February 24, 201313 yr I just picked up a bunch of old files and rasps. I heard that some are actually worth money and should not be forged. Any truth to this? If so, what should I look out for? Thanks!
February 24, 201313 yr Well, If any are marked "shear steel" or "crucible steel" I'd buy them as samples of those two varieties of steels. I am not aware of collectible files, but folk collect all manner of things. Ric
February 24, 201313 yr There is somewhat of a collector market. As far as I'm concerned an old file is either usable as a file, or to be remade into another tool. In my opinion the old Black Diamonds are the best followed by Nickolson. The cheap Chinese junk files are the worst (case hardened not included in this).
February 24, 201313 yr You can send them out for sharping to Boggs tool its about 2 bucks a file. Considering that they are $15 to $25 new for large files the math works out. Some older hand cut files and very obscure brands may be collectable. lastly if they are rusty or have chipped teeth they are a decent source of steel for edge tool making though correct heat treatment may take a few tries to get right.
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