thanks Shawn. have to look up those files to see how to heat treat.
M
You probably won't find the exact alloy because of "trade secrets", but I did find this for you in a web search.
"I just contacted Apex who owns Nicholson. I'll let you know if they respond."
"I sent an email to APEX customer service, and received a phone call from their materials guy, Russ. He couldn't tell me the exact alloy that they use due to company policy,but he gave me some info about what they do use.
1. Machinists files have used the same alloy for over 50 years, Russ has been there 47 IIRC. Rasps, and other lesser files are a lower carbon alloy as a really high carbon isn't needed to work with hooves/wood. No matter where the files are made, they all meet the same specs.
2. Some machinists files are either case, or pack hardened, to add even more carbon.
3. He said treating them like W1 for heat treating would be a good choice.
4. They have had to deal with counterfeit files from Asia. Some copied their logo very well, but it hasn't been a problem for a few years now.
So, those are the deets straight from the factory. Russ was quite nice about the whole question and answer session I gave him, and I understand trade secrets, so I an grateful for the info he afforded us."