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The Outpost This forum is dedicated to all who share a love for, and a desire to make good knives, and have fun doing it. We represent a diverse group of smiths and knifemakers who bring numerous methods to their craft.

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  #1  
Old 05-18-2001, 08:20 AM
MaxTheKnife
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Draw filing


It's amazing how we can go through life doing things the same as we've always done never stumbling on things that would simplify what we do every day. I'm talking about knife making, of course.

While at school, I learned the simple art of draw filing (Instructor, Mike Williams). All my life, I've been using files in one way or another. You ever try to get the ricasso flat with a file and a vise? Man, what an excercise in futility! And even if you do get it fairly flat, it's all wavy and uneven. Well, draw filing is the answer to that problem. Sure, it's hard work, but very simple.

Since I discovered how to draw file, I don't need a grinder for anything but profiling. Pretty soon, I won't need no stinking grinder at all! You can get a fantastic flat grind on a blade using the most basic tools in your shop. A short length of 2X4, a 4" C-clamp, a vise and a single or double cut bastard file, or both.

Clamp the blade onto the 2X4 with the C-clamp and mount it in your vise at a comfortable angle for filing. Take your bastard file (a nice, sharp new file is best) and hold it at a 90 degree angle to your blade like you would a sen or draw knife. Now, find the angle you want for your grind and start at the tip of the blade and push in a firm, even stroke all the way to the ricasso. (Oh, first file your grind line in slightly at the ricasso for a stopping point). Keep this up until you have the grind as deep as you want it. You'll be amazed at how much control you have on the grind line across the spine. I've been fooling with draw filing for the last few days filing every knife blade in sight. It's fun!

Once you have your bevel filed in, flatten the ricasso using the same method as before using short, rapid, even strokes. In no time at all the ricasso will be flat and clean.

The best part is the finish left behind when you're done. It's about the texture of 120 grit sandpaper if you finish up with a fine toothed file. And the file doesn't get loaded up like it will in straight filing. I always hated those dreaded gouges cause by a loaded up file. If you have alot of texture you need to remove, it's best to start with a medium or coarse double cut file. Finish up with a fine toothed single cut file. You'll notice as you file the blade (fully annealed of course) that the shavings are more like steel wool instead of little tiny pieces. Long, curly shavings is an indication that you're getting the most out of your file. Once you get the hang of it you can really make the steel fly off that blade! Grinders? We don't need no stinking grinders!
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  #2  
Old 05-18-2001, 09:31 AM
gthomas
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Hey Max, draw filing is the way to go! I find people all of the time who have never heard of it. Engineers used this technique over a hundred years ago to achieve flat surfaces with high precision tolerances. I draw filed the blacksmiths knife that went to dana in the last IITH drawing (Dana posted some pictures in here recently).

Before the old Outpost forum went down we had a large thread on filing and such that covered all kinds of filing techniques and tips including draw filing. I actually printed hard copies of that thread. I wish I could get it back on here but I suppose I would just have to retype the whole thing in. It would be a worhwhile endeavor however. I love draw filing and am constantly amazed how fast it is and how fine a surface you end up with. After using the 12" smooth cut file I would think I have around a 200-250 grit finish but that's kind of a subjective thing and I haven't really compared the finishes closely.

Guy Thomas
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  #3  
Old 05-18-2001, 10:44 AM
MaxTheKnife
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I guess I missed it in the old forum, Guy. But, I've sure got a handle on it now. And you're right, it's amazing what kind of fine finish you can end up with and how fast the steel flies off when you get the hang of it. Grinders. Heh.
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  #4  
Old 05-18-2001, 02:37 PM
MAURICE
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No grinder? ####....


takin offers on any of em,max?
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Old 05-18-2001, 03:15 PM
MaxTheKnife
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Re: No grinder? ####....


I've got one I'll let go. I never use it anyway. Come on down and see me and we'll figure out if it's what you need. Actually, I've got a 1 X 42 that gets very little use too. Lots of belts for both of them. Bring plenty of trade goods and a little cash. Ferric Chloride would be a good starting place for trade goods. Although I don't think Radio Shack carries it any more. We'll figure something out.
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Old 05-18-2001, 08:27 PM
Jeff Sanders
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Re: No grinder? ####....


I like useing a scraper that Tai made for me out of a File, Like he used on the video.Its like a drawknife for wood but works killer on steel.
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  #7  
Old 05-19-2001, 08:36 AM
Jeff Sanders
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Re: No grinder? ####....



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