Quick question bout file work on blades?

[sere_usaf]

I've always been a big fan of the blade, and for the longest time, I've wanted to do more than just read about them and make the occasional purchase. But, because of the lack of tools, facilities, and know-how...it's still just a thought.

Anyway, I've been thinking about taking my first "baby" steps into knife customizing/building, starting with some file work. I've been looking around at all the different designs and techniques used. My question concerns tools used to perform most filework on blades:

"Do most bladesmiths use mini-files the majority of the time, or are there any other tools that can be recommended?"

What about rotary tools? Since I have one myself, I was just wondering: "Can these tools be a realistic method/solution to accomplishing filework?" The one concern I had considering this, was the high-speed/heat generated during use!

If anyone can give me suggestions on the best way to begin performing filework and whether one method is preferred over the other, I'd really appreciate it!

thanks for you time

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I have never seen anyone do filework with a rotary tool. When I have seen demonstrations it was always what looked to be needle files that were used.

 

[lune2ne]

Hi sere

I've done a pretty nice vine pattern on a cheep Frost knife i found just for the heck of it, with a 1/4 inch round and 1 1/4 inch triangle file so mini file are not necessary but i can see how they would make it a lot easier as for the rotary tool i don't think i would use it on any thing i liked!

Here's a couple of tutorials by Bruce Evans

http://www.homestead.com/beknivessite2/arrowfilework.htm

http://www.homestead.com/beknivessite2/vinefilework.html

Good luck

Robert

 

[fishface5]

I have used both a dremel and jeweller's files do make thumb-traction-grooves on several blade spines. The dremel is fast but man! one slip and you have ruined your knife (or need to turn it into a very imaginative filework pattern). I would not use it for file-work where a specific pattern is desired, for that reason. Mini files work just fine. I find that bigger files are rougher and harder to control.