Thread: Old files. So sad...

Most any older american tool is a better tool,problem with old files is they wear out over time,I know mine are.

True ..............

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Most any older american tool is a better tool,problem with old files is they wear out over time,I know mine are.

Why don't you tape them then?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself!

I've got some 25 year old Nicholsons and some Swiss Grobet files from the same time period. Real good files.

What if someone used that method earlier in the thread to make some uber files from some of the ultra wear resistant modern steels? Or would they not be any good for that? I'm just now learning all of the knife vs steel knowledge but I don't know jack about what makes a good file. Maybe theres a reason beyond price they aren't made from more complex alloys?
Also wonder if you could electronic etch a file then grind the surface to sharpen it before hardening. Could maybe make em faster that way than by hand?

Originally Posted by oic0

What if someone used that method earlier in the thread to make some uber files from some of the ultra wear resistant modern steels? Or would they not be any good for that? I'm just now learning all of the knife vs steel knowledge but I don't know jack about what makes a good file. Maybe theres a reason beyond price they aren't made from more complex alloys?

Maybe because they serve their purpose well, made as they were, generations ago. I'm sure there are speciality files these days that cut through just about anything.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've got some 25 year old Nicholsons and some Swiss Grobet files from the same time period. Real good files.

I here nothing but good about Grobet, I don't have any yet.

I've got some small files 3-4 inches long as new, now most tips are broken.
All jewelers that seen them wants them, none of us have ever seen them so small and delicate for sale anywhere.
Please say you know a place that sells them!

If you keyword Nicholoson files on ebay, there is one individual with lots of NOS Nicholsons for sale. Many are the type of cut that I am not familiar with, so don't need them. I have seen lately , jeweler files for sale.

I've got the normal size, 6,5 inches, of Grobet 2 full sets and some loose files.
The smallest of my small ones is only 2,5 inches and unbroken, they are soooo nice!

About old tools, some makers of tools in the old days actually made them so good they got out of business when people didn't need to replace them.