What are the best needle files

M

M forge

Joined
May 27, 2011
Messages
171
I did a search and didn't really find anything. Forgive me if this has been asked before. I like to make hidden tang knives with a pierced guard. I don't have a mill so I drill holes and connect them with a file or dremel and then file the slot to size. I may leave a little more filing than some guys as I have missed the mark a time or two by drilling the hole to close to the size of the slot. I generally get a pack of the cheap HF needle files with the plastic handle and then just toss when they don't cut good anymore. I would be glad to know if there are needle file that remove more material faster. Wouldn't mind paying extra for that.
 
Once I used the grobets, I won't use anything else. Stihl chainsaw files are grobet as well.
 
Grobets are truly an excellent product, probably the best, commonly available, commercial files made today (and you pay accordingly). Valorbe makes some dandy ones too though. EDIT: Silly me VALORBE appears to be a Grobet brand. My bad......

But I have a better idea for you. M Forge that is. This is your lucky day. Several years ago at an estate sale I bought a carton filled with boxes of NOS Nicholson needle files. All manner of shapes and cuts. If I told you what I paid you'd SERIOUSLY burst into tears.

So, M Forge, send me an email me with your name and address at (cdgimbel@att.net) and I'll package some up for you and ship them off. On me.............

Of course you can buy some Grobets and Valorbes and compare them to the Nicholsons. Maybe you'll do it tell us what you discover.

I'm amazed by the old Nicholsons myself and that's coming from someone who loves the Grobets.

Corey "synthesist" Gimbel
 
Last edited:
Corey, Just saw your post. Thank You for the very kind offer. email headed your way soon

What a great community
 
Corey, That is an awesome gesture. I personally use old Nicholson files as well. I pick up 2-4 needle or smaller files and usually end up paying a buck. They do seem to be harder to come by decent ones though.
 
I think Freidrich Dick are the only needle files I will ever buy again. In fact I think they are the only files I'll ever buy again.
 
Also consider needle rasps, they are excellent for non-metallic parts... they help a lot in fitting the tang to the handle. I bought some cheap ones off of Amazon two years ago and I'm about to invest in some better made ones.
 
i have been using grobet checkering filds and love them (never tried the other stuff in there line tho)
 
I got to thinking about the different "cuts" on my old Nicholson needle files and went looking for a definition/picture. I didn't find one for those but I found a dandy description for some lovely looking Italian Corradi needle files. Maybe this will answer some questions for people.

jMWR7Rc.jpg


This shows the #00 cut as the coarsest going through the numbers to the #4 cut being the finest. Let me tell you that #4 Nicholsons are similar and a light touch tool if there ever was one.

Corey "synthesist" Gimbel
 
I've used Nicholsans my whole life, grew up as an old school mechanic/machinist so that was the standard for me about 15 years ago I happened upon a set of diamond needle files that matched the Nicholsans for the different patterns.

These were fantastic high quality files that worked great for doing filework on smaller knives, someone stole then off my work bench at work along with my favorite 4"digital caliper, fit perfectly in my shirt pocket and was big enough for 99% of the work I did and it was always with me but I digress, my question is does anyone make a quality diamond set, I found a set from Harbor Freight but the diamonds are huge and not very consistently spread on the substrate.

I haven't seen a decent set in 15 years any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
T. Erdelyi said:
I've used Nicholsans my whole life, grew up as an old school mechanic/machinist so that was the standard for me about 15 years ago I happened upon a set of diamond needle files that matched the Nicholsans for the different patterns.

These were fantastic high quality files that worked great for doing filework on smaller knives, someone stole then off my work bench at work along with my favorite 4"digital caliper, fit perfectly in my shirt pocket and was big enough for 99% of the work I did and it was always with me but I digress, my question is does anyone make a quality diamond set, I found a set from Harbor Freight but the diamonds are huge and not very consistently spread on the substrate.

I haven't seen a decent set in 15 years any suggestions would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Look at Lee Vally. They have very good diamond needle files. I broke a few of my grobet needle files and bought their Italian needle files at the same time. I think they are equivalent if not better than the grobets!
 
Willie71 said:
Look at Lee Vally. They have very good diamond needle files. I broke a few of my grobet needle files and bought their Italian needle files at the same time. I think they are equivalent if not better than the grobets!
Click to expand...

Thanks, I need to go online I haven't gotten a catalog from them in awhile.
 
Just wanted to give and update. First off sorry this is late as I have had a lot going on.

I got the files Corey sent and they look great. Definitely higher quality than what I have been getting. Also he did a fantastic packaging job on these things to boot. Put them in color coded straws with a description key and everything.

He gave me a great set of needle files and went above and beyond to get them to me quickly and safely. All for free to!

Thank You very much. I will definitely be putting them to good use.
 
Members here on BFC are great people who go beyond the norm when it comes to sharing of info and material. I've seen more generosity here on BFC than any other forum I go to, it's a testament to the caliber of people who contribute here.

:thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top