In the world of sharpening, the word "file" might sound a bit out of place, especially for those not too familiar with hand tools. Most people would associate it with a rough metalworking tool, certainly not with quenched steel maintenance or knife sharpening. The more familiar term, of course, is "sharpener."
Yet, the file as a tool has its technical place in the sharpening process. It sits somewhere between a traditional file and an abrasive stone and performs specific functions when working with various blades.
Beyond typical kitchen knives, many other tools that have some kind of blade require regular sharpening and maintenance. These range from utility tools to more specialized cutting instruments.
They may differ in shape and purpose, but one category applies to all: sharpening files.
A file is traditionally a cutting tool with a working section shaped as a rod or flat plate. It features a specially treated surface and includes a handle for comfort and precision like other manual tools.
When considering a file as a sharpening tool, it helps to separate tools meant for knife blades from those used for other cutting tools.
As noted earlier, a knife sharpening file functions similarly to a classic file but acts as a more precise abrasive tool, suitable for honing blade bevels.
These files come in a variety of cross-sections: half-round, round, flat, oval, conical, and diamond-shaped. In some ways, even honing rods can be seen as a type of file.
Common examples include aluminum oxide files without handles, typically offered in coarse, medium, and fine grits.
Knife sharpening files differ by the material and type of the working surface. Some are coated in diamond grit, while others resemble conventional sharpening stones and industrial abrasives. Specific file grades exist for metal work, making them useful for repairing steel blades.
Just like traditional abrasives, sharpening files are categorized into coarse, medium, and fine grit. The function remains the same: repair, sharpen, and finish the knife edge.
Some versions feature properly sized fixed handles and elongated work surfaces, often made from bonded industrial abrasives
For portability, one can use folding-handle tools, which are perfect for outdoor use and can even fit in a pocket. A great example is the diamond flat file, combining a folding handle, durable diamond surface, and varied grit for precision honing.
There are also unique purpose-built sharpening solutions like handheld sharpeners for serrated knives.
At this point, it's clear that we’re dealing with specialized tools shaped like files but functioning as classic sharpeners: abrasive stones.
Besides the aforementioned hand tools, there are rare diamond-coated files on a thin metal base designed for sharpening metal edges.
There are also other kinds of files suitable for the repair and honing of knife blades, and it is worth noting them: needle files (often called micro files) with thin diamond coating. They come in a variety of cross-sectional shapes: round, half-round, oval, triangular, and rectangular, which makes them a cheap and simple, but fine sharpening solution. These are great low-cost alternatives for edge repair.
Other tools include everything beyond knives: tools and devices with cutting elements that require sharpening during use but are not classified as industrial equipment. These include hand saw blades, chainsaw chains, axe heads, electric garden shears, and a wide range of other manual and electric tools.
Among the most commonly used and widely available sharpening tools are files for chainsaw chains and files for manual saw blades. Each category of tool has distinct technical characteristics.
Chainsaw sharpening files are typically sold in sets of three different diameters. They are often made from high-quality, deep hardened carbon chrome steel. These files have special double-cut patterns designed to match the geometry of the chain for effective sharpening. For precise sharpening, these sets also include a guide that, when paired with the file, becomes a complete sharpener.
Files used for sharpening hand saw blades also feature specific design differences from regular triangular files. While typical triangle files have sharp edges, those meant for sharpening saw teeth are rounded at the edges to avoid damaging the cutting edge of the saw.
Triangular sharpening files are just one example of a sharpener. Since there are many different types of saw blades, each one has its own specialized file profile.
Additionally, these files can be used for sharpening circular saw blades.
Notable manufacturers of files for saw blade and chain sharpening include Husqvarna, Stihl, Makita, and Stanley.
Besides more common edge tools, there are specialized files designed for sharpening spiral drill bits. In this case, the file is still technically a file, but it functions as a tool for reshaping and sharpening the cutting edges of drill bits.
It should now be clear that so-called "sharpening files" are really just abrasives tailored for specific jobs. When it comes to knife maintenance, they serve as an alternative to stones; compact, easy to carry, and available in different textures.
In other cases, these are classic files with slight modifications, designed for effective steel processing.
A standard sharpening stone can also get the job done if the grit is right. Ultimately, it is up to you to choose the best tool for the job. Just remember, sharpening a chainsaw chain with maximum efficiency usually calls for a specialized sharpener.
The same rule is valid for high-quality, expensive knives. If you want to keep your knives in perfect condition, preserve their looks, and prolong their service life - a sharpening file certainly will be a bad solution.
A more fitting, specialized sharpening tool for expensive knives is a precision guided sharpening system, and here is a good example: TSPROF Kadet Pro. This is a universal sharpening device that can handle every knife: from small pocket to large hunting and bushcraft knives. It allows you to use various abrasives, depending on your purpose and required finishing quality.
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