file stroke direction?

R

reiko1078

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Sep 1, 2011
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I'm making my first knife from 1084
Finish profiling and bevels will done with files

My question. When shaping the bevels should I draw file them in or should i go the other way and move the file perpendicular to the length of the blade.? Not sure what the second option is called .
 
Draw file dude. You'll remove material faster and be able to maintain cleaner lines. Good luck.
 
Both directions and diagonal are fine,… but finish with draw filing.
 
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Like Tai, I rough it in by filing perpendicular, then diagonal, and finally draw filing.
I have a very sharp mill bastard file that I use only for draw filing. I put a handle on each end.
I follow that with a second cut mill file, used as a draw file.
Years ago you could find actual two handled draw files, but they seem hard to find anymore.
 
I like to finish off draw filing with a single cut file. (I prefer a triangular one)
Brush it a lot! And have a small narrow piece of brass to pick out bits of steel that get stuck inbetween the teeth. They can give deep and nasty scratches.
I've found that if you draw file correctly you can skip 120 gritt sandpaper and start with 180 gritt.
 
Chalking the file helps prevent galling, too.

Stick with Nicholson, Tome or Simmonds brand files. Craftsman brand files work pretty well too, and Sears will exchange them for new ones when they wear out. The cheap India/China ones don't cut as cleanly and don't last anywhere near as long.

Whatever you do, don't drag the file backwards over your workpiece. It doesn't help you cut and only dulls the file prematurely.
 
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