Cutting through color case hardening - Regular needle file or diamond needle file

[Old-Duckman]

I hate post titles that don't get to the point...The title basically says it all. If I adjust my POI by filing the notch in a Dragoon hammer which needle file can cut through the case hardening?

I know that regular case hardening does actually harden the surface of the steel. Just wondering if color case hardening does the same or is it just for the color effect?

 

[Stantheman86]

It is fake color case, the hammer is just hardened steel. People file notches deeper all the time with Dollar Store files

The color case comes off with vinegar , it's fake

 

[Pete453]

My 2021 Uberti hammer seems hard clear through but a triangle file cut it. I ground the tip so it was flat and it sparked like tool steel. But a good, sharp file should get you where you want to be

 

[Old-Duckman]

Thanks guys!

 

[Erwan]

All are in hard steel, the color hardening is here only to look pretty, a good triangular steel file like a Bergeon™ for clockmakers (I was) is enough to do the job: did so on my last 1851...
Buy some diamond files can be the best way if you don't have them: you can do everything perfectly with that stuff...
I always work with that kind of file on my arms: Jewelry Files Relentless Needle Files Set of 6

 

[Old-Duckman]

All are in hard steel, the color hardening is here only to look pretty, a good triangular steel file like a Bergeon™ for clockmakers (I was) is enough to do the job: did so on my last 1851...
Buy some diamond files can be the best way if you don't have them: you can do everything perfectly with that stuff...
I always work with that kind of file on my arms: Jewelry Files Relentless Needle Files Set of 6

Thanks for the link. I do have some diamond needle files that I bought decades ago, can’t vouch for the quality, seldom if ever used them. I do have a bunch of needle files of various quality. I have done (and taught) jewelry making and metal smithing for many years so I have collected quite a few. I just don’t want to ruin any of my better files. I guess the diamond files are my safest bet.

 

[Erwan]

I guess the diamond files are my safest bet.

I think so too, the diamond files can go for all and also for hardened steel. This is a good way to work on everything...