Files for axes

G

g123

Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
329
Hey Guys,

How long do you files last when sharpening your axes? Do they last a few repro-filings or do the last for a year or years?

Thanks,

Geoff
 
A file is tempered harder than an axe or knife so they last years and years, every once in a while just clean out some of the metal shavings, and keep them oiled. Mountain men often carried files as the only means of sharpening all their tools, and rarely had access to a whetstone.
 
A good file (Nicolson/ Geshwin) will last for years, probably longer than the axe. A trick to keeping them good is NEVER drag the file, they only cut on the forward stroke, and load the file with chalk before filing, it helps the removed metal chips fall free, rather than load up the teeth. Also get a file card (hairbrush looking thing) and use it to brush out the teeth periodically to keep them from being loaded up.
 
Thanks Guys,

That's what I thought, but after repro-filing my GB Mini, Wildlife and SFA the file was not working nearly as well I fact hardly working (Nicolson Handi File). I even cleaned the shavings out with a file brush. I always only use the file in a push stroke direction.

Can axes like GB's have such hard steel that they wear a file out quicker? My Council tool axe did not seem to cause the same problem.

Thanks,


Geoff
 
If the steel is close to or harder than the file steel, the file will just "skate" across it.

Some brands may have harder steel than others (I know Snow & Neally leaves theirs softer for ease of sharpening).
 
Hi All,

Thanks for the file info! I don't mean to hijack but, as an axr/hawk noob, could anyone advise me on the particular type of Nicholson, Geshin, or any other brand file that I would need to get for ave/knife sharpening?

Thanks in advance!
 
A Mill Smooth (teeth in only one direction, fine spacing) will leave the best finish, and unless you need to remove a lot of metal, it's what I'd use.

If you need to take more off, a Mill 2nd cut (teeth in one direction, coarser spacing), or Flat 2nd cut (teeth criss-crossing, coarser spacing).

You really shouldn't need to to go a Bastard file.
 
For filing the old axes, I use a 10" single cut mill bastard. I file for chopping and am not as concerned about the finish. Stanley files seem to last longer than Nicholson.
Jim
 
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