- Triangular Saw Files -
At the heart of any good saw is sharp teeth. A good saw file is invaluable in establishing and maintaining that sharpness. While the range of files available today does not compare to that of the last century, the files below cover the full range of tooth sizes you are likely to encounter, and are the best saw files being made today.
Taper saw files: Made by Bahco, these files are what most likely spring to mind when saw files are mentioned. They are nearly the equal of the old Nicholson, Simonds, or Disston files; their one shortcoming is lack of durability when cutting new teeth into a saw plate, where they do not hold up well. Unfortunately, every new file I have tried falls short in this aspect, beginning to shed its teeth far too soon.
Needle files: Made by Glardon (formerly Grobet) in Switzerland, these files are of the highest quality. They are superior to any file (new or old) that I have ever used, in both sharpness and longevity. While more expensive than traditional taper saw files, they have several advantages.
First, their durability makes them cost effective, particularly when cutting in new teeth.
Second, the smaller corner radius of the file makes them the best choice for smaller teeth (I use them for all teeth 11 ppi and finer). The sharper corner creates more room in the gullet for holding sawdust to clear from the gullet. There is some concern that this sharper gullet will not release sawdust that gets packed in. While this may be a valid concern when used in green woods, these fine teeth are rarely used for cutting these woods. Some have also expressed concern that the sharp corner creates a stress riser, but I have seen no evidence of this in any of the saws I have filed with them.
Finally, this single file covers a wide range of tooth sizes, minimizing the need for additional files (I use these files for all of the backsaws I make).
Further information: For a more in-depth look at saw files, please read this
blog post.
| File Size (Manufacturer) |
Double or Single cut |
Face Width* | Teeth Per Inch** (TPI) |
PPI Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" X-slim taper file (Bahco) |
Single | 13/64" | 66 | 11-13 |
| 6" XX-slim taper file (Bahco) |
Single | 15/64" | 61 | 8-11 |
| 6" X-slim taper file (Bahco) |
Single | 9/32" | 56 | 7-9 |
| 7" X-slim taper file (Bahco) |
Single | 21/64" | 53 | 5 1/2-7 1/2 |
| 8" Regular taper file (Bahco) |
Single | 19/32" | 38 | 4-5 |
| 10" Regular taper file (Bahco) |
Single | 21/32" | 36 | 3-3 1/2 |
| 7 3/4" needle file^ (Glardon) |
Double | 11/64" | 79 (No. 2 - Medium) |
11-20 |
Bahco tapered saw files are made in Portugal.
Glardon needle files are made in Switzerland.
Triangular saw files
The ppi range listed in parentheses after each file is the range of tooth pitches for which that particular file is best suited.
Shipping within the US and select other countries will be calculated during checkout. For shipping charges to other countries, please contact me before ordering.
Bahco 4" X-Slim taper file (11-13 ppi) - $7.50 each
Bahco 6" XX-Slim taper file (8-11 ppi) - $9.95 each
Bahco 6" X-Slim taper file (7-9 ppi) - $7.95 each
Bahco 7" X-Slim taper file (5 1/2-7 1/2 ppi) - $9.95 each
Bahco 8" Regular taper file (4-5 ppi) - $11.25 each
Bahco 10" Regular taper file (3-3 1/2 ppi) - $14.95 each
Glardon 7 3/4" needle file (11-20 ppi) - $15.25 each
(Estimated back in stock August 2021)
