Introduction
Sharpening with a file is one of the easiest, most affordable, and handiest ways to keep your tools and knives sharp. It’s an art that anyone can learn and perform – all you need is a file, some patience, and some practice. Files can remove material from steel quickly and efficiently, allowing for precision renewal of sharpness and honing of edges in things like blades and garden tools.
Using a file requires a stable working surface, good light, and protective gear such as safety glasses or a face shield. Most files come in different sizes to allow for greater control over your materials thickness. To begin sharpening with a file, it’s best to start by identifying the bevel angle where the blade will be sharpened. Once identified, place the blade on the stable working surface with that angle up; this lets you sharpen at the same level each time.
Now begin filing while holding the file in straight along the edge of the blade at about 30° or less from horizontal; make sure to use even pressure when filing so it works evenly across both sides symmetrically. File toward one side of the blade without long strokes (4-6″ maximum). When done on one side start filing on the other side, making sure to upside down on each side respectively; this avoids unintended changes in angles which can lead to misalignments when done repeatedly on both sides of the blade during multiple sharpenings. Make sure not to get rid of too much material but only enough to have a slight burr left behind after filing; this means you’ve gone too far!
Once completed correctly with patience, you should be able to feel how sharp your tool has become compared to before!
What You’ll Need
In order to properly sharpen with a file, you will need the right type of file for your material. The two most common types of files are flat files and round files; flat are best for sharpening the cutting edge of flat blades such as a chisel, while round files work better on circular shape cutting edges like those found on lawnmower blades. Other supplies you’ll need include file size or grit (ranging from coarse to very fine), WD-40 lubricant, an oilstone (for honing the blade), a polishing compound (optional), gloves, goggles, newspaper and an old rag. Preparing the area in which you will be working is also important for safety reasons.
Preparing the File
Before you start sharpening with a file, you need to make sure that you have the right file for the job. Different styles of knives may require using different angles and cutting surfaces such as flat or curved surfaces. Make sure you understand which type of edge your knife has before selecting a file. It’s also important to choose a file that fits the angle of your knife’s bevel – this will help maintain its current angle while sharpening it.
Sharpening with the File – Work in Stages
Once you have selected the right file and angle, securely hold your knife and start sharpening against the blade at an appropriate pressure. You can start by working at relatively light pressure, and then increase it gradually as needed. Try to use long, even strokes in one direction and keep them consistent in order to maintain an even keel throughout. It may take several passes to get your desired results, so take your time and work in stages. Be careful not to press too hard or apply too much force because that could cause damage to your blade.
Finishing Up
When you finish up, check your work with a light source or magnifying glass for any small chips or burrs left in your blade after sharpening with a file. Once you are done inspecting the shape of your edge, wipe away any debris left behind on the blade surface with a clean cloth before moving on to honing with a stone or leather strop if needed.
Starting the Motion
Hold the file lengthwise in your dominant hand. Place two or three of your fingers on top of the file and curl them inward slightly to create some tension and support. With your other hand, grasp the handle at least 6-12 inches away from the work area to give yourself some leeway for movement. Your wrists should be nearly perpendicular to the file surface, allowing only a slight angle towards the object being sharpened. To give yourself even better control over both pressure and direction, you can hold your elbows close to your body.
To begin filing, move your body in rhythm as you push down slightly while gliding the file forward away from you. It is essential not to press too hard as this may cause damage and take longer than necessary to sharpen the object perfectly. Apply pressure gradually during each stroke and try to avoid turning or bending at any point so that you don’t create an uneven edge. The ideal motion is consistent lateral passes that match one another with equal pressure across them all – this will help create a smoother overall finish.
Middle Steps
When sharpening with a file, you first need to position the file so that it is secured in place. Depending on the type of tool you are sharpening, you may need to secure it either into a clamp or onto a vise. Once secure, you can begin the process. When using a file, be sure to move in one direction only. You should also avoid applying too much pressure; firm but gentle pressure is usually ideal. Moving the file in half circles helps to control the pressure and maintain even contact with the metal surface of your tool. This will help grind away any imperfections evenly and reduce any areas where the blade has become dull over time. Additionally, be sure to keep track of how much material your removing from each side of your blade as this will affect its overall balance and quality once complete.
Finishing and Cleaning
Once the initial sharpening has been completed with a file, it is important to finish and clean the blade to ensure long-lasting sharpness and blade health. This can be done in a few simple steps:
1. Remove any burrs or filing shards from the blade that may have been created during sharpening. This can usually be done with a fine grade of steel wool, but fine-grade sandpaper can also get the job done.
2. Rinse off the blade with hot, soapy water to remove any filings and lubricate the blade. It is important to use scouring brushes and scrubbers designed specifically for sharp knives as they are gentler on blades than regular household scrubbers.
3. Once all of the filings have been removed, dry off the knife very thoroughly using a clean towel or paper towels to make sure there isn’t any excess moisture left on it.
4. If desired, you can give your knife some extra shine by polishing it with mineral oil or bee’s wax; both act as protective barriers for your blade and make it easier to keep clean and safe in regular use.
Tools and Accessories
Sharpening your tools with a file is a skill that requires patience and practice. However, not everyone is born an expert with a file! Here are some tips to ensure success when honing your skills:
1. Invest in the right accessories – Depending on the item you are sharpening, different types of files may be necessary. A light-duty mill bastard file is suitable for most general sharpening tasks while more specialized ones, such as needle files and Rasps, can take care of challenging items like knives or scissors.
2. File comfortably – Wear eye protection and heavy gloves to protect your hands from the snippings that result from filing. Choose either a vise or clamps which provide a secure hold regardless of your angle of attack. And choose a well-ventilated room to work in for best results.
3. Use the correct technique – Hold the file firmly with both fingers as it glides parallel over the steel/metal’s surface; move in one direction only, from heel to tip without applying too much pressure until you achieve uniform dimensions along its entire length or width depending on its type (e.g serrations on saw blades).
4. Keep it clean – Always make sure your files stay clean and free of filings after each use by brushing them off thoroughly with a soft brush or compressed air pipe before putting them away in their proper storage compartment/case.
5. Glide on oil – Before handling potentially dangerous items (like razor blades) lightly dip your file into mineral oil then wipe off extra liquid before beginning filing; adding some lubrication helps keep filings together and prevents overheating during sharpening duties while vouching for longevity of the cutting surface edge.
Conclusion
Sharpening with a file is an effective and inexpensive way to keep knives, axes and other tools sharp. It also enables you to sharpen objects of any shape or sizes that may not fit in conventional sharpeners. As long as you use the correct file for the specific job at hand, it is relatively easy to sharpen whatever object you need. The result can be surprisingly precise if done correctly and with enough patience. The benefit of sharpening with a file is that it keeps your blades sharper for longer and helps reduce wear on your tools. It’s also less expensive than buying a powered grinder or sharpener machine, making it great for those who don’t have the money or space to buy one of those devices while still enjoying well-sharpened cutting edges.
