File work

B

balisong084

Joined
Jan 24, 2006
Messages
794
Ive been thinking about buying a typhoon balisong and would want to do some file work on it, my question is what kind of equiptment do i need, and what should i practice with? Also is it difficult?
 
You need some good files (diamond I guess), triangle, round, a vise and some rags to protect your blade being hold in the vise.

I did some freehand and the result is not very pretty ..
 
I've done a little filework myself. I used some simple needle files. I first tried some old crappy Chinese ones I got at a flea market, but they didn't cut fa' shite. So I invested in a higher quality set, and they work fine.

I agree with Chris, a vice is critical to maintaining consistent angles. Other than that, just plan ahead, and take your time. Buy a few crappy dollar-store knives to practice on first, then have at it!

(And don't forget to post pics here! ;) )
 
You can practice on the edges of pieces of scrap metal. Knife blades will be harder material.
Lay the work out before you cut it. File work should be polished in most cases. A Dremel with rubber wheels works best for this part.
Bill
 
It is not difficult if you take your time and thought. Check out examples on the internet by visiting custom knife sites. I think the vine with thorns is the easiest because it is the most forgiving. If you make an error it's usually simple to work around. Geometric patterns are probably more difficult because the measurements have to be EXACT or the error is obvious.
Use a junk knife for practice and mark the blade or back spring with an indelible fine-point marker and ruler. I use a triangular file to barely get each cut started because the round files will wander. I bought three round chain-saw files in different sizes from Home Depot which work great. Beware the power tools! You can really over cut with the dremel and it is not that hard with the hand files. Don't worry about the rough look while working on it because it will smooth out with 110 or finer sandpaper wrapped around a dowel/pencil. I always finish off with the dremel and rubber wheel for all those nooks and crannies. Remember to measure twice and think twice.
Have fun.
 
thanks for the input guys, im gunna try it out on my ccc first and see how i do, then maybe i can go on to a typhoon. ill post pics when im finished.
 
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