Custom File Work

File work is used to add character and appearance to any knife. Some designs can be extremely complex while others like this one are relatively simple

For this you will need steel to practise on, or if you want to go straight onto a knife. You will also need files preferably needle files as they are small.
To start out mark out with a sharpie, every half centimetre on alternating sides. This will form the semi circles that we will add in later

On the marks that you made in the previous steps, scribe or do a small cut with a hacksaw. Cutting the small notches means that filing is more accurate. Using a small circular file, file away on those notches until you get a nice semi circle look. Do this on both sides

Start off by using the same circle file you just used and make the holes just cut into slight ovals. Do this by using the file on a 30 degree angle and cut them. On the other side make the new ovals go in the opposite direction.

This step is slightly complicated. On the largest side of the ovals make another small notch about 3mm away from the edge of the oval. In this mark use a triangular file to make a sharp notch pointing towards the oval. Do this on the other side too.

Now your file work is just about done you can leave it like this but it looks way better if you round off all the sharp edges except for the one created by the triangular files. This will give it a sort of rope like look.

Thanks for reading. If you thought something needed a bit more explaining just tell me and I'll give it my best. This file work is looking great on my knife in making. All file work looks great if it is "filled" in with coloured epoxy as it really brings out the design.
Thanks again