"USA Made" files?

[coldsteelburns]

I'm aware that the whole subject of "file steel for knives?" has been discussed ad nauseam, but one thing I've always been curious about, and have yet to see it really mentioned in particular is this: Can it be safely said that all "USA Made" (old or newly manufactured) files and/or rasps are made out of a good quality steel? Or rather, does anybody know of a USA made file or rasp brand/maufacturer that uses case hardened mild steel, or "inferior" steel of any type?

Again, I know file steel(s) for knives has been talked about over and over again, but I am curious regarding "USA made" in general, and merely for making knives, but just quality in general for the files. (Don't worry, I get all my steel from Aldo, but files can be fun to mess around with from time to time) Some quick examples of brands that I haven't really heard that much about are ones like K & F (Kearney & Foot), Disston, Simonds etc. I have quite of few older files that I bought on *bay in a "Lot" a few years ago and I've always wondered about the known qaulity of such brands since then. A number of them are still in decent condition and some are past their life. I'm even more curious now that Nicholson no longer is USA Made, ( :thumbdn: ) and thus the steel quality/ type (so I've read) is of lower grade and less consistant from country to country ie, Mexico, Honduras, and possibaly Brazil?

Thanks

~Paul

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My YT Channel Lsubslimed

 

[samuraistuart]

I couldn't say that the steel itself is the issue with the Mexico/Brazil Nicholsons. The machining is definitely off....and maybe the heat treat as well....as they don't seem to stay sharp for any length of time....and the teeth patterning is just atrocious in all axis of evaluation. I don't think you could safely make the assumptions that if it says USA made it is of quality steel, either. If it says Nicholson USA made, then you might could assume it is indeed 1095 (as I think that is what they used...not O1 or other tool steel). Other than that....a guess I guess! If you're asking about the quality of Simonds files, for use as a file...I can attest that they are like Nicholson USA made files. Very good quality control...consistent. I use them and Pferd exclusively, and love them. I have no idea what steel they use tho.