Question about filework...

[IVANKERLEY]

particularly on slipjoints. Ive read that filework is done prior to HT ?? but that cant happen when modding a production slipjoint? Or am i missing something
Thinking i may take a crack at it in the future.
Information appreciated
thanks
ivan

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Filework is easier to do prior to heat treating, but then it has to be cleaned up afterward.
Spring temper steel is not difficult to cut. Even hardened blades can be cut with the proper materials.

 

[IVANKERLEY]

so its doable just easier before the HT? Ive seen filework on the blade and sometimes on the backsprings, i would assume the knife needs to be disassembled to do the backsprings? Always wondered how they did it, ive been checking out a few tutorials and just looking at reference for now
Thanks for the info
ivan

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

To do filework after HT requires very hard files (diamond or Rc70-ish), but most work them before HT, so before final assembly.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Regular files will work fine after heat treating. Backsprings are usually treated to around Rockwell 50. Files are about R60.