Thumb Groove File?

[Jim T]

I know you can get files for all sorts of different purposes. Is there such a thing as a file that can be used to make thumb grooves on the spine of a blade? If there is, what is it called and where can you purchase them?

Jim

[NJStricker]

It all depends on what type of thumb groove you want.

If you want a round-bottomed groove, you can use a chainsaw file. If you want a square or V bottom, look around for a good set of Swiss files.

[Kostoglotov]

Are you looking for somehing to keep the spacing consistent?

If you are willing to eyeball, use a triangle file to make your initial cut and then follow up with a chainsaw file

[Ray Rogers]

What you are asking for is called a checkering file. They are available in several ratings but the best for knives is probably the 00 file which has 20 lines per inch. They are expensive at about $30 each but they last a long time as long as you don't use them on a hardened blade.....

[Jim T]

A checkering file! Okay, thanks Ray! I wasn't too eager to try free-handing the grooves. I doubt I could get the spaces between them to be even and consistant.

One other question. After you heat treat the blade and move into the finishing process, how do you clean the grooves out?

Jim

[Alan L]

Originally Posted by Jim T

One other question. After you heat treat the blade and move into the finishing process, how do you clean the grooves out?

Jim

Fold some sandpaper around a sharp wooden wedge-shaped thing, and be prepared to move the paper a lot. Grooves really eat abrasives.

[Ray Rogers]

Yup, that or sand blast it ....