Question regarding Nicholson files

[Steinmann]

Hi. I just purchased a Nicholson file that is stamped “Nicholson – made in brazil”, in order to use it as a blade material. Can some one please tell me if it is an original product or (maybe) a cheap pirate imitation? It seems to be made with case hardened technique and not from carbon steel through; can it be? Or is it some kind of a new finish that I'm not used to? The Nicholson mail address that is in the cooper hand tools site is not working, so no answers from there.
Any one else is facing this?
Thanks in advance – Michael.

 

[oldschool45]

This might get better traction over in the Makers forum.

 

[Skeptikos]

At least some Nicholson files are made in Brazil. See for example this link

http://www.emedco.com/cooper-hand-tools-nicholsonr-machinists-boxed-half-round-files-01n.html

I have never tried to use one as knife material, though. What makes you believe they are case hardened? Have you tried to HT a sample?

 

[12345678910]

A file should already be very hard.

Put it in the vise and hit it with a hammer.

If it snaps like glass, it is fully hard.

 

[sunshadow]

if you can bend it and it stays bent it is case hardened. I have a box of simmonds brand 6 inch files that are case hardened, also the Sears Craftsman brand files I have gotten lately are very shallow hardened

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