Manford hand file... Knife worthy?

R

Ruddie

Joined
Mar 19, 2010
Messages
13
I was recently given a worn out 8 inch Manford file and was wondering if i should attempt a blade from it.
I didn't find anything on the net, at a glance, about the company.
I was also given a Simonds and JK file as well. The Simonds, from what ive read, is good to go. The JK file is unknown at the moment.
I just don't want to burn a lot of time and it be a fruitless effort.
 
First off, welcome to Blade Forums!

Second, while files can make useable knives it is generally not the best way to go if you have not made a knife before. It must first be annealed to get it soft, then ground or forged, then you should really know what type of steel it is to get a proper heat treat.

A popular alternative is some 1080/1084 steel.

There are a few sections at the top of this forum that you should read:
Newbie info: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/452465-***Newbies-Good-info-Here***

And how to make a knife from a file: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/907667-How-to-Make-a-Knife-From-a-File

There is a search engine function that can be of good use as well.

Also, it might help to fill out your profile for location etc....

Nathan
 
I normally use 01 steel. I can anneal and re harden with my home made forge.
Didnt know if the Manford file was good steel.
 
I don't see the attraction with turning tools into knives.
Aldo offers perfectly good 1084 very cheaply, and is much easier to make a knife out of then a file.
 
TheOTBalisong said:
I don't see the attraction with turning tools into knives.
Aldo offers perfectly good 1084 very cheaply, and is much easier to make a knife out of then a file.
Click to expand...

Its just a fun thing to do. Ive forged knives from files, leaf springs, chisels, jack hammer bits, and harrow spikes as well as mantelpiece knives from railroad spikes and horseshoes. Ive also worked with aldos 1084. For me it makes me use my imagination to give old steel new life.
 
Sorry for my earlier reply. With the low post count and not much other background information it sounded like a newbie question. Disregard.
 
No problem at all. I should have specified. I still don't know anything about the Manford file. I think Im just gonna go for it and hope its not a fruitless effort.
 
Enjoy the process. While it sucks to make something that ends up not being great as a knife, I still learn a lot. Good luck and share pics when you complete it, whether it is a true knife or turns out to be a better mantle piece.
 
Ruddie said:
I cant upload pics directly to this forum from my phone for some reason.
Click to expand...

All you've got to do is bracket your link with
.

Like this:

20121025_234525.jpg
 
I'm softening the file now. While shes baking Im catching up on some kydex projects and watching Cobra on G4 tv.... Gonna be a good day.
 
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