Who makes the best metal files?

[hagatha]

Greetings,

I'm looking around to find out who makes good files... I've tried Nicholson and Kobalt nether last for very long... I use then to get a flat grind using a jig.
What kind of large flat files do you use?

hagatha

 

[RX-79G]

Are you draw filing or using a sawing motion?

 

[Nic.]

I love my old Nicholsons, they have lasted forever, the new ones just aren't the same I guess

 

[samuraistuart]

For rapid steel removal, it is darn hard to beat the Pferd 14" chip breaker, from Amazon. All Pferd and Grobet files are top of the line. Simonds is a more affordable file that is WAY better than the new Nicholsons. I buy Pferd and Simonds from Amazon.

The problem with new Nicholsons are they are made in Mexico and some in brazil. The quality control is absent. Old Nicholson files are great...new ones not great at all.

 

[A C Richards]

Simonds and Grobet are the 2 I buy.

 

[Augus7us]

Grobets and USA Made Nicholsons here

 

[jdm61]

Grobert seems to be the pick. As far as the Nicholsons go, it seems to depend on the model. I bought 2 of the hand cut cabinetmakers rasps a few years back on recommendation from Karl Andersen. They are made in Brazil and they kick butt!!