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And yet ANOTHER newbie question!
Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 10:59 pm
by dewman
What is meant by the phrase "file & wire"? I've noticed this, particularly when describing Boker knives for sale on E-Bay. Is this a finish, a method of making/shaping/finishing the blade......
........as in this ad:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHATT-MORGAN-File- ... dZViewItem
Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 11:08 pm
by mumblypeg
I believe it's has something to do with how they used to test the hardness of the steel. But I'll shut up here and let one of experts explain....
Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 11:36 pm
by El Lobo
I'm borrowing this from A. G. Russell's website...
In the days before the invention of the Rockwell hardness tester, the Cutler would see if a new file would cut the edge of the blade. Then he would take the sharpened knife and tap it through a wire of known hardness, if the edge was unharmed then the knife passed the test and could be shipped.
Bill
Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 11:36 pm
by jonet143
file and wire is the test of hardnes shatt & morgan used. i 've never heard it in reference to boker.
the blade was tested for hardness by cutting a certain guage wire and when a file would not break the surface. there is probably more info.
Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 12:36 am
by Hukk
Yep, the file should "skate" across the surface of a flat on the knife without marring to test hardness and the blade would cut wire without chipping or other damage to make sure the blade was not so hard that it was brittle.
Currently Nicholson files are about 59Rc, so on most knives they would still mar or scratch an edge.