found some good info on Knifedog. and found some video's on file knives. the USA made knives Nicholson, Simmonds, and Heller are W1 and 1095 and some rasps are stainless. I haven't used any stainless. I have been using the Nicholson and Heller files so I feel pretty good on the steel. At least my process has been correct. I know they are hard after heat treat and tempering. I have saved all my farrier Rasps over the years and now I am glad I did. also find them at garage sales. should keep me in files for a while. some good information about how files are made out there also. thanks all
_________________________
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

RKCC #502