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Hey guys, I know this has been covered in the apprentice corner, but I'm just a big ole struggle bus when it comes to hand filing blades. I haven't been able to afford a grinder, so since taking the Intro class in Arkansas I've forged a lot (which is getting much better), and have attempted to hand file a few blades. Progress is slow and frustrating. I've heard mixed instruction on draw filing blades. One says tang in left hand and pull, tang in right hand and push. Another says back and forth. Another says pull while sliding from tip to tang. Which is it?

There are many, many videos out there about every aspect of bladesmithing, but I have yet to come across someone covering hand filing. I find it quite surprising.

Is there a JS or MS willing to make a video?

Thanks for listening to me vent. Any and all advice or opinions will be greatly appreciated!

that is a great idea for a video!

Ill try and put something quick together tomorrow.

MP

Thank you Matt!!

I'd love to see that too.

I sort of use the same principle as a 2x72. The file lays flat on the surface you want to file, and I keep pressure on the line I want to move.

I dont know how good this is but here you go, sorry it took me so long to get done. https://youtu.be/wXs7AxmtNe8

when drawfiling, I have found it useful to take relatively short strokes and lift the file. I get a LOT less galling and pinning this way, and that makes drawfiling much more useful of a technique.

Thank you for your time Matt. And thank you Kevin for your input.