Filework. Yes or No?

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I have a soft spot for file work even though I understand those who don't.
 
It's non-utilitarian decoration, so I think it looks attractive in display items. For everyday carry — not for me. Looks too showoff-y for a knife I'd carry.

I also wonder about the extent to which the removal of metal induces weakness in the spring or blade. But that's really a secondary concern because if I had one (I don't) it would be a display object only. And for me, every knife is a user knife — so I guess that's why I don't have any filework knives...
 
some file work I've seen I like . Some I do not . I've seen a few customs that I liked but didn't care for the filework so it was a deal breaker.
 
I like the look of file work on a knife, as long as it isn't for a camping knife
 
I like file work is it's clean and well done. Seen a of it which was not well done which I did not like.

It's not exactly file work but I also like and find useful some jimping/filework on the back of the blade where I would put my thumb for a cut at times to increase grip.
 
While I can sometimes appreciate the aesthetics of a well done piece, I don't care for file work. I consider it a deal killer, as well. I've never owned a knife with filework, and I don't foresee that changing.
 
File work is kinda like makeup on a lady. Used sparingly it can add something special but a hint too much and it takes over,it should never be the first thing you notice or the dominant feature
 
Less is more. Simplicity is elegance. Uh uh to file work in general. I've never purchased cutlery because of file work nor have I refused it due to file work. The vast majority of my cutlery is without such embellishment.
 
While I have only gotten to hold one knife with with filework, a 532 I got a real deal on, I like it. I have looked at many pictures and seen a lot of knives it really looked good on. The right amount, not too much and it really says it's not just an ordinary knife and has an elegance to it that sets it apart.
On the lock spring or tang and on the spine.
I agree too much gets gaudy.

I can visualize a titanium bolsterd 112 slimmed down with a drop point blade and a nice pattern of filework.
 
Knife filework is functional art. I like art, functional or otherwise. Filework is similar in practice to the icing of bread (a staple in life) in order to make the bread something it wasn't, cake. Cake isn't one of life's necessities but it gives us something to stick candles in, thereby making birthdays brighter .;) A knife is for cutting and no amount of filework will make a knife more capable in function. But when the filework is done well it makes the knife something it wasn't, more pleasing to the eye or one might say, art. What could be wrong with that? I for one am glad there's cake and filework because to me neither is necessary but both are sweet. :thumbup::thumbup:

The last buck knife that I saw with filework was the Buck Vantage on which I attempted my first filework project. Even though simple and not ready for forum viewing, those who have seen it complimented the filework stating things like, "unique and an aesthetic improvement". So I will at sometime make an additional attempt.
 
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I like file work to the extent that it improves the utility of a knife. Jimping in the pivot area improves blade control and safety. I think that jimping on the butt end of the rocker on a lockback would help you locate the proper release position and also help you keep your thumb/finger in place while releasing the blade.
 
Did someone say Filework?????? Had to post a few pics of this Painted pony Ivory 112 I just got in the mail:D:D









Hard to say anything negative about Filework now that I have this in the collection :thumbup::thumbup:
 
That looks like a fine piece of jewelry Steelhead. Great display/collectors piece.
 
Just because I have 6 ~ 112's with File/Work and 6 ~ 112's with File/Work and Bolsters Engraved doe's not mean ""I like File/Work""..!******* lol
 
Tasteful file work is definitely something I can appreciate. In fact, the next JAG knife I buy hopefully will have a bit of file work on it.
 
Lots of good views here, hasn't helped my cause though lol.
Thanks for your input guys!
Random number generator spit out # 14 so post 14 wins a new in clam pack (recently produced ) Bucklite 424.
 
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