To file....or not to file? That is the question!

[Blackwatch]

I was interested in putting some filework on a knife I own. I was wondering, is filework really something that should be done before the heat treating? I just don't want to damage the knife at all...

Being a logical human being, I would think this should do no damage to the blade. Especially since it would be more on the lower spine (can't think of the type of filing) to provide grip on the thumb ramp, and a little after the ramp, for better purchase in delicate tasks.

I purchased a small vise, and a set of hobbyist files (small round, triangle and squared files in one little set) to set about this endeavor, but I wanted to see what you guys thoughts were on this.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

You know, this would be a good question to ask in the Shop Talk forum, as I bet you would get a lot of good responces from makers there.

I find this to be an interesting question. First I thought that it would probably be better to file before heat treating as the steel would be softer and easier to file. Then I remembered that the books I have seen on knife making have stated that before heat treating you want to make sure that your blade is as smooth as possible, with no scratches or dings, as these might be turned into cracks by the heat treating. The filing that you do may not cause this same problem, I do not know for sure. I am going to find the answers to this that are provided by the makers to be of great interest.

 

[Blackwatch]

Forgot to say that I had cross posted this question. Screwed up this here post and had to start over, and forgot to include that info.