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Question on using files.

C

Critical Mass

Joined
Jun 2, 1999
Messages
293
I was wanting to try my hand at making a knife the old-fashioned (and time consuming) way. I was wanting to know what are some tricks of the trade for those that have attempted this before. One of my biggest questions is what type of files do you use for what purpose, and how the hell do you keep a straight/consistent angle on the primary bevel with hand tools?
 
I tried tis briefly, and gave up before the project was finished.

What I developed, and what would have/did work was, not to focus on keeping the bevel even.

That's near impossible without a jig, instead just aproximate it, and then retouch it where neccesary. Remember, you can always remove more, but it's hard to add back.
 
The one good thing about using files is that youhave time to think. Stock removal with a grinder is usually so fast that you can lose too much material in the wrong place in split second. Filing Takes longer and you have a chance to correct anything that is going wrong before it is too late.

The only suggestion is that you buy only quality brand name files, cheap files are usually not worth their weight in scrap metal.

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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com

 
Clamp the blade up lying flat, tip pointed toward you. Grasp the file handle in one hand and the tip of the file in the other, then draw the file toward you. This helps me keep a good flat, consistent line. Also every now and then file at right angles to what you have been doing, this helps you see how you are progressing. DanL
 
Draw filing as mentioned before works the best, the file should be perpendicular to the blade and making markes perp. to your draw filing really helps. I used a permenent marker and still do when I'm hand sanding or grinding on a blade it lets you keep track of file,grind and scratch marks. The other thing is file chalk - it really keeps the files from clogging.

goshawk

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http://www.imt.net/~goshawk The race is not to the swift, but he who hangs loose.



[This message has been edited by goshawk (edited 07 July 1999).]
 
Hey Critical Mass,

First off, click here to see what I did using a hacksaw, files and sandpaper.

Then go to your library or through the link to Amazon.com provided through the forums and get the book "How to Make Knives" by Loveless and Barney. Read it through a half dozen times. There is a wonderful section in their on building a knife from handtools.

I started with a piece of Starrett O1 steel from MSC Industrial supply and a block of G10 from K&G Finishing supplies. No kit knife here. Oh did I mention that this is my first one, and no the bevels aren't precisely flat, but wait until you see my second one. 300% improvement.

Go for it. If you have questions, email me.

Spencer

PS I LOVED it!

[This message has been edited by Spencer Stewart (edited 07 July 1999).]
 
Hi guys, There is one question that was asked but not anwsered yet. I'm also curious, what files would you recommend? Please be specific...best brand, type, length. Are they available at any hardware store or are they specialized?

Spencer...good job on your first knife. I look foward to seeing your second.
Thanks for the tips guys!!

------------------

~~TOM~~
 
Sorry Tom,
The reason I didn't address it was because the book I mentioned goes onto pretty good detail.

Nevertheless...I'm with George as far as purchasing Nicholson only. I had to order my files from MSC Industrial supply because they had the sizes and types I wanted.

Link to MSC home page http://www.mscdirect.com Order their 20 pound catalog, it's free.

A long square file (10-14") for heavy stock removal
a double cut mill bastard (same length) for medium removal and beginning to flatten out.
A single cut mill file (same length) for smoothing and flattening
A round file (can be shorter if funds are limited, and can also substitute with lower quality. The way this one is used is by grinding off one side "safe side" and using it to make the plunge cut.
I also purchased a set of 6 needle Nicholson files for filework on the spine or other detailed work. Very nice, worth it, especially when shaping the handles.

One thing, make sure once you get the blade flat like you want it and relatively smooth, move on to sandpaper. Otherwise, a piece of metal will hang up in your file and put a nice long gouge down the middle of your blade that makes words come out of your mouth that shouldn't be heard.

Another thing, buy a file card and use it religiously. This keeps the above from happening (too often)

Hope this helps a bit more.

Spencer

[This message has been edited by Spencer Stewart (edited 08 July 1999).]
 
Thanks to everyone for the help, and that is an EXCELLENT first knife Spencer!

[This message has been edited by Critical Mass (edited 08 July 1999).]
 
Spencer,
Thanks for the info. It's what I needed.


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~~TOM~~
 
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