"The Heller brand has been around 100 years. Like many of these the brand has changed hands several time. I'd assume it's of the same vintage as the others (1950-1970). I don't use them much but they do make a…"
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James McClendon
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- United States
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Using Old Files for Knives
Started this discussion. Last reply by James McClendon Aug 7. 14 Replies 0 Likes
Old files can make wonderful knives. Many of these tools were made from proprietary alloys that would today be considered boutique specialty knife alloys like Japanese White Paper steel. If executed…Continue
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"Oops. I was re-organizing some tools, and I found another old file. LOL
1 file - 12" x 1-3/16" x .210" thick - stamped HELLER NUCUT - Mill Bastard (single cut)
Is this one any…"
KnifeMakerJames McClendon replied to James McClendon's discussion Using Old Files for Knives
"As far as forging, I've really found that forging these is a waste of time and energy. With the thinner files less than 1/4" unless you are changing the handle angle and doing a tapered tang anything you forge will end up not…"
KnifeMakerJames McClendon replied to James McClendon's discussion Using Old Files for Knives
"Awesome group. The K&F's and Arcade were most likely made as Nicholson brands. They will be the 1.27% carbon, lead bath heat treated alloy that Nicholson was known for. The Nicholson is probably a pre 1970, using the same…"
"With the maximum width of the files just under 1-3/8" yet over .300" thick, I would think that at least for the bigger files, I would consider fully annealing the file, then forging it into a shape that was thinner, and perhaps taller from…"
"James,
Sorry it took me a bit to get pictures of the stamps and get them sorted and measured. It probably was a good thing to do, but I had not done it yet.
Okay, here is a text breakdown of the bigger files I was given. I have cleaned…"
KnifeMakerJames McClendon replied to James McClendon's discussion Using Old Files for Knives
"Send me those pics. Since the old files and there history is important to me I do a lot of research. Always finding new brands and learning new things.
Old files are basically scrap metal, there is very little value to an old file to…"
"From my (albeit limited) understanding, the hamon was basically a visual indicator of a differential heat treat caused by the application of clay on the spine to slow the quench which altered the martensitic conversion away from the edge. This…"
KnifeMakerJames McClendon replied to James McClendon's discussion Using Old Files for Knives
"Like many things, at one time it did but now it just shows a makers skill and adds a bit of "art" to the steel.
Back in the day Japanese smiths perfected the Hamon in their swords. It was thought to make a better blade.…"
"Nice work, James.
I've got what may be a dumb question but does the hamon have a function? "
KnifeMakerJames McClendon replied to James McClendon's discussion Using Old Files for Knives
"This is how I do it, everyone has their own recipes. We will stick with the Nicholson brands for this example. I may throw in some others.
Nicholson was an acquisition company, they bought out many brands like that G&H Barnett…"
KnifeMakerAndy Larrison replied to James McClendon's discussion Using Old Files for Knives
"I'm curious on the process of using the file and working it into a knife. I understand shaping, profile handling.....what about heat treating? Will the file/blade need heat treated after shaping it?"
KnifeMakerJames McClendon replied to James McClendon's discussion Using Old Files for Knives
"If you guys want I can get into the more modern mill file metallurgy. After 1981 things started going down hill for the industry as far as quality goes."
KnifeMakerAndy Larrison replied to James McClendon's discussion Using Old Files for Knives
"Great information. Thanks so much for sharing. "
KnifeMakerJames McClendon posted a discussion
Using Old Files for Knives
Old files can make wonderful knives. Many of these tools were made from proprietary alloys that would today be considered boutique specialty knife alloys like Japanese White Paper steel. If executed properly the old file steel has great edge retention while being relatively easy to sharpen compared to high end stainless alloys. The other difference is the heat treat can be manipulated to make the blade stronger and more resilient. I personally also like the look and the story that goes along…See More
Profile Information
- Profile
- KnifeMaker
- How did you hear about iKnifeCollector?
- Internet
- Do you currently subscribe to any knife publication (offline)
- Yes
- How long have you collected knives?
- 16- 20 years
- Favorite Kind of Knives
- Bowie
- About Me
- Bladesmith specializing on Bowie’s and hunters with a story.
- Interests
- History and metallurgy.
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- Outdoors.
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James McClendon's Blog
Cable Damascus, The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Forging Wire Rope Into A Blade
Posted on June 29, 2023 at 18:39 2 Comments 4 Likes
Many years ago when I first got into knife making one of the first books I got mentioned forging crane cable into a blade. I found that fascinated and wanted to try it. At that time there wasn't a lot of information on the subject. Here are some things I learned.
Steel rope, or as I like to call it "crane cable" can be divided into 2 steel families. The first is stainless, these cables are either 200 or 300 grade austenitic stainless. This isn't a grade that is suitable for…
ContinueComment Wall (3 comments)
- At 19:06 on August 4, 2023,
Ellis H. Roberson said…
Hey James.. Treat. We keep in touch
- At 19:00 on July 5, 2023,
Jan Carter said…
The 5 top things to do when you join iKnifeCollector!
Navigating iKnifeCollector.com
Best Photo upload size? 640x480
and join us in the chatroom if you have any questions or just want to chat
- At 20:09 on June 26, 2023,
J.J. Smith III said…
Welcome aboard, James.
Good to have you here at iKC.
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