Filework & Heat Treat

R

Ryan Meyering

Joined
May 4, 1999
Messages
534
I was reading the pass around knife thread (so much for this being the non-controversial forum
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) and noticed that the blade was heat treated before the filework was done. Is there a reason for this? Wouldn't it be easier to do the filework before heat treat, or is there a disadvantage to fileworking before heat treat?



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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23


 
I do 90% of my file work before heat treat. While I'm finishing the heat treated blade I also polish/finish the file work. I find it's easier to control regular files on soft material than diamond files and carbide burrs on hard material. I find it also saves time on extensive file work projects. I know that it's a concern with some makers but I have never had a blade crack in heat treat due to file work.
Neil

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Talonite! Pictures are now up on my website!!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html
 
I think it's just Alan's preferred method of attack. I carve mine before treat too.

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
All my fancy filework is done before heat treat. I've never had any problems with heat treat because of filing. You can decorate the edges after heat treat, but it's a lot harder and more expensive tools.

Love the signature Ryan!

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Gene Osborn
Center Cross Metal Works
I Carry My Crosses for Christ to Give any Glory to God.
 
Whew! Am I glad to hear that! I was getting worried that I'd ruined my blades for a while there.

Same to you, Gene! I really liked your website, too! Come on over and visit mine sometime if you'd like!

Ryan

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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23


 
I ALWAYS filework mine after heat treatment, except for simple checkering...

I find that I can have a lot more control over the material once its heat treated, I find a lot of blade steels very gummy when soft, and I like a nice crisp surface when I am doing filework...

I must mention, there are no files in my filework, I do all the cutting with a moto-tool and some cleanup with a diamond file...

On average, I found it took me 15 minutes to work a spine of a soft knife with these meathods but after its hard I can usually take it down to finishing steps in about 5...

Just my style!!
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Alan...

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If a Man talks in the forest, and there is no Woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?
 
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