Recommended files for handle shaping?

G

GrizzlyBear

Joined
Dec 5, 2009
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What types of files would be worthwile to pick up for handle shaping? The last handle I was working on, I picked up a Craftsman hobby rasp (half round with rough and smooth teeth) and I really liked my ability to control the handle shaping a bit more vs my grinder. So, I'm thinking of picking up a few files just for this...but I have no idea what I should look into....too many choices; bastard, mill, single cut, double cut!

Thanks in advance :)
 
How detailed do you want to be able to be in shaping the handle? I find my smaller files to be very useful at doing what the HF 1x30 can't do. Big half rounds don't really give me any advantage over slack belt sanding... but smaller files let me handle much finer detail work.
 
The file you mention is commonly called a four-in-hand (four types of cut in one tool) and is a really handy thing to have around the shop. For finer, more detailed work I just use sandpaper wrapped around blocks or rods that mimic the shape I want.
 
I use a double-cut half-round Nicholson - the 3/4" wide or so version. That's for rough shaping. Then I use a single-cut flat file of similar size to remove the worst of the previous file's teeth marks. Then sandpaper.
The wood rasps seem too aggressive to me.

-Daizee
 
I mainly use a Nicholson half round pretty rough, probably bastard not sure, to get me pretty close to the shape I want. Then as James said, sandpaper backed by different wood or rubber shapes. I usually start with 220 since it still removes wood fast enough for my taste but not too aggressive like 100 grit is.
What was the question again? oh yeah...files! Nicholson half round bastard cut. ;)
 
I also find a dremel te be very usefull for handles.
I've bought rasp burrs for it and they work fast for the rough shaping.
You can get larger ones that fit a normal drill. They're not expensive.
 
tryppyr said:
How detailed do you want to be able to be in shaping the handle? I find my smaller files to be very useful at doing what the HF 1x30 can't do. Big half rounds don't really give me any advantage over slack belt sanding... but smaller files let me handle much finer detail work.
Click to expand...

I think my problem is that I tend to take more than I want when using my Craftsman 2x42...then wind up having to change a couple things to erase my mistakes. Also, getting into the rounded areas of the handle belly (and finger recesses) are pretty much a no-go with the 2x42. The last couple of knives I completed, I did most of the initial shaping with that 4 in 1 file. It takes a little longer, but I like how I can really fine tune how much I'm taking off. It also makes finishing the pins down even with the scales easier...I was having a hard time getting the pins to sit fully flush and not be raised ever so slightly...and I like not burning the pins due to the 2x42 running at ludicrous speed. :)
 
Hengelo_77 said:
I also find a dremel te be very usefull for handles.
I've bought rasp burrs for it and they work fast for the rough shaping.
You can get larger ones that fit a normal drill. They're not expensive.
Click to expand...

I've thought about getting some of those rasp burrs...thanks for the suggestion! Probably work a HECK of alot better than sanding drums lol.
 
whelp looks like I'm gonna have to go buy another file or two...

today I was trying to sand some 3/8" micarta and learned that none of my files will cut it, and running belts on it was a joke...

yeah, yeah, I made more work for myself... I was gluing 4 knives and realized (after the fact) I forgot to rough cut the profile closer on this one....

this micarta's a beast and none of my files come close to cutting it....
 
GrizzlyBear said:
What a neat tool! I take it you have used (or use) one of these? How well do you like it? It looks to be a very handy tool.
Click to expand...

It'll remove wood faster than any other rasp I know of and your knuckles if you aren't careful. I use one all the time and don't know how I ever go by without it. They seem to last quite a bit longer than other rasps too. After using them, I've never considered going back to the other types. However, I do use some rifflers for more detailed work.

The Shinto saw rasp is a "must have" in my shop.
 
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Tai Goo said:
It'll remove wood faster than any other rasp I know of and your knuckles if you aren't careful. I use one all the time and don't know how I ever go by without it. They seem to last quite a bit longer than other rasps too. After using them, I've never considered going back to the other types. However, I do use some rifflers for more detailed work.

The Shinto saw rasp is a "must have" in my shop.
Click to expand...
That's a strong statement coming from a pillar in the knife making community. That right there is enough for me to order one and check it out.
 
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