Looking for a special impressioning file

[PickPick]

I'm looking for the manufacturer of a special impressioning/key file I once saw on a japanese locksmith suppliers site. I can't find the site anymore but the file was shaped similar to a triangle file that had one edge flattened and the side had a similar angle as a cut on a key. The picture should give you a rough idea of what I mean.
http://tinypic.com/knpk1
The idea was that when you filed with it you got a cut with a small flat part in the middle and the angles right and left of it had the correct angle for a key cut so it would enter and exit the lock smoothly, you'd get a well cut key with just one file instead of having to file the cuts first and then correcting the sides of the cuts as when using round or square files.
Anyone ever seen something like it?

[Buggs41]

I have a good friend that owns a sharpening service. I'll check with him to see if he can find them. Looks perfect for impressioning.

[32768]

I found files like this in my trusty msc catalog..
They're called barrette files, here's an example.
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PARTPG=NNLMK32&PMPXNO=1967392
That one looks too big (1/2" wide), but if you poke around maybe you can find a smaller one. I like the tiny triangular files myself.

Usually people here recommend a number 2 or 4 swiss cut pippen file for impressioning. msc has those too, of course (they have most things). Number 2 is a finer cut, which is slower but smoother. It sounds like most people use a number 4. I haven't yet paid out for a good file. Instead, I've just been using some small riffler files and assorted others that were kicking around the house, and that's worked fine.

Incidently, the MSC catalog is free, though my mail carrier complained about having to lug it around (it's got to be at least 10 pounds). It's pretty amazing- my second favorite catalog after smallparts.com

[PickPick]

It's very close but still no score. This file has a pointed tip, like a spear. What I'd like is a straigh file so that I can maintain the shape of the cut over the whole length of the file.

[Chris B]

Good morning,

I do a fair amount of impressioning, and I find that the most useful file which I use all the time is the Pippin File supplied by Paul Souber.

It might be a nice idea for everyone to put up their favourites for warding files, as I have found that there are limitations in this field for quality w/files in the UK. I would be most interested in what you have to say.......

best regards from Chris

[oldlock]

Not necessarily for impressioning but the best files I have used are made by Valorbe in Switzerland, the range of shapes and cuts is huge.

Paul

[Chris B]

Paul,

We've just made a quick search for your recommended files, and as yet not found a link. Do you have a link available please?

regards from Chris

[PickPick]

I think Paul means Vallorbe with two l's. Grobet-Vallorbe to be exact.

[Chris B]

Thanks chaps.

Have found this link: http://www.fine-tools.com/feile2.htm

I will have a better look later, but this looks very good. Thank you.

regards from Chris

[mbell]

Another link to a supplier of these files in the UK:

http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/

Havn't tried these files personally but I can vouch for the company (Chronos)

[Chris B]

Thank you Martin,

Better to buy within the UK if at all possible.
It looks like a good contact. Thanks again.

regards from Chris

[Varjeal]

I use both a Grobet #4 and a Swiss #4...the Grobet's my favorite..no particular reason, I just like it.

[Al]

Chris,
I ordered a batch of Vallorbe-Grobet files a few years ago through a tool shop in London. If I find the info I'll post it.
The quality of Soubers pippin files has varied, sadly the English ones are no longer made and he sourced cheaper alternatives that are not a regular section along their length. Not sure what brand he has in stock now though.
Lockmasters in America supplied Vallorbe files, Geoff C is the UK Locksmasters dealer.

[Al]

32768,
Over here #4 is the finest file and #0 the coarsest.
I use Vallorbe #2 with #4 as backup. The English #4 was closer to the Swiss #2 in grade. Not sure if there are international standards?

[32768]

32768,
Over here #4 is the finest file and #0 the coarsest.
I use Vallorbe #2 with #4 as backup. The English #4 was closer to the Swiss #2 in grade. Not sure if there are international standards?

yep- you're completely right. #0 = course, #4 =fine. Thanks for catching that!


I've heard nothing but praise for Grobet files, though they're still a bit expensive for me.
Still, there's nothing like good tools.