Please explain me (file sharpening question)...

M

Moonw

Joined
Nov 19, 2014
Messages
1,985
...if it is in any way "wrong" to use a double-cut file for efficiently sharpening out chips from an axe / some reprofiling. I know single-cut ones are "the" sharpening files but I anyway intend to follow-up with an 120-grit diamond stone and progress from there...so I'd use a file only to smooth out "major" damage. I expect a 2x cut will leave a less refined surface, is there any other inconvenience I just can't see?

I'm looking at some Pferd files to add to an order I'm placing anyway and the seller doesn't have any single-cut files on stock.

I have two throw-away cheapo hatchets to exercise filing on, so I'm not "afraid" to experiment.
 
No issue with it, no. A single-cut file just leaves a smoother surface with a more controllable rate of material removal, which is why they're the commonly preferred choice. But for doing the rough shaping work a double cut is going to be the most efficient.
 
when I get a stock axe that needs re profiling I'll use the biggest double cut mill bastard file I have, then I'll switch to a single cut to smooth out the ridges from the deep cuts then the norton crystolon puck to refine the edge from there.
 
DeadboxHero said:
when I get a stock axe that needs re profiling I'll use the biggest double cut mill bastard file I have, then I'll switch to a single cut to smooth out the ridges from the deep cuts then the norton crystolon puck to refine the edge from there.
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Appreciated!
 
Just don't drag them! They're only made for pushin! That's the only wrong way I know of using a file. I also use double cuts. Depends on what I have on hand.
 
nickzdon said:
Just don't drag them! They're only made for pushin! That's the only wrong way I know of using a file. I also use double cuts. Depends on what I have on hand.
Click to expand...

Good advice, for quite a while I honestly had no idea.
 
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