I run files lengthwise on forends, toe-lines, anywhere there's a long plane that should not have dips and waves. I do a lot of shaping with spokeshaves and have one with a rounded sole that helps to scoop out cheekpieces etc but it has to be razor sharp to go across the grain. I use files a lot then follow with scrapers, especially that one with the French curve shape. I use glass microscope slides for a lot of scraping also because I work in a lab and lots get tossed out. I don't use much sandpaper anymore. This was probably never done but I use scouring rush, horsetail Equisetum a lot to clean up carving. I dry it after harvesting. Then wet it for use, split it, make it flat, cut it to shape and use it in tough corners, also to buff the stock after staining.
