Razor files

[Mauser06]

Woodcraft typically has a decent sale on Iwasakis every so often. 

The razors look pretty similar from the pics. 


I agree...the Iwasakis can take off wood in a hurry and when you run em right, they leave a really nice finish.  A little scraping and onto finish. 

I've really come to enjoy the smaller sized one.  Next time I see them on  sale I want to add a curved one and probably a small flat one.  I have a full size flat and half round and a small half round. 

[Longshot]

I've got grain multiples of Nicholson, Iwasaki and Dragon.  The Nicholson's are most neanderthal, the Iwasaki very effective - but somewhat finicky in use,  with the Dragon's being my universal first choice.  Quality of finish, speed of cut,  overall utility and value; Dragon. 

[577SXS]

The Dragon looks like a standard toothed rasp. Never used this brand, maybe something different about it. I hate regular toothed rasps. The two most effective wood removers I've seen are the Japanese Shinto saw rasp and these Razor files or similar Iwasaki files even though I haven't used the latter yet. I was very pleased with the saw rasp and thought it was the best until I tried the Razor files. I can't wait to try my larger size Razor files when they arrive.

[LuVerne Schumann]

The Dragon looks like a standard toothed rasp. Never used this brand, maybe something different about it. I hate regular toothed rasps. The two most effective wood removers I've seen are the Japanese Shinto saw rasp and these Razor files or similar Iwasaki files even though I haven't used the latter yet. I was very pleased with the saw rasp and thought it was the best until I tried the Razor files. I can't wait to try my larger size Razor files when they arrive.

How are Iwasaki files finicky?

Honest question, from someone who has never used one.

Also; is the dragon half round on one side and flat on the other? both sides cut? Interesting....

[Longshot]

The Iwasaki are sensitive to both wood grain [direction/density] and to the amount of pressure applied in use. Understandably, the fine cut -while still aggressive, is more forgiving than the coarser grades. They cut [as mentioned earlier] rather than abrade, and therefore require a certain 'touch 'or 'hand' in order to avoid tearing or biting.  More so than for a conventional rasp.
The 8" Dragon's I use each have both a flat and a curved surface, with teeth on each side.

[LuVerne Schumann]

I really like the slope of the Dragons. It looks like they would be more versatile than a regular rasp or an Iwasaka.

Thanks for the info.

[elkhorne]

I have been studying the IwasakI rasps and files. Does anyone that is using them currently, have any suggestions on which size and cut to purchase if one was to buy say 2 or 3 new ones. I have the same problem with Nicholson since they moved production out of the United States and to foreign countries. I have one of the Shinto saw rasp and it is very good but sounds as the Iwasaki are even better. I have ways liked the half round and seems they are more multipurpose than a flat rasp or file. I would like to get a couple of the Iwasaki rasps but have read some varying accounts as to which cut to get. Thanks in advance for ideas.
elkhorne

[577SXS]

I got my Iwasaki curved file and compared it with the Razor files. The Iwasaki file has a more aggressive tooth but the Razor files cut faster and smoother. Now it not a perfect comparison because the Iwasaki is curved and others are flat or half round. The curved Iwasaki is very awkward to use for me because the curve is too much. I'm thinking of cutting it into three pieces and making some smaller rasps out of it. I still think the Razor files are the best of everything I've tried. Attached is a photo of the files I bought. The one on the right is the Iwasaki.

[smallpatch]

Here’s the ones I use.. All Iwasaki files.

From left to right:
Fine tapered half round,
Extra fine half round (most used)
Fine flat
Extra fine flat.
These things are aggressive, so pretty much go with one finer than you think you need.
Remove wood very fast, and leave a smooth surface.

[sdilts]

If you notice in the picture in 577SXS's post, the Razor files are stamped with an emblem and "Center" stamped under it. My Iwasakis have the exact same stamping, so I'm thinking the Iwasakis and Razors are the same files or are made by the same company.

[smallpatch]

Same company. The same symbols on both.