file work

[garyflorida]

I need to learn how to file a Roman knot on a flipper style knife's back spacer.
Can anyone steer me in the right direction as to procedure and files I will need please?

Gary

[jerryd6818]

Found this at --> http://www.wattscustomknives.com/file_work

Is this what you're talking about?

[muskrat man]

looks like it could bedone with a tri file and the centers look drilled out. drill diameter will be dependant on the thickness of the spine. you'll need carbide to drill and diamond files if you're planning to file a completed knife. He might even use a graver for the fine lines.

[garyflorida]

Yes. Alan Davis knife caught my attention. Wasn't a big fan of file work but I changed.
Just want to give it a try. What is a graver?

Gary

[orvet]

The example Jerry posted is so even and uniform that it appears he may have even used a CNC mill to cut that.
It appears perfect with zero variation, at least in the picture. Most hand filework has minute variations in the pattern as it is repeated.

I see no variation in that pattern, which kind of leaves me cold, like a machine made by a machine, cold, formal, perfect and uncaring. I really prefer hand filework with imperfections because I know the maker sweated over that imperfection, (been there, done that), and then somehow made it blend in and work. There is artistry in hand filed filework. Machine cut designs and their perfect repetition of the pattern reminds me we live in an age of impersonal machines. Makes me want to move off grid!

Seriously, if there were some minute flaws in that pattern, where I could visualize the maker laboring over the filework, I would love it and probably try it myself. But it appears so perfect to me that all I see is a CNC mill making repetitive cuts in the bar of steel.

[garyflorida]

Now those are interesting comments. I carve wood and feel the same about machine worked designs so I understand your critique of the matter.
I am hoping to file before hardening so I will not need to rely on diamond as much. I think a little bit of file work adds allot to a knife in some cases.

Gary

[muskrat man]

the second knife looks more hand done than the first. A graver is a hand engraving tool

[FRJ]

I like file work too. It's fun to play with. Not all that difficult really, although I never took it anywhere.
The important part, including practice, is to have a plan. But you know that.

[orvet]

Now those are interesting comments. I carve wood and feel the same about machine worked designs so I understand your critique of the matter.

Gary

Thank you Gary! I was not trying to put it down and it has some appeal, but it does not feel like "Art" to me. It is kind of like the machine made fancy bolsters on an inexpensive imported knife; you know it is all machine made and there is no artistry or hand work involved; Rough Rider is a good example. They may have really fancy bolsters or filework on them, but just leaves me a bit cold as I know it was all machine made and there was no passion in them.

I guess the best way I can explain it is that to hold a knife in my hand that another human put his artistry, sweat (& blood ) I get a feel for his passion for his craft, even if it isn't perfect.

With an all machine made knife it is impersonal to me as a new thermostat for my car.
There is function, but no passion. I hope that makes sense.

[garyflorida]

Anyone get Blade Magazine? I need June 2011....article on file work is there.

Gary