The quench crack that changed how I file

I used to file all my blades before heat treating to save effort. When one snapped in the quench, I tried filing after hardening instead. It wears out files faster, but I haven't lost a piece since. I just go slow with light pressure, and my edges turn out cleaner.

3 comments

3 Comments

julia_lee1mo ago

Figured filing after hardening would ruin my tools. Your crack story got me to test it anyway. Going slow with light pressure actually works better for me now.

lee.kelly1mo ago

Yeah it's wild how that light touch stops heat buildup. Always thought it was about saving the file, but really you're keeping the steel's temper intact too.

the_ryan1mo ago

Wait, @lee.kelly, does a little heat really ruin the steel's temper?