How many of you just use a file?

I

Inthewind

Platinum Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2012
Messages
279
I just started making knives, 1 finished and 3 on their way. I have a harbor freight 1x30 belt sander and i like it a lot. I have just started learning just how important the file is in getting a flat grind on a knife. I use the belt sander then i switch off to the old Nicholson file to flatten out the grind. I was just wondering how many of you use only the file?
 
I forge most of my blades very close to shape. There are many knives where I simply drawfile to true up the flats and work down the edge. After heat treat, I use stones or sanding blocks to finish. I enjoy simple tools. My grinder is a definite convenience(especially for the volume of a fulltime maker) but not crucial to the craft.
 
I prefer using files to grinders. I've made several knives (and KSOs) using nothing but files and sandpaper.
 
I often use a file to true up grinds after using the 1x30, if I don't want to change the paper on my disc grinder. I also use a chainsaw file to clean up the plunge cuts a bit.

-Xander
 
I used to just use files. Now I have a HF 1x30 and its easier on my back than filing for hours. After I make a new platen set up it should be even nicer, I will definitely post up what I did once I finish.

Xander nice chatting with ya on Wednesday, I think you are gonna dig my mods to the HF.
 
I'm new to knifemaking myself, working on knife number 2. I live in an apartment, so I use a file pretty much exclusively. I do have a 4x36 sander, not the best setup for knifemaking, but it helps for some things. I like filing the whole thing. No heat involved. I've been wondering myself if I would benefit much from a normalization cycle of CRA 1080 from AKS that has seen NO heat during the shaping.

Anyways, from a newbie, here is knife number two (yes, it is a copy of a popular design). I'm going to try my own design on knife 3. Something like a utility sheepsfoot with a full grind on one side only. Chisel grind, I think. I hope this pic comes thru. I'm new at this, just got a photobucket account.

SAM_1059_zpsd65bee4f.jpg
add
 
Last edited:
My first four were made with only files and sandpaper, but I really hate filing full flat grinds as it takes so long. I am about to pickup a 1x42 in the hopes that it makes that operation a little faster. I am still planning on using a file to even out the grind, and I do a fair amount of draw filing in order to refine the profile.
 
I made 19 with files and sandpaper before I got my Craftsman. 213 more knives and a NWG since then. I still use a file sometimes in parts of the process, but I can't remember the last time I put a file on a bevel.
 
I use a file but then again I am brand new at this. I just got a 2x42 and used it to flat grind for the first time. I flat ground it roughly, then cleaned it up with a file. I love using a file it feels magical.
 
I only have a file. :p It's a bit annoying in that it takes so long, but knifemaking is a hobby for me, so it's alright.
 
Using a file takes a dedicated and motivated knifemaker I did my first with a file then built a "no weld grinder" then bought a "grinder in a box" and finally monday a KMG should be delivered to me, my suggestion would be save your money use the files till you can afford a good grinder. But after that I use files only when making Guards.
Anthony
 
I DREAM of the day that I can acquire a belt sander. The 1x30 would be nice to have, a step up from a file. But, as I understand it, buying, bartering, begging, or building a 2x72 is the way to go. I do like the use of files, however. I like knowing that NO heat (relatively) goes into the steel, and the control that varying file shapes provide. But the proper belt sander can save on many variables.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top