Which file should I use?

J

Jup

Joined
May 28, 2013
Messages
11
So I'm going to sharpen the Collins up, and I was wondering which of these files would be best? Or does it even matter? I feel like this will be pretty tough to screw up, but then again what do I know. The one that's on the top in the first pic and the right in the second has lines going diagonally the other way to make a grid on the other side. All the others have the same tooth pattern on both sides they just have a rounded and flat side. I know its not a great selection, but I'm not trying to turn it into an Aztec sacrifical dagger or anything, just want to bring it back to life a little. :) Thanks guys!



 
The bottom two are wood rasps, not for metal. Well... The 4 sided has a metal cutting side but I would stick to the larger file.

The first file is a single cut and the second looks double cut but is rounded so the only clear choice is the first file from the first picture. If its double cut on the other side then your in business.
 
Yes, of the files pictures only the top one in the first pic is suitable. Even the fine side on the 4 sided shoe rasp is only intended for wood. Wear some gloves or mount the file in a largish handle so you can work into the cutting edge. I usually use a big piece of dowel for a handle and C clamp the tool to the edge of a workbench.

Here's a nice guide for use
http://www.evenfallstudios.com/woodworks_library/nicholson_guide_to_filing_2006.pdf

The section about drawfiling is very useful for machetes and hatchets etc when using only a file to finish - page 5 of the PDF, page 9 of the booklet. With care I can just get a chopper to shave some arm hair straight off a file. Also, the smaller the file the finer the finish.
 
The finer the teeth the finer the finish...

I agree BTW, clamp it to a 2x4 to a table top or bench the 2x4 is to keep the handle off the table and allows you more fluidity while positioning the blade.

I don't know if you know how to use files, so make sure the file doesn't get clogged with shavings and don't apply pressure on the back stroke.
 
Sweet thanks for the advice guys! Yeah that first file is double cut on the other side so I'll use that. I know the bottom two are wood rasps, but they have metal shavings in them, so someone disagreed with that somewhere along the line. That pdf was super useful, thanks HH. I'll let you know how it goes!
 
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