Would this work for steel?

**Mastershake** · 07-08-2011, 01:13 PM

I'm in the Air Force 23 years and have a friend that worked sheet metal and fabrication also in the Air Force who suggested using a file to make a straight razor. I know it would be a lot of grinding and I would have to keep the heat down but I think I might try this.
I was wanting any tips from the pros before I started, any help would be appreciated.

**baldy** · 07-08-2011, 01:18 PM

Check out this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...e-tonight.html and this one
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...nd-effort.html and one more http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...eck-knife.html
Never tried it myself so I cant help too much sorry.
Grant

**Mastershake** · 07-08-2011, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by baldy

Check out this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...e-tonight.html and this one
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...nd-effort.html and one more http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...eck-knife.html
Never tried it myself so I cant help too much sorry.
Grant

Thanks for the links, I am defanitly going to give this a shot!

**randydance062449** · 07-09-2011, 05:01 AM

Definitely or defiantly will both be required!

**Mastershake** · 07-09-2011, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by randydance062449

Definitely or defiantly will both be required!

I will attempt it with both in mind! I'll post pics at a later date.

**Mastershake** · 07-12-2011, 10:39 AM

Wow, this is slow work. I dunk the file in water as soon as I feel it getting hot before any discoloration. I am working without gloves so the heat doesn't sneak up on me. All I have is a drill press with a sanding drum so it's going pretty slow. I might be done by christmas.

**Mike Blue** · 07-12-2011, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mastershake

Wow, this is slow work. I dunk the file in water as soon as I feel it getting hot before any discoloration. I am working without gloves so the heat doesn't sneak up on me. ....

This is what leads to Tool Acquistion Disorder. And Heat Treatment Process Disorder...

Your methods are sound for what you intend to do with the tools you are using. Yes, they are limiting and you should go slow. If patiently is painful...it's close to being right. Using file steel is perfectly appropriate for your project and by the time it's done, you will feel like you earned something. As the blade thins, be even more careful about heat. Thin material can heat very quickly. Faster even than you can respond to keep it cool, and you might think getting off the grinder is good enough but the heat can still be rising (lag) in the material.

If the heat colors the material...well, there's always HTPD. I'll gladly pass on that disease.

**Geezer** · 07-12-2011, 11:32 PM

Just a comment, Old files are good! Newer files are sometimes made by a different process which surface hardens a poorer grade of steel.
Just something I read a couple years ago. Probably name brands are best. I have not made a file steel tool in years, so I don't know from my own experiences.
Respectfully
~Richard

**randydance062449** · 07-13-2011, 01:33 AM

Now your beginning to understand why steel is annealed (softened) before grinding.

**paco664** · 07-13-2011, 01:45 AM

WOW!!! i was used for a example!!!!

actual shaping time for mine were in the 1-1 1/2 hour range...... you need a better grinder,......

its not necessarily when you feel heat that you cool it....... its when it feels like its fixing to burn you......

i used a normal bench grinder and a belt sander to shape the 2 examples you saw.......... i hope your attempt makes you as happy as mine have made me......

be careful... wear eye protection.... go to harbor freight and get you that bench grinder...

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