temps used, I'll give it a shot. Thank you, Bill P

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It's not what is said, it's who says it.
 
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