File Steel

haggismonger

haggismonger

Joined
Feb 8, 2007
Messages
139
Are all files of the same composition? Did some manufacturers have different compositions, or their own "proprietary" alloys? Is there a guide, or chart that has a breakdown of different companies?

I have an old old file that has great potential, it's a 16" New Britain, about 5/16" thick. i realize that for the most part you don't have to get too bent on semantics when it comes to high carbon steel, but perhaps I'm wrong, and there are instances when it makes a difference, and for that I ask these questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Troy Ashcraft
 
I'm not an expert but I've heard that the way some cheaper (i.e. made in China) files are heat treated leaves them somewhat soft in the center, where as some are hard and sort of brittle all the way through.
 
here is a thread that had some good info with links to other threads about this topic

good luck

jake
 
I treat files like they were 5160 or 108x type steels. I anneal them, grind them, harden them by oil quenching, then temper them at 400-500 degrees, keeping an eye on them for color.

I've had some pretty good luck with quite large blades made from farrier's rasps.

Andy
 
Last edited:
Thanks, Andrew, that's what I was hoping to find out, the designation, or approximate designation of the steel used.
 
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