Old file for knife making?

K

Keithcellini

Joined
Jan 9, 2008
Messages
281
Saw this while browsing feebay. I have some files already but I have to anneal them. What would the best way be to do this? I have heard several different ways to go about it.

I am not ordering these file but thought it may be nice for others to see.:D

I have also heard that cheap files= cheap steel. I bought a file kit from Home Depot for ten bucks before I knew better, I now have Nicholson files. The question I have is if anyone knows if the "workhorse" brand files are made with steel worth screwing with. I think it is Workhors anyway.... They are a low end Home Depot tool.:rolleyes:

If they are halfway decent steel I will try to anneal them and start grinding.. I am also ordering some O1 from a member for 50 bucks. There are twop pieces 36 inches long each... I am just waiting for the money to put into paypal.

Anyway guys, you have always helped before so I am sure you can help now.http://cgi.ebay.com/File-lot-for-Bl...ryZ13869QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
If you're starting off with files, it might be better to order W1, W2 or 1095, which are similar in heat treatment to most of the "good" files.
 
You will have no problems with Nicholson. Excellent steel, holds a great edge tempered around 425o, to 450o. I used them for maybe ten years, with great customer satisfaction. I liked the 450o temper, soft backed in a pan of water about 3/8" deep, after tempering. Try one, and see how you like it.
 
Very cool stuff Jason... I will have to read that start to finish, Thanks.

I just rented a house so I may try forging soon as well.
 
Pretty much the only time I made anything from a file I made some Ulu style kitchen knives from old farriers rasps that someone didn't want anymore. That was about 2 1/2 years ago and they're still going strong (in my Mothers and Grandmothers kitchens) It was a fun, fast, and easy project that really worked quite well :)
 
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