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.

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3 Comments

julia_lee7mo 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.

3

lee.kelly7mo 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.

8

the_ryan7mo ago

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

6