Have a good file!! My old files weren't impressing me this year, so off to the local hardware store. Was gonna buy a double cut for changing the angle on my Deltas and a single cut to make em sharp enough to suit me.

They had a handy file by Nicholson with a built in handle which I added some quick bocote scales to when I got home. It's double cut on one side and single cut on the other. Bout $11...

Had this Delta from factory edge to shaving in about 90 seconds! Wish I'da got a double cut file 20 years ago!!      

The only thing I dislike about Deltas is laying that angle back to get a razor edge.  
 


 

Get em sharp, you won't regret it!!    :D

Thanks for the heads up.  I have several of those in my arsenal of carving tools.  Bout time to retire a couple of them.   They don't last forever.
ChuckC

Good thread, it's time for me to get a new one too!

I hear you Kenny..got myself a new one last season after using the same for too many years...I use it on the Eskimos which seem to eat up lesser files quickly. Huge difference in ease of sharpening. Same one you got..Nicholson double/single

Putting the wood handle on it made it real comfy to use too,couple 1/4" slabs superglued to it after roughing it a bit,then a trip to the spindle sander and it's a custom to match my bow!  

Thanks for the reminder.  I love simple solutions!

Steve

Are these available at Home Depot, Lowes or any of the big stores as the mom and pop hardware stores of yesteryear are gone around here.

I would think so, I looked at Amazon and they had them.

Thanks Kenny. Nice work on the handle.    

Bob

I just noticed that there's a thumbs down by the date of my last post. If I did it, it wasn't intentional.  :confused:  

A computer whiz, I'm not.    

Bob

The secrets out    

Been using the handy file for as long as I can remember on Razorheads and  Zwickeys. Kenny, mine aren't as pretty as yours but they still get em sharp  

Well Mike, bring one with ya and we we'll purty it up! Lookin forward to seeing you guys!!

Bob, didn't even notice it!!

Kenny, do you sharpen towards the point or away? I use the Deltas also. Also do you keep the file against the ferule to get the angle you need on them and finish with a real fine hone or strop to finish. I get them ok but am looking at getting them sharper. Going to go to the local hardware to get one of those files. I'm not the best sharpener in the world. Thanks.

I like to sharper toward tip, but don't think it matters. The double cut really makes laying the angle back a bit very easy. Then REALLY light strokes with the single cut side, I just cleaned up the double cut surface to smooth and it would just pop the hair off my arm!!

Yep on using the ferrule as a guide, but just nicked the paint off a very little.

Didn't strop on anything but would prob make an edge that micro rust didn't get to as much.?

Great thread Kenny nothing like a good file and and a  Zwickey.      specially of four  blade in my opinion.

     

I just left you a message on your phone I'll talk to you tomorrow

Sent ya a text T

and if you cannot find the one with a nice handle and all they have are files with pin handles just drill a hole in a golf ball and stab that on there.  Makes a real comfy handle on a file in seconds

Thanks for the tip Bobby.  The golfball file handle works great.

Kenny,

To keep that fine Nicholson file in tip top shape and make it last even longer make sure you use chalk and WD40 on it. Since you most likely put it away full of metal shavings get you a wire brush or a file card and clean all the shavings out first. Then if you are not going to use it for a while lightly spray it with WD 40 so it does not rust.

Next time you are ready to use it spray it down with some brake cleaner or use some acetone to get it oil free. Then take some chalk and rub the file with it to keep the metal filings from sticking to the bottom of the gullets and clogging the file. As you use the file occasionally brush it clean and re-chalk as needed. When you are done and about to store the file spray it back down with WD40 so it does not rust. Rust and clogged gullets are a files WORST enemies ! You will be amazed at how much sharper and longer a file will last with proper care. Just passing along what I was taught by a Master Machinist during my career in Aerospace machining. Hope this helps everyone......  

NoCams they are some great tips thanks.