Making a knife out of a file

[Justin King]

If you can file on it, you should be good to go. You are being given advice on 2 different types of annealing, one is standard annealing where the steel must be brought above the temperature where it becomes non-magnetic (1414 F.). Another type of annealing is called sub-critical annealing and is done at a temperature somewhat below the non-magnetic point. Either one would suit your purposes, the latter might even be better in your case and it sounds like that is what you achieved.
Blade shape is usually dependent on both intended use and personal preference. The placement of the tip and edge in relation to the handle can make a knife better for certain uses and less useful for others.

 

[BFH44]

Thanks

 

[BFH44]

I understand that the steel has to be made soft so that it isn't brittle and that is the purpose of annealing yes?

what i do not understand or i missed it in the reading is - what exactly is the purpose of reaching non magnetic state?

some people say as long as it is soft enough to cut with a different file it is good to go - others insist upon reaching non-magnetic state?

these are all questions - i am open to suggestions

Thank you

 

[LRB]

In the case of a file, the anneal depends much on the method of shaping. If you are going to stock remove, the sub critical might be best, as it will not affect the grain size or structure, which is about as good as it gets already. Files have a beautiful super fine grain. If you are forging, there is no need to anneal until you are finished with the hammer work. After stock removal, it might be wise to do a sub critical anneal again to relieve stresses from the shaping operations which will reduce warp in the heat treat in my experience.

 

[wnease]

here ya' go, spec analysis for a Nicholson file Courtasy of Matt Bower on iforgeiron. .
_______________________________________
C:1.28 | Mn:0.34 | P: 0.016 | S:0.015 | Si:0.15 | Cu: 0.02 | Cr:0.14 | Mo:0.005 | Ni: 0.02 | Sn: 0.002 | V: - | Nb: -
_______________________________________
Here is a harbor freight...made in China
C:1.3 | Mn: 0.34 | P:0.015 | S:0.009 | Si:0.24 | Cu:0.01 | Cr:0.62 | Mo:0.005 | Ni:0.02 | Sn: 0.003 | V: - | Nb:0.010
_______________________________________
Here is a heller..
C:1.20 | Mn:0.25 | P:0.010 | S:0.020 | Si:0.12 | Cu:0.04 | Cr:0.03 | Mo: 0.004 | Ni:0.03 | Sn:0.018 | V: 0.005 | Nb:
_______________________________________
.
We use a lot of files too..I buy them up at the flea markets for $1 each or less often times.Never less than a dozen laying on the bench at any time..The old Black Diamond brand is about the same thing as nicholson and makes wonderful knives.Been using old file steel in hawks and knives for years..I love the way a file welded into wrought iron leaves a nice visible tooth pattern when etched..

THanks Kentucky!