File knives Question

[tartanferret]

I've been thinking about making a couple of knives from old files.

After reading a few threads on here such as..

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92081

I've picked up a few files from car boot sales.

Can anyone tell me if the knives rust as badly as the files themselves?

Is there ways of keeping them shiny? treatments / care

cheers

Or other finishes? I don't fancy the rusty look

[sasquatch]

Use old files, as they're carbon steel they will rust if not dried after use and stored properly. Nothing to worry about and can be brought up to a mirror finish if you like them shiny. Great steel in the old ones, have fun.

[spandit]

Files have a very high surface area which helps them rust. Grinding a lot of that off to make a knife will make them less rust prone

[Samon]

I've got an old 'Oberg' file made in sweden (I believe they are now called bahco) that I wanted made intoa knife..

I wonder how much a decent maker will charge?

[martsim73]

As seen in the tutorial, quenching in old motor oil will help deterioration. However, you will still find they will tarnish/rust. Keep the blade rubbed down with a light coat of oil (or wrap in an oily rag).

Martin

[Gailainne]

Leave a knife out/around with Mad Dave about, he'll clean it up for you, won't you Dave

[maddave]

Leave a knife out/around with Mad Dave about, he'll clean it up for you, won't you Dave

Hahahahaha..... Bit of the old OCD showing there Dip it in vinegar for a few hours too, that will aid the "patina"