Where do I get 'good' files today? Especially axe sharpening files?

S

Sid Post

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Oct 14, 1998
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Like punches and chisels, files today seem to be way too soft after being outsourced for cheap labor and poor quality control economics. Nicholson and other 'big box' store files are total @#$! if you try to use them on anything remotely hard in my experience.

Initially, I'm looking for Axe sharpening and shaping files. The axes are generally in the low to mid-50's Rockwell scale so, not some super hard 'super steel', plain and simple carbon steels.

Helko axes seem to have a viable option in their file. I have heard good things about Pferd as well. What else should I be looking at other than antique stores, estate sales, etc. for an old Nicholson or similar file?

TIA,
Sid
 
I like and use............. Pferd file , Bahco and Grobet file are top quality. I have also Pferd Corinox file which are hell of a file but never tried to sharpen anything with them .I keep them for special work ,they are extremely hard /70 hrc/ and even they a fine they remove material fast and make nice finish....OK ,I will sharpen one Axe tomorrow with one of them :)
https://www.pferdusa.com/products/201j/201j02/201j0201P.html
I have also Stihl Chain Saw sharpening files they are great to , and they are cheap .
 
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As far as I know, Swiss made Vallorbe Valtitan are the best, they are hardened to 72 HRC.

"Glardon/Vallorbe Valtitan-Files
The perfect files for knife makers
The hardest of all toothed files. They allow materials which have been considered impossible to file, e.g. hardened steel, to be filed without breaking teeth. Other advantages: Valtitan files do not clog, they are largely rust-proof and even more powerful. They impress users with greater chip removal and longer service life."
 
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Grobet files are outsourced to Asia now aren't they? Like Nicholson, I have heard the old ones were really good but, the new ones are too soft and not very good.

The Pferd Corinox looks like a really good option. A quick Google shows they run ~$50 plus S/H in the 10" size. Is that a reasonable price for these or, should I search a bit more to find a good source? Also, how do the 00, 0 and, 2 sizes compare to each other?

TIA,
Sid
 
ckdexterhaven said:
As far as I know, Swiss made Vallorbe Valtitan are the best, they are hardened to 72 HRC.

"Glardon/Vallorbe Valtitan-Files
The perfect files for knife makers
The hardest of all toothed files. They allow materials which have been considered impossible to file, e.g. hardened steel, to be filed without breaking teeth. Other advantages: Valtitan files do not clog, they are largely rust-proof and even more powerful. They impress users with greater chip removal and longer service life."
Click to expand...

Where do you find them? Their catalog is a bit hard to follow and Google didn't help much except for some Ebay links. Also, I saw links which indicated Bahco was just a re-branded Vallorbe.
 
Stihl chainsaw files are cheap but are good one , I suggest you to try them before you spent tons of cash one Pferd ....or that Valtitan :D
 
ckdexterhaven said:
As far as I know, Swiss made Vallorbe Valtitan are the best, they are hardened to 72 HRC.

"Glardon/Vallorbe Valtitan-Files
The perfect files for knife makers
The hardest of all toothed files. They allow materials which have been considered impossible to file, e.g. hardened steel, to be filed without breaking teeth. Other advantages: Valtitan files do not clog, they are largely rust-proof and even more powerful. They impress users with greater chip removal and longer service life."
Click to expand...
They are NOT hardened to 72 HRC :) I think they are some kind of hardchrome plated on surface , same as Pferd are .I think that I will do that on one new normal file.........
 
Natlek said:
Stihl chainsaw files are cheap but are good one , I suggest you to try them before you spent tons of cash one Pferd ....or that Valtitan :D
Click to expand...

I don't think they will work well on an axe. I have a different solution for chainsaw chains.
 
Natlek said:
They are NOT hardened to 72 HRC :) I think they are some kind of hardchrome plated on surface , same as Pferd are .I think that I will do that on one new normal file.........
Click to expand...

Yes, sorry, it's surface hardness but they are harder than Pferd and the surface lasts well. A German knife maker who uses both Vallorbe and Pferd, told me that in his opinion Vallorbe Valtitan are far superior to Pferd.


Sid Post said:
Where do you find them? Their catalog is a bit hard to follow and Google didn't help much except for some Ebay links. Also, I saw links which indicated Bahco was just a re-branded Vallorbe.
Click to expand...

In the US "otto frei" has them. Just google it and search for Valtitan on his website.
 
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I use Valtitan files exclusively at work. I have a blend of files in the shop, but really like Valtitan for finish work. They are very hard, but also brittle if abused.

There are some specific use files, like the Nicholson magic-cut, which are outstanding for shaping large blades, that are also the best choice when you have a lot of material to remove.

Get the largest file you can afford for stock removal. 12-14" is a good size.
Card the files regularly, give then a shot of WD-40 when putting them away, and store either hanging on a rack or in PVC tubes.
 
Nicholson old stock, plenty on eBay. The made in the USA ones

I just tried a Bahco which I got from workshop heaven and I’m very impressed and it’s hardness is certainly in the high 60s
 
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