Tool Tuesday; tools from old files

[johan_steele]

I have a fondness for tools made from recycled files. I cannot say exactly why other than perhaps it is seeing something worn out given a new life. I have several tools that have been made from re-purposed files. Above is a simple and small marking knife made from a broken file and placed into a bit of scrap wood that was then turned on a lathe to give it a pleasant appearance. Maybe it was done to add a little value or perhaps the smith who did the work felt the need to impart a bit of his craft into such a simple tools. The item beside it is a well used bevel square. I do not recall where I acquired it but it has given me excellent service.

Tools do not have to be ornate or fancy to do their job but many a man likes to hold something he feels is worthy of the art he creates. Fancy brass or German silver do not catch my eye when it comes to a tool but a well turned wooden handle does. Many a tool chest on the frontier hold nicely decorated tools that still function well. The moment where a tool is decorated to the point that it cannot be used with a clear conscience it is no longer a tool but a luxury instead

I have often spoke of tools made from re-purposed files. It is an old practice, files wear out with use but they are typically made from good steel. A wise user will recycle that file into something useful and either use it himself or sell it on. I have spoken of these tools before but I enjoy them and see an inherent beauty in them.

A draw knife is a tool that is heavily used in many a project and the two I have with steel made from files are easily sharpened and hold their edge well. They are simple yet quite elegant to my eyes.

Turn screws are not a tool I use on a daily basis but when you need one it is best to have one of quality available and the two here are both of good quality and the workmanship that went into making them pleases me.

A scribe and marking knife is a tool used for nearly every project and the two here are ones I like. While I have other draw knives and turn screws I have no other scribes or marking knives. I don't need them as I have what I need to hand.

There is something nice about the look of a tool made from a file, I like the feel of knowing I hold a tool that has had a previous life and yet has a future ahead of it. I suspect I will acquire more tools that have had a previous life as something else.

 

[DixieRifles]

Are you going to post info on wrenches and metal tools that have a similar handle but made of steel?
Ive seen a dug relic but wasnt sure what design was used during the Civil War.

 

[johan_steele]

Are you going to post info on wrenches and metal tools that have a similar handle but made of steel?
Ive seen a dug relic but wasnt sure what design was used during the Civil War.

I don't have any info on wrenches of the period... wrench collectors are as scary as Stanley collectors BTW. Most of the wrenches of the period were RR or wagon wrenches with pipe wrenches coming later. The 1st ones were out of Britain in the mid/late 1830's and then in 1841 a fellow in Maryland or Massachusetts (not sure which) patented the first true "Monkey Wrench" in the US.