thanks all. i anneal the files before i grind and shape them. then i heat treat them like i would 1095. they seem to be very similar to the 10xx series of carbon steels and they take a great heat treat. they may very well be 1095, for all i know. i just know that this HT works great for Nicholson files, so i try to stick to that brand. never had a problem. as for sharp edges along the handle. i radius everything on a 4" contact wheel with a course cork belt and then proceed to buff and polish everything with Scotch Brite belts down to the fine blue buffing belt. gives it a nice smooth feel and nary a sharp edge. the remaining bit of file grooves on the flats give just the right amount of grip to the handle. i have been carrying one for weeks and it works great. i just finished up my third run of these. i have made close to 3 dozen now. the last of the orders are shipping out to the customers this week. now i am working more with the larger files and a few that were custom ordered with thin G10 scale handles. i have had a fun time working with all these files.
liontribe