Junk Axe or Great File?

[cody1325]

Recently got started on sharpening a Kobalt (made in Mexico) 1.25 lb. hatchet so that I could use it to save my good USA (Kelly/True Temper, Collins, Estwing, Council) and European (Finnish Fiskars, German Ochsenkopf) from chips. I was using an old Nicholson USA mill ******* file, and I noticed it cut the steel much quicker than I'd noticed my other Nicholson files--with this same low end Kobalt included.

I'm assuming the cheap axe had terrible steel that probably tests way softer than the quality axes. However, old USA Nicholson files are known to be excellent quality. That being said, all but my farmer's file (modern Brazil Nicholson) are hand-me-down USA Nicholson--and are always the first step to sharpening axes (mostly new/blunt or secondhand/well-used--I then switch to a DMT coarse/fine sharpener). Maybe this one was less-used or something.

That being said, I think I will probably avoid Kobalt/Lowe's axes from now on. Gonna get a second lightweight Fiskars hatchet, and put the Council Pulaski on order.

 

[RTM]

Yes

Current Nicholson files are /were made in Mexico. The swinging tool is made in Mexico. Neither has the qualities of former US or Scandanavian manufacturing.

 

[four.cycle]

Find some Pferd files.

Cripe Distributing still has a mess of NOS US-made Nicholson. You have to read the ads carefully.
(If you order from Cripe, SIGN UP as a member and be sure to get the discount. Order through their website, NOT ebay. Order LOTS of stuff, because you're going to pay shipping costs. Files get heavy real fast.)

 

[Pexto]

Find some Pferd files.

Cripe Distributing still has a mess of NOS US-made Nicholson. You have to read the ads carefully.
(If you order from Cripe, SIGN UP as a member and be sure to get the discount. Order through their website, NOT ebay. Order LOTS of stuff, because you're going to pay shipping costs. Files get heavy real fast.)

Just wanted to add that Cripe is really good about using USPS Flat-Rate boxes, which can be a real bargain if you order lots of heavy stuff.

 

[neophyte]

Yes

Current Nicholson files are /were made in Mexico. The swinging tool is made in Mexico. Neither has the qualities of former US or Scandanavian manufacturing.

I think Nicholson shifted file production out of Mexico after those truly terrible file batches from Mexico got noticed, but maybe the switch was only temporary ?
The Mexican Nicholson files were completely awful though.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I use a flap disc on the 4.5" grinder to sharpen my axes.