But old Nicholsons were made from a W1 or W2 like steel and those steels are being phased out. I have Nicholsons from the early 70s that are still in good shape and still work, they were exceptional. I spoke to a Cincinnati Tool Steel rep (where all W2 comes from) and he told me they will only order a one ton run of W2 from the mill. Only suppliers like Aldo or other big companies can afford that. I also was joking, but if I have a big Black Diamond (and I do) I am not going to bust it in half to look at the grain, a little one maybe. The grey velvet is what the grain should look like. I really don't see the point of busting a Nicholson. Also there are plenty of pictures to observe right here on this Forum and other places. Why break a file?
