file knives

[Reynaldo Garza]

I'm making knives from old nicholson files and after I heat forge anneal, shape,heat treat forge to non-magnetic + quench, clean, and temper in oven for 1+hours, why after I semi polish the blade do I get some rust spots? Is it caused by touching the blade with my fingers caused by acidity on skin? Is this the right way steps to making file blades?

 

[Arakiel]

Files are high carbon, low alloy steel. among the most rust prone tools available. It is unavoidable to leave fingerprints on the exposed metal if you touch it with bare hands. Yes your hands have an acidic layer of moisture. I used to rust the hell out of all my works in progress until I started wearing gloves. If gloves are not for you, then find a skin barrier product that mecanics use to make it easier to wash thier hands off when they get covered with grime. I have a spray can of it in my shop, but I think it also comes in a tube of cream.

 

[Charlie Mike]

Thanks for the tip. I'm making file knives right now.

 

[Reynaldo Garza]

Will do and many thanks for the info.